THE MAGIC TOUCH (Historical Romance) Read Online Free Page A

gentleman who was seated opposite her, and when the succulent roast lamb was served, she merely set about eating it wondering if Beaumont would engage her in conversation. When the next course of jellied chicken was offered she declined as she was becoming aware that her corset was beginning to stifle her.
    “Constance.” Beaumont’s use of her aunt’s Christian name caused a gasp from Stevenson and glares from round the table. This was proving to be a very unusual dinner party. “What will be done with the leftover food?”
    Hope was amazed at his bluntness. She herself had been wondering the same thing. She held her breath as she waited for the conversation to continue.
    “I have no idea, Beaumont. Am I expected to oversee the kitchen now? I never set foot there. If you are so inquisitive about the food from my table then I’m sure Stevenson can enlighten us.” She raised her eyebrows at Stevenson and Hope was surprised and delighted to see that her aunt was entertained by the turn of events.
    “Some will be used for luncheon tomorrow, Your Grace, and some will be served in the servants’ hall.”
    “And the rest, Stevenson?” Beaumont persisted. There was no reply. “It should be parcelled up for the poor.”
    “I’m sure the sorbet will be excellent when the poor go to eat it tomorrow.” James guffawed.
    “Clearly not the sorbet or other iced desserts, but the meat, fish, bread, fruit and vegetables would be appreciated,” Beaumont said, with an air of impatience.
    “Would you like a food parcel as well?” James asked.
    Beaumont tapped the table. “I am very well provided for, for which I give thanks. As everyone round this table is aware , my father was a wealthy man who made his money from textiles in the north of England. I do not require a food parcel.”
    Hope broke the ensuing silence. “I for one think it’s an excellent idea. What do you say, Aunt Constance? Please could the surplus food be given away?”
    “Yes, my dear. Stevenson, see to it.” She nodded at Hope. “I am quite sure that your late uncle would approve.”
    Hope leapt from her feet and rushed over to kiss her aunt on her cheek. “Oh thank you, Aunt, I’m sure it’s a good decision.”
    “Really, my dear, a little restraint is required if you wish to ensnare yourself a husband,” Aunt Constance whispered.
    Hope capered back to her chair and breathed a sigh of relief as the guests resumed their conversations. Looking across at Beaumont she saw that he was gazing at her and his deep brown eyes held hers for the briefest of moments before she looked away. When she turned back to him, he was looking down at his plate the glimmer of a smile on his sensuous mouth.
    “This dinner party will be the talk of London for weeks to come. Although I must admit to generally being the subject of much conversation amongst the ladies.” The Honourable James Henderson smirked. Hope hid a grin as she thought of James being outdone by a food parcel. “Still pursuing your hobby, Beaumont?” he asked across the table.
    “I have many hobbies, although I don’t count country sports amongst them whic h I gather is your main pursuit.”
    “I’m sure Lady Hope would rather hear about your picture shows than anything I might tell her.”
    “Picture shows! What is this hobby of yours, Beaumont?” she asked. He was becoming more and more fascinating. Perhaps now she would find out something about him. At least he must answer her, surely.
    “I’m a magic lanternist.” As he imparted this astounding news, his eyes were on her and it was as if only the two of them were present at the table. Hope blinked rapidly to bring herself back from what must be a flight of fancy. But as she stared at him again, his eyes were still on her, the rest of the guests seemingly ignored. Then she was aware of her aunt’s discreet cough and recovered herself.
    Her parents had told her about magic lanterns and the shows they had attended. They usually went to