Kinsey’s jovial expression slid into a wry grin. “But I advise you to lend a word of advice to your brother. That’s a match I won’t condone. He’s still wet behind the ears.”
Jason laughed. “Charlie is about to return to Oxford. In a year, he will take the grand tour. It will be several years before he is able to court Diana.”
“Mm. But the Peytons seem a determined lot,” Kinsey said. “I expect your brother will turn up again, although I’m not sure Diana will be waiting. Several other gentlemen here tonight have a similar idea.”
“I’m sure they do,” Jason agreed. “But Charlie is the only young beau Lady Diana has favored with two dances.”
Kinsey chuckled. “I believe you are right. But come, we’ll announce the engagement before the next dance is called.”
After a fanfare from the orchestra, Jason joined Helen and her parents on the dais. Kinsey, at his most effusive, addressed the guests. “My wife and I are thrilled to announce the engagement of our beloved eldest daughter, Lady Helen, to Jason, Captain Lord Peyton. A better fellow for my daughter I could not have found should I have searched the kingdom.”
“I thought you were searching the kingdom, and a good deal more besides, Kinsey,” called Lord Liverpool. It was followed by good-natured laughter.
As they stepped off the dais to tumultuous applause, Charlie came to slap Jason on the back. “I approve, Jas. Helen is lovely. You’re marrying into a splendid family.”
Jason watched as his brother smiled at Diana and she smiled back, revealing those fetching dimples. Charlie was returning to Oxford not a moment too soon.
Lizzie kissed them both. “I’ve always wanted a sister, and now I have two.”
“I hope you will come to stay with us at Peyton Grove after the wedding,” Helen said. “Our door will always be open.”
Lizzie turned to him. “Don’t worry Jas, I shall leave you two alone for a decent period.”
“After our honeymoon trip, Lizzie.” He suspected Peyton Grove would be constantly filled with those seeking respite and some mothering from Helen. Was it unreasonable of him to want to have her to himself?
“What trip?” Helen asked, surprised. “You haven’t mentioned it.”
“Haven’t I? I believe a waltz has been announced, Lady Helen.”
Her eyes sparkled. “I believe it has, Lord Peyton.”
He led her to the dance floor and swept her into his arms.
“Are you going to tell me?”
“You’ll need light muslin dresses and broad-brimmed hats.”
“Somewhere hot?” Her eyes sparkled. “It can’t be England.”
“I’ll arrange a trip to Egypt, for a few weeks after our wedding. I’d like us to spend some time at Peyton Grove first.”
She laughed up at him. “Jason! I believed my seeing Egypt was as likely as going to the moon.”
He smiled at her. “I would give you the moon if I could, sweetheart.”
Chapter Nineteen
Diana yawned as she plaited her hair before the mirror. “Did you see some of the debutantes’ faces when your engagement was announced?”
Helen looked up from tying the ribbons on her nightgown. “No.” She had seen only Jason.
“They and their mothers looked fit to burst,” Diana said gleefully. “Many had hopes in Peyton’s direction.”
“It’s ever such exciting news, Lady Helen,” Mary said as she put away their dresses. “I’m so happy for you.”
“Thank you, Mary. You must sleep late tomorrow. I don’t expect to see you until luncheon.”
Mary grinned, bobbed, and left the room.
“I didn’t know Peyton had a younger brother,” Diana said when she and Helen climbed into bed.
Helen blew out the candle. Breathing in the light scent of smoke, she lay down. “Yes. He’s very likeable.”
“He is even more gorgeous than Peyton. And much younger. Peyton is almost middle-aged.”
Helen grinned into the dark. “And therefore, perfect for a spinster of advanced years like me.”
“I am so happy for you, dearest,” Diana said for the umpteenth time. “I knew Peyton would not take no for an answer.”
“I am very pleased he didn’t,” Helen murmured with a rush of feeling. “But enough about me. I do hope your ball was everything you hoped for.”
