by Anne Herries
Helene looked at the gentleman. His hair was white, his eyes a faded blue, his cheeks lined with age and perhaps illness. However, he stood straight, unbowed, pride in every line of his body. She made him a curtsy while keeping her head high and her expression proud. He nodded, a faint smile in his eyes.
‘Forgive my daughter-in-law, she is very loyal to me and she has a temper, which I think perhaps you have, too, Miss Henderson.’ He was silent for a moment, his gaze intent. ‘You are something like my second wife—your father’s mother…’ Helene gave a little shake of her head, as if in denial. ‘I called on your mother and I have written to you many times. You did not receive any of my letters?’
‘No, sir. I believe my mother may have kept them from me—and I imagine you will understand her feelings in this matter. She has been treated ill by you and others.’
He frowned, but did not reply, going on as if she had not spoken. ‘Your father was my youngest son, but my favourite. I suppose that was why I was so angry when he threw his life away.’
‘By marrying my mother?’
He inclined his head. ‘Yes, by taking a wife who was not of his class.’
Helene was silent for a moment, then, ‘Is a man less for having been born poor, then? My grandfather was one of a family of six boys and five girls. He had nothing but his wits and his hands, but he built a considerable business, which he passed on to his children. My uncle was sent to a good school and is generally thought a gentleman, and my grandmother was the daughter of the younger son of a country squire. I have every reason to be proud of Mama and Grandfather. I shall not hang my head in shame because he happened to be a tanner by trade.’
‘You are very proud. In that you are like me.’
‘Mama’s father was also proud. He did not wish her to marry into a family who would not acknowledge her.’
‘You think we acted unfairly towards your mama?’
‘I am certain of it.’
‘You do not understand. Our family goes back to the Conqueror.’
‘So?’ Helene’s eyes glittered.
‘We could not admit your mother to the family,’ he said heavily. ‘It would not have been acceptable. You may think me hard, but I had no choice. I had my sons to consider, their wives and children. I did not know then that I should lose them all. It is a hard thing for a father to lose all his sons, Helene. I should have died with my grandchildren around me, secure in the knowledge that they would succeed me. I have no one—at least only Sarah. I am grateful for her company. She might have married again, but she has refused to desert me.’
‘That was noble of her.’
‘Ah, you speak bitterly. You are angry because I have told you the truth. I could not lie to you, Helene. If we are to trust one another, we must be honest from the start.’
‘Why should I trust you?’
‘You have little enough reason. I know that your situation is precarious. I could make things so much better for you. If I acknowledge you as my granddaughter, you will make a good marriage. Houses that have not yet been opened to you will receive you. You will inherit most of my disposable fortune when I die—and if your husband is willing to add my name to yours, I will make your children my heirs.’
‘Why would you do this for us now?’ Helene looked at him suspiciously.
‘I offered your mother an income if she would give you up to me as soon as I learned of your father’s death. It was only then that I knew I had a granddaughter.’
‘If she would give me up? You are saying that you want me—but not Mama?’ Helene felt the disgust choking her. ‘She told me of your offer, but I could hardly credit that you would dare to make me such an offer to my face.’
‘I see you do not mince words. I think you get that from me. Your father was honest also. He told me that if I would not accept his wife, he would have nothing to do with me—and he kept his word.’
‘What makes you imagine that I would be less honourable than my father, sir? Why should you think that I would give up my mother for your sake?’
‘You have much to gain—and perhaps even more to lose.’
Helene’s gaze narrowed as she saw the glint in his eyes. ‘Are you threatening me, sir? Mama feared you. She has been in great distress of late and now I understand why.’
‘She has tried to keep you from me. You are my only grandchild, Helene. My only hope of an heir.’
Helene felt the anger rising inside her. ‘Then why did you not offer her a home? I should have come with her and you might have known me as a child. Why did you make her wait in the kitchen while my father spoke to his mama? Why did your family treat her as if she were nothing?’
‘Your mother is a tanner’s daughter. I am a proud man, Helene.’
‘And I am a tanner’s granddaughter.’ Helene raised her head and looked him in the eyes. ‘I am not ashamed of who I am, sir. If I am ashamed of anything, it is that I carry your blood.’
His face went white and he seemed to stagger for a moment, but he righted himself and his eyes were hard. ‘Then you refuse my offer? Your mother would have her own home somewhere in the country, and you have my word that the estate would go to your heirs.’
‘I am not for sale,’ Helene told him proudly. ‘Had you offered us both a home when Papa died, I should have honoured and loved you—but you are despicable. Excuse me, I must leave.’
‘If you go, you may ruin yourself. I know that you have hopes of Lord Coleridge. His father was a proud man. You may not know it, but we are close, almost as father and son. A word from me and your hopes would be at an end. He is distantly related and I had intended that he should inherit the Annesdale estate, though my private fortune would have come to you had you not refused me. Do you imagine he would give that up for the granddaughter of a tanner?’
