He had thought his opinion of Rebecca Beaton could scarcely improve. Now it rose to alarming heights. “That is an unusually magnanimous attitude. When I first entered Parliament, I knew men capable of pursuing their policies vigorously in the House, yet remaining on terms of warmest respect with those who opposed them most forcefully. I fear such fair-minded tolerance is dying out.”
As he spoke, Sebastian slowly turned toward her, relieved by the assurance that he would not lose her esteem over their difference of opinion, no matter how great.
If he’d been fool enough to doubt her sincerity for even a moment, the look in her eyes would have convinced him she meant every word. “It is easier to tolerate opposition when we understand and respect the motives behind it. I know you care about your brother at least as much as I do Hermione. I only wish I could persuade you what a good wife I am certain she will make for Mr. Stanhope. If I could, I trust a fair-minded man like you would withdraw your objections and give their engagement your blessing.”
Her words gave Sebastian a promising idea.
“You may be right, though I cannot conceive how you would change my opinion so completely.” Smiling down at Rebecca, he offered her his arm and they began to climb the brickwork path back up the hillside. “Is it possible the reverse might also hold true? If I could persuade you of all the reasons I believe a marriage between my brother and Miss Leonard will make them both miserable, would you then endeavor to advise her against the match?”
“Are you suggesting we wage a debate?” Glints of interest and amusement sparkled in her eyes. “The kind you have in Parliament?”
“I expect it will be far more engaging than the dull business of government.” As they passed beneath a trellis, Sebastian plucked a rosebud and offered it to her. “But I hope it will give us both an opportunity to consider aspects of the matter we may not have done previously. If we endeavor to keep open minds, perhaps we can reach a decision that will benefit all concerned.”
Rebecca lifted the pale pink blossom to her nose and inhaled its fragrance. Sebastian could not help notice how perfectly it matched the color of her lips.
“Is that how our system of government works?” she inquired with an arch of her eyebrow that conveyed astute insight.
“Sometimes,” Sebastian admitted with a chuckle. “Let us say, that’s how it is intended to work.”
“But would you not have an advantage over me?” She wagged the rosebud at him like a scolding finger. “After all, you are a veteran of many Parliamentary debates, against some of the greatest orators of our time. I am not even permitted to vote, let alone serve in government.”
Though she laughed at the absurdity of her suggestion, Sebastian did not find it so outrageous to imagine a woman of her integrity and judgment enacting laws for the good of the country.
“Depend upon it, my dear, you have a greater advantage than you may realize.” His growing regard for her, to begin with. His reluctance to contradict her. His desire to listen to the sound of her voice. “I would fancy my chances better against any member of the House of Lords.”
They strolled through the intimate, hedge-walled garden. Since Claude and Miss Leonard had already moved on, they did not linger. Sebastian feared he could not trust himself alone with Rebecca in such a place. Not in his present mood.
“Very well, then,” she agreed after silently mulling over his proposal... his suggestion for several minutes. “I fear you are only flattering me to win my cooperation, but I believe this represents my best opportunity to help Hermione. Besides, I owe it to her to consider whether there is a possibility this marriage might not be in her best interest after all.”
“What about your interests? Have you never given those any thought?” During his career in Parliament, Sebastian had learned the surest means to enlist support from anyone was to appeal to their self-interest.
Rebecca shook her head. “I do not understand you. Hermione’s engagement has nothing to do with me.”
“It will affect you, though, will it not? Once Miss Leonard is married, she will no longer require a chaperone. You will be obliged to find a new position.”
Rebecca gave a sharp little intake of breath, as if he had jabbed her in the stomach. Necessity urged Sebastian to exploit the weakness he had exposed. Anything that elicited this kind of response clearly mattered a great deal to her and could be turned to his advantage. But he was distracted by a deep pang of concern. The last thing he wanted was to cause her distress.
Before he could muster an apology, Rebecca answered in that disarmingly honest way of hers. “What you say is true. I cannot pretend I am looking forward to leaving behind the life I have made for myself in this idyllic part of the country. Nor am I eager to go elsewhere and begin all over again. I know there are many who would relish such a change, perhaps even regard it as an adventure.”
As she spoke, her voice grew softer and huskier until it died away altogether. Sebastian knew what she meant to say next. “But you are not one of those people?”
Rebecca shook her head. “I cherish everything familiar. I long for stability and security the way some people long for fame or fortune.”
As direct and open as she was, Sebastian sensed this was not something she would tell just anyone, not even Hermione Leonard. He felt honored and deeply moved that she had chosen to confide in him.
She glanced toward the house. “I envy you this place, though not because it is so grand and elegant. I only think how pleasant it must be to walk the halls where your ancestors once walked, to use the rooms they furnished, to look upon scenes they once beheld. To know that, however far you go or how long you remain away, you always have this home waiting for your return. I would feel the same if it were a manor house like the Leonards’ or even a snug little cottage.”
He’d never thought of Stanhope Court in that way before, Sebastian realized. He had taken for granted that it would always be here, never much changed. How would he feel if he were obliged to leave it, not knowing if he would ever return? What if he’d never had a place to call home?
“Rebecca...” He stopped and turned toward her, possessed by an irresistible urge to offer her a comforting embrace.
Fortunately, she still had some grasp of propriety, which had suddenly deserted him. “I beg your pardon, Lord Benedict! I should not have spoken so unguardedly. Pay no heed to my ramblings.”
Abruptly she released his arm and rushed ahead toward the main garden, talking even faster than she walked. “Moving from one position to another is a natural part of my profession. When children grow up, their governess must seek a new situation. I have been unusually fortunate to remain as Miss Leonard’s companion even after she outgrew the need for a governess. It would be cruelly selfish of me to desire that the dear girl should never marry so I could continue indefinitely in my position. I would rather go elsewhere, knowing she will have the companionship of a devoted husband.”
By the time she finished, Rebecca was gasping for breath.