“Everything and more.” Diana fell back against the pillows with a sigh. “I met so many nice gentlemen.”
“I expect the calling cards will arrive in vast numbers in a few hours,” Helen said. “And it is almost dawn. We should get some sleep.”
“I’m too excited to sleep.”
“Me too. No gentleman caught your attention? What about the marquess’ son?”
“He has lovely manners.”
“Oh? That doesn’t sound like a ringing endorsement. I imagine you will get to know him better during the Season.”
Diana propped her head on her hand. “I’m not interested in choosing anyone yet.”
“Why not? I’m sure one or two would make perfectly respectable husbands.”
“Some would,” Diana agreed. “But I intend to enjoy several Seasons of flirting and dancing before I marry.”
“Then I’m relieved not to have to chaperone you.” Helen turned on the pillow to face her sister. “While I agree it’s sensible to take your time, why wait years? You are always saying how love is everything.”
“And so, it is. I plan to fall desperately in love, dearest. Just like you.” Diana yawned and prodded her pillow. “But I can wait.”
“Wait for whom?” Suspicious, Helen poked her sister in the arm. “Did Peyton’s brother ask you to wait for him?”
Diana giggled. “Not in so many words.”
“Good, because he has no right—”
“But Charlie was quite the most handsome man there. And the only one who made me laugh.”
“It’s Charlie, is it?” Helen groaned. “Mama says that men who can woo a woman with humor are definitely dangerous. She is referring to Papa, of course.” She laughed, thinking of how often their parents joked with one another.
Diana settled onto her side. “I can’t wait to hear about your plans. Your wedding, the ring, Peyton’s country estate…” Her voice drifted off.
After several moments of silence, Helen bent over her. Diana was asleep.
She lay back and hugged her arms around herself and thought of Jason, his handsome face, his kisses, his humor, his kindness. Realizing that he would soon be her husband made her curl her toes. The thought of such intimacy took her breath away. He was meeting Papa tomorrow to discuss the marriage settlement. The wedding would take place at Walcott, and Mama was already making lists.
***
The next day, Jason made his way to Bow Street. He found Bianchi and his accomplice, Barrett, sharing a reeking cell with a man deep in his cups who was singing off key.
The Italian ran to clutch the bars as Jason approached. Bianchi’s right eye was swollen shut and his lip cut. “I shall have you arrested for assault,” he snarled. “I’m waiting for my solicitor to arrive. Then we shall see who is in the wrong. You have nothing on me. I demand my property returned. Where are my valuable artworks? They could be stolen by now.”
“A Mr. Smith, an expert on art forgery, is at present evaluating them. I believe you sold the Titian to Lady Braidwood? She has engaged her lawyers, who are most interested in the outcome, as is Gillies and several other members of the ton. I must allow that the paintings are skillfully done. I gather it’s your work, Barrett? If that is your real name?” A glimmer of pride brightened Barrett’s eyes before he sat down with his head in his hands.
Bianchi scowled, winced, and put a hand gingerly to his lip.
“And what might we call you?” Jason persisted. “It can’t be Bianchi. He remains in Florence, residing in the villa that you described in such loving detail.” He stared into the imposter’s furious face. For once the loquacious man made no response.
“I’m afraid you will remain here until you come up before the magistrate,” Jason said with great satisfaction. “Regrettably, the accommodation and the food might not meet with your standards.”
Jason rode home on horseback, after exercising his chestnut gelding, Icarus, in the park for an hour. He enjoyed being outdoors, although it failed to live up to the fresh country air. He, Charlie, and Lizzie were to have dinner with the Kinseys that evening. Before then, he would need a stern word with Charlie. He and Helen would be the only ones flirting tonight.
As he entered the stable yard and dismounted, his thoughts returned to his sister. Lizzie was a more delicate matter. Would she slip back into the doldrums again? He could not allow it and must try to draw her out. He threw the reins to the stable boy and strode to the house. He would ask Helen to help him.
