by Anne Herries
The letter had taken up more time than she had anticipated, and Helene had to hurry to dress. That evening they were attending the theatre with some friends of Amelia’s and would call at their house for a glass of wine first. She must not keep the others waiting!
In her haste to be ready on time, Helene did not give much thought to the day she had spent with Lord Coleridge. It had seemed for a moment as he looked at her that something had changed between them. However, he had not pressed his advantage. Apart from the invitation to Vauxhall, which she was looking forward to, he had merely said that he would see her when they met in company.
Helene could not in honesty tell herself that he had done anything to give her reason to think he intended to offer for her. His kiss had been an impulse, she was certain, meant to punish, perhaps, or in frustration at her reckless behaviour. Her pulses had raced while he held her so fiercely, but she had decided that she should not dwell on the small incident. Had it meant anything, he would have spoken on the way home—if only to request an interview with Mama. One kiss meant nothing, even though it had left her shaken and breathless.
She must not expect anything. Helene knew that, despite his harsh tone, she had felt pleasure as he kissed her. She was not sure how it felt when you fell in love, for she had no experience of such things. However, she did know that she enjoyed being with Lord Coleridge more than any other gentleman of her acquaintance. Since she must marry for Mama’s sake, she would accept an offer from Lord Coleridge should he make it, providing he could accept her humble background—but of course he would not. She would be foolish to let herself hope for such a thing.
Helene finished dressing, thanked her maid for making her look elegant and then ran downstairs to join the others. She must put all her foolish notions from her mind! Perhaps there was someone else she could happily marry…
Helene was engrossed in the play; it was The Taming of the Shrew by William Shakespeare and vastly amusing. She laughed in delight, enjoying the performance so much that she did not become aware of being watched until the interval. As the curtain came down and people began to move about, Helene saw that some people in the box opposite Amelia’s were staring at her hard. She felt an odd uneasiness as she saw that Lady Annersley was looking at her through a pair of opera glasses, which she then handed to a gentleman sitting beside her with a comment.
Helene shivered, a sliver of ice sliding down her spine. She was sure that she had seen the gentleman once before in his coach. He had seemed to stare at her then, though she had not been certain the first time, for he might have been looking at Emily. This evening she was sure that he was watching her—and had been for some time.
Helene picked up Amelia’s opera glasses and lifted them, studying the gentleman. He was a man of advanced years, aristocratic with a proud face, his nose long and his lips thin. He was not unattractive even now and she thought he must have been very handsome when younger. He became aware of her scrutiny and bowed his head towards her, a slight smile on his mouth.
Helene put down the opera glasses at once. She did not know who he was or why he—and Lady Annersley—were taking such an interest in her, but she did not wish to encourage him. It was not unheard of for a gentleman of advanced years to take a much younger bride. Helene would not wish him to imagine that she was giving him encouragement.
She turned her gaze back to the stage, feeling glad that she had refused Lady Annersley’s invitation. When she thought about it, the letter had been couched in terms that made it more of a command than a summons. A shiver went through Helene, because she was very sure that she would not wish to become that gentleman’s bride!
‘Is something the matter?’ Emily whispered in her ear. ‘Did you notice that gentleman staring at you, Helene?’
‘Yes. I did not like it.’
‘I am sure it is the Duke of Annesdale,’ Emily told her. ‘Lady Annersley is the wife of the late Marquis, Annesdale’s daughter-in-law. She was married to his eldest son, but they had no children—at least none that survived infancy. Her husband died some years ago, but she has never married again.’
‘I am sorry for her,’ Helene replied. She might have told Emily about the lady’s letter, but the curtain was going up and the play was about to begin.
Helene took the letter from her drawer and read it again that evening. The more she puzzled over it, the less she understood. Clearly both Lady Annersley and the Duke of Annesdale had taken an interest in her—but why?
