He spread a light rug across her knees, and said over his shoulder: “I have recalled, Clayton, that I need something from the chemist’s. Go and buy me a—a gum-plaster! You may walk home.”
“Very good, sir,” said the groom, at his most wooden, and sprang down into the road.
“A gum-plaster? ” echoed Arabella, turning wide eyes of astonishment upon Mr. Beaumaris. “What in the world can you want with such a thing, sir?”
“Rheumatism,” said Mr. Beaumaris defiantly, setting his horses in motion—
“ You? Oh, no, you must be quizzing me!”
“Not at all. I was merely seeking an excuse to be rid of Clayton. I hope Ulysses will prove himself an adequate chaperon. I have something to say to you, Miss Tallant, for which I do not desire an audience.”
She had been stroking the dog, but her hands were stilled at this, and the colour receded from her cheeks. Rather breathlessly, she asked: “What is it?”
“Will you do me the honour of becoming my wife?”
She was stunned, and for a moment could not utter a word. When she was able to control her voice a little, she said: “I think you must be quizzing me.”
“You must know that I am not.”