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

see any travel presentations at the town hall. She particularly remembered them telling her about one entitled The Adventures of David Livingstone.
    “I have recently acquired some excellent old slides. It’s a story called The Ratcatcher. It’s very humorous. It will be part of my next show.” Hope noted that Beaumont’s eyes flickered with enjoyment as he talked about his pastime. Was that passion she read in those dark eyes?
    “Where will that be?” She shouldn’t appear so eager, but couldn’t help herself.
    “At Girton Green. I have been asked to present a number of shows while the fair is there.” He paused as if waiting for a reaction. There was a wall of silence from the guests. Hope wasn’t sure why. She supposed a fair was not a respectable venue for the guests presently being entertained at her aunt’s house. Perhaps Edna would be able to tell her what went on at fairs and why she might not be allowed to go. “The first one is next Wednesday evening at eight.”
    Was he inviting her? She couldn’t possibly go on her own, but she was tempted.
    “You must excuse us, but the ladies will now withdraw.” Constance stood and led the way from the dining room to the drawing room. She took hold of Hope’s arm as they walked through. “Did your dinner companion please you, Hope, dear?”
    “Very much. He is handsome, well educated, intriguing and thought-provoking.” Her heart skipped a beat as she recalled his sensuous lips and the passion in Beaumont’s eyes.
    “Good. I will ensure there are plenty of opportunities for you to get to know each other better. He is the youngest son of a viscount, a very good family. As you know Lady Padstock would have him betrothed to Isabella in the blink of an eye.”
    It was then Hope knew they were speaking of two different people. She didn’t have the slightest curiosity about The Honourable James Henderson, but Beaumont was a different matter. A different kettle of fish as Edna had said.
    Aunt Constance continued. “It would please me if you would play the piano and maybe one of the other ladies will sing for us.”
    Hope did as requested. She felt herself to be a competent if unexceptional pianist, but performed with enthusiasm. When the gentlemen joined the party she continued to play as she had no desire to converse with James and she didn’t expect Beaumont would wish to talk to her. The other gentlemen seemed as old as her father and were happy talking amongst themselves. She trusted her aunt hadn’t envisaged any of them as possible suitors for her.
    “Very accomplished,” a deep voice said from behind, startling her into faltering and playing the wrong notes.
    “Hardly, I’ve lost my place and will have to start again.” She felt flustered with Beaumont so close. “No, I’ll let someone else play for us. I should socialise.” Whatever was the matter with her she wondered as she scurried away to join a group of ladies near the fire.
    “Hope, you’re looking lovely. Quite the belle of the evening,” remarked a lady who Aunt Constance said knew Hope’s parents. “I trust your mother and father are enjoying the delights of the continent.”
    “I haven’t heard from them yet,” replied Hope. “I expect something will come soon. I’m sure they’re making the most of the time they have out there.” Thinking of her parents made Hope miss them more than she’d expected. If her mother had been near, she would have confided her fascination for Beaumont and asked her advice. He was the sort of person her mother would know how to deal with. She would have been captivated by the thought of his magic shows and wouldn’t have hesitated to visit and see for herself. Could Hope do that? She let out a sigh. Not on her own. She couldn’t go about London alone and her aunt would certainly not endorse a visit to entertainment at that particular venue, with or without a chaperone.
    Beaumont took his leave a few minutes later saying he needed some fresh