by Anne Herries
‘Lord Coleridge has noticed that one of his horses has a shoe working loose,’ he said. ‘There is room in my carriage for all of you. Max begs your pardon, but he must take his horses to the blacksmith in the village, and asks you to excuse him.’
‘Of course,’ Amelia said. ‘Come along, Helene, there is plenty of room—and Toby is an excellent whip.’
Helene glanced at Lord Coleridge, who was speaking to his tiger. He turned his head as if sensing her gaze and inclined his head. She nodded and then climbed into the carriage. Clearly, he did not feel the incident was closed. She thought that perhaps he was concerned that he might be attacked again, and was making certain that she was safely inside Toby’s carriage.
Helene had been quiet as they were driven home. Amelia and Mrs Henderson had seemed to have enjoyed the day and talked a great deal about Lady Jersey and how delightful she was as a companion. Emily had also been quiet for much of the time, her thoughtful gaze on Helene.
Helene went straight upstairs to her room when they reached the house. Emily followed and knocked at the door a moment later. Helene opened it and invited her to enter.
‘You were very quiet on the way home, dearest,’ Emily said. ‘Are you all right? It was such a shocking thing to happen. You were very brave and acted promptly at the time. Has it upset you now that you have had time to think of what might have happened?’
‘I am not distressed for myself,’ Helene assured her. ‘I am concerned only for Lord Coleridge. I saw that man and the way he concentrated his aim—I am certain that it was his intention to kill Lord Coleridge. He made light of it for our sakes, but he must know that his life was in danger—mustn’t he?’
‘I am sure he is perfectly sensible of it,’ Emily said. ‘He wanted you to ride with us, because he feared another attempt might be made on the journey home, and he was concerned for your sake. I think he will take all possible precautions in future.’
‘Yes…’ Helene frowned. ‘But what can he do really? If someone is determined to kill him, they will try over and over.’ The thought that something might happen when no one was by to warn Lord Coleridge was intolerable. She felt so upset that it forced her to sit down before her legs gave way.
‘Do not distress yourself, Helene,’ Emily said. ‘You can do nothing more. Indeed, you did more than could have been expected. You must try to put this unfortunate incident from your mind, dearest. After all, it does not truly concern you.’
‘No…’ Helene turned away, because she was not sure that she could control her emotions and she did not wish to burst into tears. Emily was right to remind her that Lord Coleridge was nothing to her—but the thought of his being killed by a wicked murderer was almost more than she could bear. However, she must endeavour to put it from her mind. She must not dwell on the incident, for it was not her concern. Lord Coleridge was not a fool and he would do all he could to protect himself. ‘You are very right, Emily. It is not my affair.’ She must not let anyone guess how much the incident had disturbed her, least of all Lord Coleridge himself.
‘Who do you imagine it was?’ Toby asked when they were in Max’s library later that evening drinking a glass of wine. ‘Do you have enemies—anyone you know of?’ He frowned. ‘You don’t suppose it could be Northaven, do you? He hates you and Gerard almost as much as he hates Harry.’
‘I know that the Marquis of Northaven carries little love for any of us,’ Max said and frowned. ‘However, I believe he is in the country at the moment. A friend of mine told me that Northaven has hopes of being left something by an elderly aunt. She summoned him a day or so ago and he left town immediately. I doubt he would return and lose his chance of a small fortune for the opportunity to take a pot shot at me. He has had plenty of chances in the past—why decide to murder me now?’
‘If it is not him, it must be someone who bears you a grudge. Have you won too much at the card tables recently?’
‘I have lost small sums on each of the last four occasions I played,’ Max replied. ‘Bradwell lost five thousand to me at the tables a month ago, but he settled yesterday. I think he was annoyed over the loss, but I believe him to be warm enough to stand it. He may dislike me, but I acquit him of wanting me dead. Indeed, most of the people I play with are my friends and gentlemen of honour. If they had a quarrel with me, they would be open with it. What happened today was the act of a coward…he might have killed Miss Henderson had his aim gone astray.’