Jason soon realized his wish for a speedy wedding would have proved difficult for Lady Kinsey to organize. The date was set for six weeks hence, after Kinsey’s brother, Lord Nicholas’ wedding took place. Jason knew how to employ the time. He would squire Helen around Town during the Season. She deserved to be courted, and he wanted her to enjoy all that she had missed over the years. When their betrothal had been announced at the ball, the expressions on a few of the guests’ faces were explicit. Would the old gossip be regurgitated? He and Helen would show the ton how happy and perfectly suited they were. If that failed to convince some, he would deal with it. And not necessarily politely.
Chapter Twenty
The Kentish sky over Walcott resembled a Gainsborough painting of an English summer, azure blue banked up with puffy, gilt-edged clouds. A light breeze stirred the leaves of the stately trees in the park. Toby appeared in view, gesticulating madly while walking with Mr. Nash over the lawn, two hounds capering ahead.
Helen turned from the window as Diana came into the bedroom she had all to herself. “The weather is going to be perfect.”
“I heard a carriage arrive,” Diana said.
“I wonder if it’s Jason’s.” Helen went to open the door leading onto the Juliette balcony. She saw a dark-haired man walking up the drive beyond the box hedges and knew instinctively it was Jason. Her heart leaped and she warmed all over.
“Don’t go out there in your wrap.” Diana laughed. “You cannot see Peyton until the wedding.”
She couldn’t resist peeking at him, before he disappeared around the corner of the house. Helen drew an excited breath and turned again to admire her wedding dress carefully laid out awaiting her. Cream silk satin overlaid with cream silk net, decorated with satin ribbon and intricate embroidery. She touched the feather-light short veil to be held in place by a circlet of diamonds and pearls. A gown from her dreams.
The preceding two months had been a whirlwind of balls, routs, dinners, and dances at Almack’s. Despite being squired by one of the most handsome men in the ton, or perhaps because of it, she was subjected to the odd nasty comment in the ladies withdrawing room. She kept it to herself, knowing Mama would be upset and Jason might get angry. In time, that chapter of her life would fade into the past. Already a royal scandal had erupted to fill the gossip sheets and distract any attention from her.
Mama entered the room. “Diana, can you make sure Alexander isn’t spreading his breakfast over his coat? Mrs. Prince has other duties, and he insisted on putting on his velvet suit.”
Diana laughed. “Zander considers that his role, carrying the ring on a velvet cushion, is the most important part of the wedding.”
Earlier, Zander had assured Helen that he was big now and would be perfectly all right without her. “Diana has promised to read to me every night,” he’d said, looking anxious. Helen would make sure that if Diana or her mother couldn’t then someone else would.
After Diana left, Mama sat on the blue silk damask sofa, which matched the curtains and the bed hangings in the elegant room. The silk wallpaper patterned with lotus flowers and birds was the blue color of a Ming vase.
Mama patted the cushion beside her. Helen obeyed, ready for one of their talks, although this time she welcomed it.
“Were you able to sleep, my dear? I confess I didn’t the night before my wedding. I remember your grandmother fussing over my puffy eyes. She cooled a spoon with ice water and applied the back of it to my lower lids, which did the trick perfectly. You won’t require it. You look radiant.”
“I did manage a few hours.”
“It’s been a busy couple of months, hasn’t it? And you and Peyton have not been able to spend much time alone.”
Helen gave her mother a wry smile. “We talked a lot.” And she’d learned more about his past, his relationship with his father and how the war affected him, although he hadn’t put it into words. She came to realize how much he cared for his brother and sister. Lizzie had attended every venue with them. Helen enjoyed her company while Diana was occupied, always with at least one or two admirers hanging on her every word.
In a quiet moment, when Jason was absent, Lizzie had confessed that she hadn’t met anyone she’d warmed to. “The older gentlemen are generally very reserved. If I marry again, I want to laugh with someone. I want passion.”
Helen could only agree with her but reassured her that there was someone who would suit her perfectly. She had only to wait for him.
