"Beaumont, leave now while you can.""Leave? I cannot do that." Gareth turned to Margeiy. "Mistress, Ethel would like to speak to you. It seems I am hopeless about the colors tochoose for the garments. Remember to let me know the price.""Of course. I'll go now," she said quickly. She didn't even look at Sir Humphrey as she escaped. She knew she should run as far away as she could, but she was curious to see how Gareth handled the situation. She had never thought he would be the kind of man who could moderate his reaction, manipulate a situation to his own advantage. She was still impressed that he was able to play the suitor while being her guard. She hid in a doorway, out of their sight."Beaumont, you should not have interfered," Sir Humphrey said in a sneering voice. "I was only doing what we all are trying to do—especially you, in your poverty."She expected Gareth to defend himself, but he simply laughed. "At least I am doing it more subtly, Townsend. In your ignorance, you frighten Margery and leave the way open for me."Margery was beginning to wish she hadn't stayed.