‘You are right. She was very cool,’ Toby said admiringly. ‘I have sometimes thought her quiet. She does not always say much in company—though she talked more today.’
‘I find her an interesting companion,’ Max said. ‘You are right in saying she is sometimes quiet in company—but she speaks intelligently when you take the time to ask her opinion on any subject.’
Toby looked thoughtful. ‘Have you no idea who might want you dead?’
‘No…’ Max got up and wandered to the window, looking out into the courtyard at the back of his town house. Some birds had come to drink at the fountain and were squabbling amongst themselves. ‘At least…I may have an idea, though I cannot truly credit that he would wish me dead. If I had been killed today, he would have inherited almost everything, for I made a will in his favour when I was in the army.’
‘Are you speaking of your cousin?’ Toby was incredulous. He stared as Max turned and he saw the troubled look on his face. ‘Heronsdale—the fellow who is unwell at times? Surely it cannot have been he? The rogue who shot at you made off so fast that he cannot have been an invalid.’
‘No, it seems unlikely,’ Max said. ‘It would grieve me if Robert were behind this…though it need not have been him, of course. He could have paid someone to be rid of me.’
‘Surely not—your own cousin?’ Toby looked shocked. ‘I suppose…is he short of funds, do you suppose?’
‘My aunt has been living in the dower house since her husband died. Heronsdale was deeply in debt and his estate had to be sold. I allowed them to live on my estate. I could hardly do anything else for she had little enough and Robert was…too poorly to earn a living.’
‘I should have thought they would be grateful,’ Toby said and frowned.
‘Aunt Harriet is always grateful,’ Max said. He frowned—he sometimes found her gratitude almost too much to bear. She was inclined to be too interested in his affairs. ‘I have not seen Robert for two years. He has been confined to his room, too ill to allow visitors each time I am there.’
‘Sounds as if he is trying to avoid you.’ Toby looked thoughtful. ‘It leaves a nasty taste in the mouth, Coleridge—but the finger of suspicion would seem to point at him.’
‘Yes, I suppose it looks that way,’ Max replied. ‘It may have been a disappointment to my cousin when I returned from the war, hale and likely to live for another forty years.’
‘At least that long,’ Toby said. ‘It beats me why he should expect or hope for what is yours. He can only inherit through his mother. I am not even sure if he is entitled to the title…’
‘It would require some documentation, I dare say, though I do not think there is anything to stop the title passing to issue from the female line. Robert would have most of what is mine if I were to die before I have a son—unless I change my will. I am loath to do it without proof of his ill intent.’
‘Perhaps you should think about marriage very seriously, Max.’
‘I have considered taking a wife,’ Max replied. ‘I do not want to rush into marriage, because that could mean a lifetime of unhappiness for us both if I chose unwisely. However, I have it in mind—but for now I am uncertain if such a step would be wise. If it was Robert or his agent in the park, and he did intend to murder me for the estate—would he stop there?’
‘You mean it might put the lady you marry in danger—and your child when you have one.’
‘It is possible,’ Max said and frowned. ‘Another thing, can we be sure that I was the intended victim this afternoon? If I was, which I beli
eve—is it too risky for me to entertain the idea of marriage?’
‘Whoever he may be, you cannot allow this rogue to order your life, Max,’ Toby said. ‘You would be constantly looking over your shoulder. Could you not pay your cousin a surprise visit? See if you can shock him into confessing?’
‘I may have to do just that,’ Max agreed. ‘However, if I went down immediately, I think it might alert whoever shot at me that I have my suspicions. Besides, I have business in town. I think for the moment I shall carry on as if nothing had happened, though I shall take certain measures…’
‘Yes, I see what you mean,’ Toby said and nodded. ‘If you need anything, you know you have only to ask. I should be happy to be of service.’
‘For the moment, I would ask only that you are alert for anything that strikes you as unusual,’ Max said and smiled oddly. ‘I had a letter from Gerard this morning. He intends to be in London quite soon. I would not take Harry from his wife at this time, but it will be good to have both you and Gerard close by if I should need you.’