“I thought the strict chaperoning appropriate,” Mama said, bringing Helen back to the present. “In the circumstances.”
She understood that her mother did not want to give any of the gossips fuel to use against her. But it had been difficult. While Jason had readily agreed and was scrupulous about protecting her reputation, he still managed to find moments to pull her behind pillars and potted plants and into empty corridors. Each hurried kiss held a promise of their wedding night. She was a little nervous, but yearned for it as much as he did.
She took a deep breath. Tonight, they would finally be alone together.
While her parents had decided on this big, grand wedding, Helen would have preferred a smaller more intimate one. The house was already abuzz with early guests filling the reception rooms while their servants were taken down to the servants’ hall.
After a private ceremony in the chapel, the wedding breakfast would follow. Two hundred guests would fill the enormous ballroom, where tables had been set up around the dance floor. A full orchestra was hired. The preparations all seemed to happen like magic. Helen had nothing to do but cosset herself. Walcott ran like a well-oiled machine.
Speeches would be made, and even Harry had abandoned what he’d called the fleshpots of Paris to come home to deliver one. It made her even more nervous. There were many wonderful childhood memories to draw from, as well as some embarrassing ones. She only hoped her brother would choose wisely. She expected he would. His shoulders broader, he seemed to have grown taller and more mature.
A footman knocked at the bedroom door and brought in a fragrant tray containing a pot of chocolate, cups and saucers, and sweet rolls. He bowed and left them. Grandfather’s staff never put a foot wrong. Until the antics made him chuckle, she’d always considered the butler, Gibson, terribly snooty. Helen drew in a deep breath. She had yet to see her new home and tackle the staff.
Helen’s hand shook slightly as she poured out the chocolate.
“Are you nervous, dear?” Mama asked.
“A little. It’s such a big wedding.”
“Your father and I thought it best.”
She leaned against her mother, drinking her warming cup of chocolate, savoring the sweet taste. “I know why you decided that. You always know the right thing to do. I am so very grateful to you and Papa. I feared I am a disappointment to you.”
“Never, my sweet girl.” Mama hugged her. “You deserve the best, Helen. And God willing, you have found it in a good man.
“Now, your first night with Peyton,” she said briskly, putting down her cup. “I believe it’s always good for a young woman to have some idea of what to expect. I know you feel you’re not an innocent, but
darling, believe me, you are. Sit still and listen, and then you may ask questions if you wish.”
“Send for Mary, it’s time to dress for the ceremony at eleven o’clock.” Mama rose, leaving Helen blushing furiously after a talk which proved enlightening, but failed to banish her nerves.
A half hour later, Helen stood before the mirror as Diana arranged her veil. She was very pleased with the result. Her skin looked creamy, and her eyes sparkled.
“You look beautiful, Helen.”
“Thank you, dearest.” Perhaps love made one beautiful, Helen thought.
Mary handed her the bouquet of white roses and peonies. And, with a deep breath, she descended the staircase with Diana to the hall where their father waited, a hand on the bannister, smiling up at them.
Helen advanced down the aisle on her father’s arm in the exquisitely painted chapel, decorated and perfumed with white flowers. Diana followed, in pale blue, with Zander, serious in a gray velvet suit, holding the ring on its pillow. She smiled at Uncle Nicholas who sat next to Harry and winked at her. Her distinguished, elegant grandfather gave her an approving nod.
Mama smiled teary-eyed from the front pew.
Jason waited at the altar with Charlie, his groomsman. Two tall handsome men in dark blue and crisp white with camellia boutonnieres.
Helen looked up into Jason’s warm, appreciative gaze. “You are so beautiful,” he murmured.
The vicar cleared his throat. “Dearly beloved…”
When her father stepped forward to give her away, Helen’s eyes blurred with tears. She was leaving his care forever and moving forward into a new life. And though she welcomed it, she couldn’t help a pang of loss.
Unmasking Lady Helen: The Kinsey Family (The Kinsey Family Series Book 1) Page 18