A Valentine's Affair

by Eliza Dawkins

  ‘It is,’ Philip paused for a minute to keep his facial expression blank. ‘Lady Mellicent Darby.’ Helena could see how difficult it was for her servant to say Mellicent’s name without sneering. She couldn’t help but wonder if Mellicent did something disagreeable to her servant upon exiting her carriage.

  ‘Send her in, thank you, Philip,’ Helena said with a curious look. It wasn’t until he returned, opening the door wide and then standing off to the side without announcing any visitor, that Helena saw why her servant looked so sheepish. Mellicent was not alone; she was followed by Lord Robert himself.

  ‘Forgive me, Lady Helena,’ Mellicent said as Lord Robert and she sat down, Mellicent on the sofa and Lord Robert on the comfortable salon chair. ‘When I heard Lord Robert was in London, I simply insisted for him to come with me and surprise you with a visit.’

  Over his shoulder, Lady Helena’s servant mouthed I’m sorry, my lady before turning out of the room. Well, at least there was an explanation for his aversion to announcing Mellicent.

  ‘Yes, forgive me as well.’ Lord Robert said with eyes downcast. ‘I was apprehensive, but Lady Darby assured me you would enjoy such a surprise.’

  ‘My dear, Lord Robert. I have told you once, and I shall tell you one final time…you are to call me Mellie.’ The thirty-two-year-old, independent rebel of the Social System stared unyieldingly at the young lord.

  ‘My apologies…Mellie. But you did assure me, did you not?’ Lord Robert fixed his eyes, in the same manner, locking into Mellie’s steadfast gaze.

  ‘Lord Robert, it is rather nice to see you.’ Lady Helena interjected acknowledgment, breaking the quiet quarrel between her guests.

  Immediately, Lord Robert turned his gaze to the now blushing beauty sitting before him.

  ‘It has not been the same without you in the countryside, Lady Helena.’ Lord Robert told her. ‘Your absence is surely noted.’

  ‘Oh?’ Lady Helena was relieved. It was nice to know her family had missed her.

  ‘Yes, the Marchioness speaks of you often, and even my brother wrote me just the other day how much he missed having such a fiery woman around to keep everyone on their toes.’ Lord Robert laughed.

  ‘Oh, how simply wonderful! Is everyone faring well?’ Lady Helena scooted forward in her seat as she asked the question.

  ‘They are, my lady.’ Lord Robert assured her. ‘The Duke of Sunderland is continuing his education with a vast number of tutors at Delaport Manor.’

  ‘Oh, interesting.’ Lady Helena said. Deep down inside, she wished Elizabeth would send Charles away for his schooling, if only so she could return to her home.

  ‘Yes, and my brother Abraham has started a new business venture. He told me to tell you he misses you.’ Lord Robert added as he remembered. ‘And that he has been taking Jubilee out riding to keep her from getting restless.’

  ‘How kind of him.’ Lady Helena pressed her hand to heart. Abraham had always been so kind to her. ‘I miss Jubilee immensely. She does need to be ridden often.’

  ‘Yes, he said.’ Lord Robert chuckled. ‘My brother and your sister have to trade off when it comes to riding Jubilee. Neither of them is much of a rider; nothing like you, Lady Helena.’ Lord Robert looked away as he complimented her, unable to see her smile.

  ‘My sister? She’s riding Jubilee, which I am truly grateful for, but has she said anything else? Is she happy?’ No one returned her letters in the past week. She was starting to fear her family was gently erasing her out of their lives.

  ‘She, uh, she was ill for a few days.’ Lord Robert said quietly. Lady Helena gasped at the news and clenched her fingers tight against her chest. ‘She is better now, I assure you, and she was not unhealthy for very long. You have no need to worry, my lady.’ Lord Robert was quick to calm her, taking her hand in his as he soothed her worries.

  ‘Oh, forgive me, Lord Robert.’ Lady Helena said as she righted herself, pulling her hand away from his and placing it firmly in her lap. ‘I simply miss them, and while I love and long to hear of them and their adventures, it pains me to not be with them.’

  ‘Oh, Lady Helena.’ Lord Robert made her name sound like heartbreak. He knew with each day she was away, she felt worse and more alone.