Helene looked about her eagerly as they entered the hallowed halls of Almack’s, that most prestigious of clubs, the following evening. Lord Coleridge had hinted that he would be here and she was eager to see him. Thoughts of him and the rogue who had tried to shoot him had occupied her mind since the picnic. She hoped to have a chance to talk to him that evening, to ask if he had discovered anything. However, after some twenty minutes, she knew that he was not present, and she could not help feeling a deep disappointment. It was almost as if he had broken a promise to be there, for he had certainly made a point of asking if she intended to visit Almack’s. Perhaps she was letting herself expect too much, as her mama had warned.
‘Miss Henderson.’ A gentleman’s voice made Helene turn. Mr Bradwell was bowing to her. ‘Lady Harris has been good enough to say that she will recommend me to you.’
‘You may waltz with Mr Bradwell,’ Lady Harris said, smiling on her as she gave gracious permission. ‘Sally told me that you are a very well-behaved young gel.’ She inclined her head and walked away, leaving Helene with no option but to accept.
‘How kind of you, sir,’ Helene said and offered him her hand. ‘I am much obliged.’
‘I am honoured, Miss Henderson,’ he replied and took her hand, leading her to the dance floor.
Mr Bradwell was a good dancer. Helene could not complain of anything as he swept her into the dance, whirling her back and forth in time to the music. However, being held in his arms did not make her feel as she had when dancing with Lord Coleridge. She barely held back a sigh as she felt her keen disappointment at his absence. She had been so sure he meant to come!
When the dance was over, Mr Bradwell returned her to her mother’s side. Helene saw that Amelia was talking to Toby Sinclair and walked to join them.
‘Miss Henderson,’ Toby said and smiled at her. ‘You look beautiful as always. Will you give me the pleasure of this dance?’
‘Thank you, sir,’ Helene said and gave him her hand. ‘I was wondering…Lord Coleridge did not accompany you?’
‘No…’ Toby frowned. ‘I think he had a pressing engagement elsewhere, someone he needed to see. He may come later.’
‘Oh…’ Helene did her best to hide her disappointment. ‘He is well, I trust—nothing untoward has happened?’
‘No, nothing at all,’ Toby assured her, but looked slightly uncomfortable as if he would have wished to say more. ‘I dare say he will be sorry to have missed you this evening, though of course he may yet turn up.’
‘Yes—’ Helene smiled ‘—perhaps an affair of this kind is not much in his line.’
‘I dare say,’ Toby agreed. ‘I only popped in to see how you went on, Miss Henderson. I shall not stay long.’
‘Oh, but you must dance with Emily,’ Helene said, because she knew that Emily rather liked him. ‘Surely you will?’
‘Miss Barton…’ Toby glanced across the room and nodded. ‘Yes, certainly I shall ask her, though she does not always dance.’
‘I think she might if you asked,’ Helene said as the music ended. ‘Come with me and ask her now.’
Toby glanced at her. ‘What are you up to, Miss Henderson?’
‘Nothing at all,’ she said artlessly. ‘It is merely that Emily has not yet danced this evening.’
Toby made no reply. However, he asked Emily for the next dance and was accepted. Helene’s card was not yet full and she wandered over to the open window, standing by it to catch a little air. She had not been there more than a moment when Nicholas Bradwell came up to her.
‘You are not dancing, Miss Henderson?’
‘I just felt a little warm,’ Helene told him. ‘It is cooler here by the window.’
‘It is a beautiful night. Perhaps you would care for a stroll outside?’
‘I believe not,’ Helene said with a smile to soften her refusal. ‘I think Mama needs me.’
‘Forgive me, I did not mean to be too forward. You would be quite safe with me, Miss Henderson. I admire you. Everyone speaks of your quiet manners and your dignity. I believe you must be the kind of young lady that would make any gentleman a worthy wife.’
‘Please, do not say such things,’ Helene said swiftly. ‘It is much too soon. We hardly know each other. Excuse me, I must return to my mother.’