Helene was uneasy as she blew out her candle and tried to sleep. She had never met the duke, so she could only imagine that he found her attractive. He was a widower and had been for some years. His sons had failed to provide him with an heir before they died. It was quite possible that he was looking for a young wife to give him the heirs he needed.
She could appreciate his feelings. His title was an old one and unless he married again and had a son it would pass on to some distant cousin—perhaps there was no one. The title would then die with him, his estate pass to whomever he chose or perhaps the Crown if he made no will. It was sad, Helene thought, and felt sympathy for his plight. However, she had no wish to be the Duchess of Annesdale.
No, she must be wrong! Helene laughed at herself as she snuggled down into the comfort of her feather mattress. She had imagined it all. He was merely curious about a new face or there was some other perfectly simple explanation.
Helene went driving with Miss Marshall and her brother Captain Paul Marshall the next day. He was a handsome man only a few years her senior, and of a teasing disposition. The afternoon passed so swiftly that Helene was reluctant to take leave of her friends, but felt happy in the knowledge that she was sure to meet them again that evening, for they were all to attend a small dance given by Mr Henry Marshall.
‘My uncle does not often stir himself to visit town,’ Miss Marshall told Helene, ‘but when he does he gives wonderful parties. Everyone has been sent a mask to wear this evening, and we shall unmask at midnight—is that not amusing?’
‘Yes, it is,’ Helene said. ‘I have not been to a masked ball before, but I have heard of them. Amelia says that she shall give a costume ball for her charity at the end of the Season.’
‘Oh, yes, I have received my invitation and I am looking forward to it,’ Miss Marshall told her. ‘Paul has a wonderful idea for us, but I must not tell you because it is a secret.’
‘I am not sure I should have told you, Lily,’ Captain Marshall replied with mock severity. ‘Ten to one you will tell everyone and I shall have to think of something else.’
Miss Marshall denied it and they all joined in the laughter.
It was just gone four when Helene was taken home. She parted from her friends happily and went into the house, pausing to glance at the cards and letters on the salver in the hall. A little shiver went down her spine as she recognised the hand of the sender of a letter addressed to her. Snatching it up, she ran upstairs to her own room. She broke the seal and scanned the contents.
I urge you not to ignore my request. Please visit me in the morning tomorrow. It is of the utmost importance…
Helene felt cold all over. What could be of such importance? She stared at the letter for some minutes, wondering what best to do about it. Ought she to show it to Mama?
Helene was reluctant to do so, though she was not certain why. Mama would certainly not even consider any offer the duke might make her. He was far too old to make a suitable husband.
Helene shook her head. She must be mistaken. The duke did not know her. They had not even met. He could not be thinking of making her an offer—and yet he had been staring at her in such an intent way.
Suddenly, Helene went cold all over. There was one very plausible explanation of why the duke and his daughter-in-law could be taking an interest in her! It had not occurred to her at first, but now she was wondering if the duke could be Papa’s father. Mama had told her that his family had been unkind to her, refusing to accept her and cutting her father of
f without a penny when he married. She had never told Helene the name of her paternal grandfather and Helene had not thought to ask, but now things began to fall into place.
Mama had been upset by a letter she had received a few days earlier. Had the duke written to Mama? Had he threatened her? She had been so upset that she had gone to bed with a headache.
Why had she not told Helene the truth?
Helene knew Lord Coleridge as soon as he approached her, even though he was wearing a handsome black-and-gold mask over the top half of his face.
‘My lady,’ he said, bowing to her. ‘I do not know your name, but it would give me pleasure if you would dance with me.’
Helene laughed and shook her head. ‘I am afraid your mask does not hide your identity from me, sir. You would need to wear something to cover your whole face—and then your size would betray you. You are rather larger than most other gentlemen, Lord Coleridge, and your height gives you away.’
‘Woe is me. I hoped to surprise you later,’ Max replied and chuckled. ‘You were too clever for me, Miss Henderson.’