  ‘Mellie,’ Lady Helena said, addressing her new confidant for what felt like the first time in hours. ‘I beg you, have you found a way to fix this muddle yet? I've tried, but I can't determine any action to undo what I did by sending you that dreadful letter.’

  ‘Helena, dear, there is no need to be worried. I’ll have you know I’ve called upon many of my friends and a certain plan of mine is in the works this very moment!’ Mellicent assured Helena, smiling to herself. Watching the way Helena and Robert behaved towards one another pushed any doubt from her mind; uniting them together would be the best phenomenon she could produce for either of them.

  ‘Oh, what tremendous news!’ Helena cheered. ‘Thank you, thank you so much, Mellie.’

  The three stayed talking for another two hours. Lady Helena and Lord Robert were both amazed by many of the stories Mellicent had to tell. Almost all were filled with love and adventure. Lady Helena thought how wonderful the stories were; sparking the slightest bit of romance for her heart. By the way Lord Robert’s eyes sparkled in the candlelight, she assumed he was affected as well.

  ‘Ah, isn’t love grand?’ Mellicent pressed her hands against her heart and sighed. ‘It's quite late, and I must get going. Thank you so much for having me, Helena.’ She stood to leave.

  ‘Surely you are not going already?’ Helena asked, still enjoying the tales Mellicent was spinning. She couldn’t even tell which ones, if any, were true or far-fetched.

  ‘I must, Helena, dear. I have business to attend to in the morning. I am quite tired. However, it has been lovely to see you.’ Mellicent bowed slightly before leaving. Helena rang the bell and Philip appeared on queue to escort Mellicent to her carriage for departure.

  ‘Are you not leaving as well?’ Lady Helena asked as Lord Robert continued standing after Mellicent left the drawing room.

  ‘If I may, I would very much like to stay. Only if it is okay with you, Lady Helena.’ Lord Robert said nervously, his voice slightly trembled.

  ‘Yes, of course, my lord. Honestly, at this point in my life, being alone with a man without a chaperone is hardly scandalous.’ Lady Helena motioned for him to sit back down, but he shook his head at the offer. ‘You are awfully fidgety. Are you all right, Lord Robert?’

  ‘Lady Helena, I implore you to answer simply and with honesty.’ Lord Robert told her, as he forced himself to stay still. ‘You must promise me.’

  ‘I promise, my lord. Now, what is causing your consternation?’ Lady Helena sat up straighter in her seat.

  ‘Do you love me, Lady Helena?’ Lord Robert asked frankly.

  ‘Lord Robert!’ Lady Helena was taken aback. Her instinct was to deny, but then she remembered her promise to answer with honesty. ‘Yes. Yes, I’m afraid I love you very much.’

  ‘Then I must ask you this question.’ Lord Robert took a deep breath before continuing. ‘Lady Helena, will you marry me?’ She opened her mouth to answer, but he quickly raised a finger to her lips to shush her. ‘If you marry me, there will be no scandal. You will be able to return to your home, briefly, before moving in with me and you’ll be able to ride Jubilee and hunt as often as your heart desires. Above all, you will be my wife and I will be your husband and we will be happy.’

  Lady Helena sat in silence, pondering the words which would change her life forever. Slowly, she lifted her eyes to lock into those of the desirable man kneeling at her side.

  ‘Lord Robert, this is all very tempting.’ Lady Helena began to speak. ‘However, I cannot and will not marry you. As I’ve told you before, events in my past keep me from loving any man. I refuse to saddle you down. You are young, my lord. You should be with someone as young and full of vitality as you.’

  ‘Pray, tell me; what are these events which
keep you from loving?’ Lord Robert found it quite difficult to accept such a vague excuse to his request. He watched as Lady Helena struggled to answer. Finally, she spoke.

  ‘During one of my riding lessons as a child, I was attempting a jump on a horse unfamiliar to me. Against the caution of Mamaw, I continued my pursuit of bettering myself as a rider. I landed awkwardly on my saddle after the jump before I was thrown from the horse, falling upon my pelvis. The doctors did all they could. After all, said and done, I am unable to have children. I am barren, Lord Robert.’

  Lord Robert sat in silence. In all instances in the world, having children with the woman he loved was never a mandatory part of his plan. Tenderly, he picked up her hand and held it with such devotion.