She left him quickly, her cheeks on fire. She was certain that he had been on the verge of proposing to her. Had she given him any encouragement, he must have done so after such a statement! Her heart was racing and she felt her stomach clench. To come so close to an embarrassing proposal on such slight acquaintance was a shock for her. She had hardly known how to cope with it and was afraid she might have offended him. It was much too soon to be thinking of marrying anyone!
Helene was relieved when her next partner claimed her. She made an effort to forget the embarrassing incident, deciding that she would stay close to her mother or Emily for the remainder of the evening.
The hour was late and Helene’s mother was saying that they should leave soon when Lord Coleridge walked into the room. Helene’s heart leapt in her breast, for he smiled and walked to meet her immediately.
‘I believe there is one more waltz,’ he said as he bowed his head to her. ‘May I hope that you will forgive me for my tardy arrival and grant me the favour?’
‘It should be Mr Sinclair’s,’ Helene said hesitantly.
‘Toby will not mind,’ Max said and held out his hand. Helene gave him hers, her pulses racing as they joined the last few couples on the floor. She trembled as he drew her close, his gloved hand at the small of her back. ‘You look lovely, as always, Miss Henderson.’
‘Thank you,’ Helene said and smiled shyly up at him. Could he hear the frantic beating of her heart? Had he any idea how much pleasure it gave her to dance with him like this? Oh, it was so foolish of her to feel so happy just because he had come after all! ‘I thought you were not coming this evening.’
‘I had as good as given my word,’ Max said. ‘I was detained on a matter of importance, which I regret, for I fully intended to dance with you more than once this evening.’
‘I should have enjoyed that.’ Helene’s cheeks were a little pink and she could not bring herself to look up at him. Her heart was beating so fast that she thought he must be able to hear it.
‘I was wondering if you would like to take a drive out with me the day after tomorrow,’ Max said. ‘Since it is a fair distance, I thought perhaps Miss Barton might accompany us. I have business at the children’s home I told you of, Miss Henderson. I thought perhaps it would please you to see Jezra settled in his new home?’
‘Yes, I should enjoy such an outing on several accounts.’ Helene laughed softly. ‘I am sure Emily will agree. We have an evening engagement that day, but nothing for the morning.’
‘Then I shall call for you both at nine-thirty in the morning—unless that is too early?’
‘No, not at all. I rise early and Emily has the same habi
t. We are often on our way to the lending library or the shops by that time.’
‘I shall look forward to it,’ Max said, giving her a look of approval. ‘I have engagements most of tomorrow, but I believe we may meet at Mrs Andersen’s card party in the evening?’
‘Yes, I am sure we had a card for that, though we may also have one for something else,’ Helene said. ‘I shall hope to see you, sir—if not, we shall have our drive to look forward to.’
‘Yes, we shall,’ Max said. He gazed down into her eyes as the music came to an end. ‘I am afraid that is the end of our dance—and of the evening. I must say good night, Miss Henderson.’
‘Yes…good night, Lord Coleridge,’ Helene said. ‘Thank you for coming this evening.’
‘The pleasure was all mine,’ Max told her. He lifted her hand to his lips, kissing the back briefly. ‘Now I must return you to your mama, for I see that she is anxious to leave.’
Helene looked at her mother. Mrs Henderson’s expression was hard to read, for she was frowning. Surely she could not be displeased because Helene had danced the last waltz with Lord Coleridge?
Max bowed his head to Helene’s mama. ‘Forgive me for keeping your daughter, ma’am. I was detained and was unable to come earlier, but I could not resist one dance with her.’
‘Amelia has the headache,’ Mrs Henderson said in a sharp tone. ‘She and Emily left some minutes ago. I told her we would take a hackney and that she was not to send the coachman back for us.’
‘It will be my pleasure to take you home,’ Max offered at once. ‘My groom is waiting downstairs. By the time you have your cloaks, my carriage will be at your disposal.’
‘You should not trouble yourself, my lord,’ Mrs Henderson said, but he shook his head.
‘I assure you, it is no trouble at all. It will give me the pleasure of your company for a little longer.’