‘Not clever, sir, just observant,’ she told him and smiled, glancing round at the assembled company. ‘I believe Mr Sinclair is very fond of that blue coat, for I have seen him wear it before this evening…and I know Captain Marshall is wearing a black mask—his sister told me. Hers is gold, I think—but there are certainly some others here that I would not recognise.’
‘Perhaps one has to know the other person quite well to recognise them wearing a mask. I certainly knew you immediately, and I do not think I have seen this delightful gown before?’
‘No, you would not—it is new,’ Helene told him and laughed. ‘I will not ask you to explain how you knew me, for it might embarrass us both.’
‘Perhaps,’ he agreed and his mouth curved. ‘I should have known you as soon as you spoke. You have a most unusual way of cutting to the heart of things, Miss Henderson.’
‘Am I too direct?’ Helene asked. ‘I am not always so in company, but somehow I have found myself able to talk to you without reserve. You must tell me if I am too free. I know that some gentlemen prefer a lady to have no opinions or at least to keep them to herself. It is the reason that I am often quiet, for I do not wish to offend.’
‘Do they? More fool them,’ Max said drily. ‘I am not one of them. You may be as direct as you please, and your opinion will always weigh with me. You will certainly not offend me, whatever you say.’
‘Oh…’ Helene blushed beneath the mask. She was thrown into confusion by his manner, which she thought more intimate than before, and her heart raced. ‘Mama says that she will be quite happy for me to be a part of your party at Vauxhall, sir. She says that she shall not come, but Amelia and Emily are both looking forward to the evening.’
‘I am glad to hear it,’ Max said. ‘Does your mama not care for fireworks? I know that some people find them frightening.’
‘I do not believe Mama is frightened of them,’ Helene said. ‘It is a little odd—she has cried off one or two engagements recently. I wondered if she found London tiring, but she says she is perfectly well. It is just that she prefers to stay at home sometimes—and I am well chaperoned with both Amelia and Emily for company.’
‘Indeed you are,’ Max said. He stopped dancing as the music ended, gazing down at her ruefully. ‘Why is it that whenever I dance with you the duration is always too short? I must ask you to grant me at least one more dance this evening, Miss Henderson.’
‘I have reserved the dance before supper, if that will suit you?’
‘It will do very well,’ he said and held her hand for a moment longer than necessary. ‘I shall see you later, sweet Helene. Now I must see if I can guess the identity of some others. I think I see Sally Jersey. I shall discover if I am correct. Please excuse me…’
Helene smiled as he released her. She was about to rejoin her mother and Amelia, who were sitting at the side of the room, when a lady dressed in a dark blue gown and a mask of silver came up to her. Helene turned in enquiry as she laid a hand on her arm.
‘Yes, ma’am—may I help you?’
‘I have written to you twice, but you refuse to see me,’ the lady said in a harsh tone. ‘Has someone forbidden you to visit me?’
‘Lady Annersley…’ Helene gasped. ‘Forgive me, I truly have been engaged every day. I am sorry if you feel that I have slighted you, but I could not break my engagements. Besides, I do not know why you would wish to see me, ma’am. I hope I have done nothing to offend you?’
‘The only offence is in your stubborn refusal to meet him. He has the right to make himself known to you.’
‘I beg your pardon—of whom do you speak?’ Helene felt a shiver down her spine. Could she mean the Duke of Annesdale? ‘I am not aware that I have refused to meet anyone.’
‘You did not answer his letter.’
‘I must ask your pardon once more, but I have not received a letter from a gentleman. If I were to receive one—which would be most improper—I should give it to my mother.’
‘And she would of course destroy it,’ Lady Annersley said. Her mouth drew into a thin line. ‘This is not the place to discuss anything of a private nature. I must have your promise that you will call on me as soon as you have time. I have something of importance to tell you, Miss Henderson—something that could change your life.’
‘Indeed? I do not know what that might be, ma’am.’ Helene’s manner was stiff. If this woman were a member of the family who had treated Mama so badly, she had no wish to know her!