  ‘My lady, you are nowhere near old age. Twenty-nine is hardly an age to feel like your life is over. And you wouldn't saddle me down. You are as vital and as fiery a woman as I've ever met. I don't need a young, immature girl. I need a full, mature woman; one who will care for my home with complete love and tenderness.’ Lord Robert rested his arm across Lady Helena’s lap, yearning to be as close to her as possible.

  ‘Lord Robert…’

  ‘Let us be free of formalities, I pray. Let us share endearments without ceremony.’ Robert pulled her hands to his lips as he closed his eyes in hope for his request.

  ‘Oh, Robert.’ Helena took in a breath at the feel of his soft lips upon her fingertips. ‘I would give anything to make it so. I just cannot say yes. I must refuse your fair offer.’ Tears fell from her eyes, knowing she was saying words which could change her circumstances for the worst.

  ‘Helena, please don’t cry. I did not intend to bring sorrow upon you.’ Robert lifted his finger to her tear-stained cheek and wiped the wetness from them both. ‘I understand, my Darling.’ His voice was laced with heartbreak. ‘Please know that you have my love and you have my heart, solely and completely.’

  ‘And know that you have all of mine, even if I cannot marry you.’

  The two sat holding one another for only a moment more before the large mantle clock announced the chime of the hour. Each gazed into the other’s eyes, sharing only mental conversations in the silence.

  Helena walked Robert to the door, wanting to watch as he walked away from her.

  Possibly forever.

  Chapter Seven ~ Home Sweet Home

  Helena’s life was filled with loneliness and depression. Her heart left the moment Robert walked out of the door and into the night. In her correspondence, damp with tears, Helena requested for Robert to give her a time of solitary. Her insides could handle no more ache for the twenty-three-year-old man who unexpectedly stole her emotions and ran away with her heart.

  Robert responded with a simple acknowledgment -- a beautifully adorned parchment of lace and flowers. Inside the card was inscribed the following poem:

  The rose is red, the violet a true blue,

  The confectionary sweet, and so are you.

  Unmeasured beauty; Thou love art mine.

  All to be my Valentine.

  I sought my lot, the choice I drew;

  Divine Providence said it be you.

  Tears fell the moment she read Robert’s words. Undoubtedly, this was the man who forever would carry her heart.

  ~~~

  ‘Mellie! Oh, Mellie, thank you so much for coming!’ Helena ran to her dear friend as she entered the drawing room, throwing her arms around in an embrace.

  ‘Of course, Helena, dear. Your letter found me at precisely the right moment. I have finished my business in London for the week. Now, what seems to be the urgency?’ Mellicent sat across from Helena.

  ‘How about some tea, Mellie?’

  ‘Divine, dear. Simply divine.’

  Helena rang the small bell sitting atop the side table, summoning Philip to her call.

  ‘Yes, my lady?’

  ‘Lady Darby will be joining me for afternoon tea.’ Helena smiled courteously at her faithful footman who nodded in acknowledgment.

  ‘Dearest, exactly what did you need to see me for?’ Mellie was on pins and needles, anxious to know the results of her matchmaker meddling.

  ‘Straight to the point? I’m packing up my belongings and returning to Delaport Manor tomorrow. I cannot remain here in my loneliness and solitude. They will have to listen to me. I will show them Robert’s letter of agreement, albeit a valentine, to leave me be. I will remain in the house as a quiet, unknown spinster whose sole confidant is my pillow.’

  As she finished speaking, Philip entered with the tray of tea and wafers.

  ‘Thank you, Philip. We can serve ourselves.’ Helena stood and made her way to the table.

  ‘Very good, my lady.’ Philip bowed slightly before taking his exit.

  ‘Helena, I do not think you should succumb yourself to a life of misery in seclusion. That is not the woman everyone knows and loves.’ Mellicent received the cup and saucer from her hostess.

  ‘I agree. I cannot stay in this house any longer. My mind does not stop. I need the open country air. I need the surroundings of the only home I’ve ever known. I need the security of Papaw’s library. They will accept me! They will accept me, or I shall surely lose my senses.’

  ~~~

  As the carriage approached the front entrance of Delaport Manor, Helena’s heart began to pump rapidly.

  I will not take no for an answer. This is my house, just as much as it is Charles’. I belong at Delaport. I am a daughter of my parents, the Duke and Duchess of Sunderland. No one can take my name from me. It is my birthright.

