Beatrice had been going home, as she wanted to see that all things were duly prepared for Geoffrey and his little daughter.
But to reach the Vicarage she must pass along the cliff, where there were few people, and this she did not wish to do.

To be frank, she feared lest Mr.Davies should take the opportunity to make that offer of his hand and heart which hung over her like a nightmare.

Now the way to Edward's shed lay through the village and down the cliff, and she knew that he would never propose in the village.
It was very foolish of her, no doubt, thus to seek to postpone the evil day, but the strongest-minded women have their weak points, and this was one of Beatrice's.

She hated the idea of this scene.

She knew that when it did come there would be a scene.