‘It is not for me to say, at least not here. Come to my house next Tuesday morning and all shall be revealed.’
‘If that is your wish,’ Helene said. ‘If you will excuse me, ma’am, I see a friend approaching and I believe he means to ask me to dance.’
Helene walked to meet Toby Sinclair. He grinned at her and lifted his mask slightly. ‘I dare say you knew me anyway, but I wanted to be sure you would dance with me, Miss Henderson.’
‘I should be delighted,’ Helene replied and went to him with relief. She felt safe with Toby Sinclair—her brief interlude with Lady Annersley had left her feeling uneasy.
Helene danced all evening, going from one friend to another. It was amusing to guess the identity of her partners, though she had little trouble with most of them—they all had some little mannerism or habit that made it easy. However, the company was enjoyable; she had begun to make many friends, both gentlemen and ladies, and she particularly enjoyed her time with Miss Marshall and her brother.
Dancing twice with Lord Coleridge made the evening perfect. The supper dance was a waltz and Helene felt that she was floating on air as he whirled her around the floor. Afterwards, he took her into supper and was so attentive that she felt people must notice. Her happiness was complete when he asked if he might join her when she walked with Toby and some others in the park the following afternoon.
‘I should be delighted if you would join us,’ Helene said. ‘I am to drive there with Miss Marshall and her brother. Mr Sinclair will bring Emily and Mr Osbourne is driving his sister. We shall listen to the band playing in the park. It has been arranged for some days, but one more will only make the afternoon more enjoyable.’
‘I am grateful that you feel my company will add to your enjoyment of the afternoon, Miss Henderson.’ His look was so intimate at that moment that butterflies set up a crazy dance in her abdomen.
Helene felt her cheeks becoming warm. She glanced down, for she could not quite meet his eyes. She felt that his attentions were becoming more particular, but she was not sure that anything would come of their growing friendship. It was rumoured that he had paid court to an heiress the previous year for a while, but that had fallen through. Perhaps he was fickle in his relationships, though she could not truly think it of him.
After supper, Lord Coleridge took his leave of her, promising to keep his appointment the following afternoon. Helene was sorry to see him go, though she knew s
he could not dance with him again that evening unless she wished for it to be thought that he was the admirer she favoured. She was not yet ready to make that commitment in public and she did not think Lord Coleridge had any intention of making her an offer just yet. They liked each other very well, and they enjoyed being together. Helene thought that perhaps there was more, because when he kissed her she had felt something stir inside her. Had his kiss been tender rather than punishing, she might have felt that he cared for her. As it was, she was still uncertain.
She danced the last of the evening with Mr Nicholas Bradwell. It was he who was standing with her when the unmasking happened at midnight. Helene smiled and laughed as she removed her own mask.
‘I think we had guessed long since, sir,’ she said. ‘I must admit it has been vastly amusing this evening.’
‘Dancing with you must always be a pleasure,’ he replied with a little bow. ‘Will you be at home if I should call one day this week, Miss Henderson? I thought we might drive out one day.’
‘I am sorry to disappoint you, sir,’ Helene said. ‘I have engagements all this week and some of next. Indeed, I do not have a free morning until Thursday next.’
‘Then perhaps you will engage with me for that morning?’
Helene hesitated, feeling reluctant to commit herself to such an engagement. ‘I am not certain of Miss Royston’s plans,’ she said. ‘Pray let me consult with her and I shall give you my answer when we next meet.’
He looked displeased with her answer, but inclined his head, leaving her as her mother came up to her.
‘Are you ready to leave, Helene?’ Mrs Henderson asked. ‘I think the others have already gone up to retrieve their cloaks.’
‘Then I shall go at once—I should not want to keep Amelia waiting,’ Helene said. She saw that her mother was looking tired, a little anxious perhaps. ‘Is something troubling you, Mama?’