  ‘Helena?’ The familiar voice of her sister tugged Helena from her thoughts. She poked her head out of the carriage window.

  ‘Hello, Lizzy.’ Silas, the manor footman, quickly opened the carriage door.

  ‘What are you doing here? We knew not of your return.’ As she climbed out of the carriage, the tone of Elizabeth’s voice was confusingly unclear. For a moment, Helena began to doubt her decision to return home.

  The sisters stood staring at one another before Elizabeth threw her arms around Helena’s neck in a tight embrace.

  ‘Oh, Helena! I’m so happy you are home. Life simply hasn’t been the same here without you.’ Elizabeth continued to hold onto her younger sister.

  ‘Is it all right, Lizzy? Am I welcome back home?’

  ‘Yes! Oh yes! You are welcomed home, my sister! You are home, Helena!’ Elizabeth squeezed her a moment longer before finally releasing Helena’s neck.

  ‘But, what about Charles?’ Though he was their younger brother, Charles was still the heir of their father’s ducal estate; he was still the Duke of Sunderland.

  ‘He is off on a trip to Liverpool with Abe. He is wanting to teach Charles the beginning lessons of managing his estate.' Elizabeth took a deep breath of relief. ‘They won't return for another two days.'

  ‘Oh! God is so good. Thank you, Lord, for these days of peace with my sister.’ The two women laughed jovially as they walked arm in arm up the large stairs and into their welcoming home.

  ~~~

  Days were passing with much ease and happiness. Helena forgot how much she truly missed the place she knew as home. From the large library to the long rides on Jubilee, Helena was confident her place at Delaport Manor was secure.

  ‘What?! Who gave her permission to come back to my house?’

  ‘Now, Charles, you need to lower your voice. A Duke does not act in such a manner.' Elizabeth was continually trying to rear her brother into the man their Papaw was.

  ‘I don't care about my voice, Elizabeth. I am gone for five days, and I come back to a house of disobedience! I am the Duke of Sunderland. I say what is allowed in Sunderland! And, she…’ Charles pointed directly at his spinster sister. ‘…is not allowed in Sunderland!’

  ‘Why, Charles? Why am I not allowed in Mamaw and Papaw’s home?’ Helena stood her ground with determination.

  ‘This is my house!’ Charles was practically screaming.

  ‘Why am I
not allowed, Charles?!’

  ‘Because I know what you did yesterday! Do you think word does not get to me of the goings-on in the midst of my property and tenant holdings?’

  ‘What did I do yesterday, Charles?’ Helena knew she couldn’t back down from her childish brother.

  ‘You went on a hunt, Helena! You went on a hunt and you were seen by Lord Orin, Lord Templin, and Lord Pendleton! I will not have a disrespectful, twenty-nine-year-old spinster who finds it completely proper to spend her afternoons hunting instead of making herself suitable for a man of her own age to call for her hand in marriage. I will not have a woman riding carelessly throughout the moors for every lord in my Dukedom to see!’

  Helena stood in complete shock. It was as if Charles grew into a young man over a fortnight.

  ‘Leave! Leave now, Helena, and never come back!’

  ‘No! Charles! I will…not…leave! This is my home just as much as it is yours. This is our family home. Every descendant of Papaw’s great-great-great grandfather in the Sunderland territory, every Delaport ancestor, has been welcomed in this manor for centuries. And I refuse to be the first who is not!’ Helena, though determined, began to feel she was losing her stand.

  Charles stood up, shoulders broad albeit narrow, and marched directly over to Helena who was sitting on the edge of the large sofa. With narrowed eyes, Charles lowered his face to stare directly at his sister. ‘You will leave now. You will get in the carriage, and you will go back to London from whence you came. Your belongings will be sent to you. I will not have you gallivanting around this house, disgracing us with your disrespect and manly actions!’

  Still staring into Helena’s eyes, Charles screamed at the top of his lungs. ‘LIVINGSTON!!’ Abraham, Elizabeth, and Helena all flinched as the butler’s name echoed through the large library.

  ‘Yes…your grace?’ Livingston stood with a look of utter surprise at the way he was summoned.

  ‘Have a carriage pulled around at once! Lady Helena is leaving us for Benston House immediately. Have Honora pack her belongings to be sent out as well.’ Charles did not pull his stare from his spinster sister through his entire command.