Helene did not turn her head to look at him. His words were like a dagger thrust into her heart, but she would not allow him to see her pain. He could do his worst—she had already made up her mind that honour must make her walk away from the man who might have brought her so much happiness.
‘Do not go, Helene…’ The duke’s voice held a world of pain. ‘My wretched pride…you are my only hope…’
Helene walked down the corridor and then the stairs. Tilly was sitting in the hall, flirting with one of the footmen.
‘We are leaving,’ Helene said and forced herself to remain calm. ‘I think we should go shopping, for I may not be in town much longer.’
Helene paced the floor of her bedchamber. She felt so angry that she did not know how she would face her friends or her mother. She could not bring herself to tell Mama that she had quarrelled with the duke. Mrs Henderson had done all she could to avoid the confrontation, but Helene had walked straight into it and had behaved recklessly. Her anger had made her speak out and now he would ruin Helene’s chances.
Helene knew that she did not wish to marry any man of her acquaintance save one. That must be at an end! So she would not marry.
Poor Mama! She had not deserved to be treated so scurvily. They would have to return to Uncle Edgar’s house, and her mother would continue to be unhappy.
Helene would have to find work, somewhere they could both live. She knew that she would enjoy working with children as Ann Saunders did. Amelia had spoken of setting up a second home in the country if she could find the right people to take care of the children. Perhaps she would offer the chance to them.
Helene would do most of the work. Her mama could keep accounts and perhaps help with the cooking. It was the only way out of this mess as far as Helene could see.
But first she had to get through this evening. Helene was almost certain that Lord Coleridge had planned the evening for her benefit. It was exactly the kind of thing she loved, but tonight it would be difficult to keep a smile in place. It would be difficult to face Max Coleridge knowing that she had quarrelled with a man he thought of almost as a father. Perhaps the duke had already summoned him? It might be that he would cancel the
outing that evening rather than spend time with her.
Chapter Seven
Helene dressed in a gown of emerald silk that evening. Her maid styled her hair back in a complicated twist, allowing tendrils to fall about her face. Afterwards, Tilly looked at her doubtfully.
‘You are pale tonight, Miss Henderson. Would you like me to apply a touch of rouge to your cheeks?’
‘Thank you, but no,’ Helene said and touched her hand. ‘Do not worry, Tilly. My looks do not matter. You have dressed me most elegantly and I am satisfied with my appearance.’
The ache in her heart had been steadily growing all day, and she thought that the only answer for her pain was that she was indeed in love with Max.
Clearly she could not go on seeing him. Her quarrel with the duke had put an end to any hopes she might have had in regard to Lord Coleridge. Helene was determined to speak to her mama the next day and ask if they could go home. However, she could not bear to give up her last chance to see Max. She would make the most of this evening, and then she would refuse all future invitations from him.
It had been made clear to her that she was not to be allowed her happiness. The duke had sufficient influence with Max Coleridge to put an end to her hopes. Mama had warned her that they were close, but Helene’s temper had led her astray. The quarrel with Annesdale had sealed her fate. Max would not give up friendship and fortune for her sake—nor would it be right to expect it. Helene had believed that he might just accept the fact that her grandfather had been in trade, though his careless remark about Mr Tarleton had made her wonder if she knew him as well as she had thought. She had intended to tell him the truth when they next met and take her chances, but now she saw that a marriage between them would be impossible.
Max dressed with care that evening. He smiled as he used his third neckcloth in an effort to perfect a style he had been toying with for a few days, achieving his aim at last. He looked tolerably well—respectable and wealthy, in the prime of his life. He had a comfortable home in the country and the wherewithal to buy a town house if his chosen bride wished to visit often. Was it enough to tempt her?
Max had come to the conclusion that Miss Helene Henderson was the lady who would best fill the position of his wife. There were other beautiful ladies, some of them heiresses—but none of the others had captured his attention as Helene had. He enjoyed her company, missed her when he did not see her, and he found her very attractive, desirable. He had kissed her on impulse when he rescued her from the apple tree and the fierce hunger that seized him as he held her had surprised him. He was not sure whether his feelings amounted to being in love, for he had never felt more than a passing desire for any other woman. However, he had come to the conclusion that he should ask Helene before someone else stole a march on him.
Vauxhall was an ideal place to propose, because there were many secluded areas. He could draw her aside into a pretty arbour and make his feelings known to her. If she indicated that she would be happy to accept, he would call on her mama the next day.
Smiling because he was relieved to have made a decision, Max added a magnificent diamond stickpin to his cravat and slipped his signet ring on his little finger. This evening would, he believed, settle his future.
Helene smiled apprehensively as Max greeted her. He had called to collect them in his carriage, an impressive vehicle with his family crest emblazoned on the side panels and a team of the most magnificent horses Helene had ever seen. She knew that he was a member of the prestigious Four-in-Hand club, though he was not driving his team himself that evening.
‘You look beautiful,’ Max told her as he handed Helene into the carriage and climbed in beside her. ‘I have been looking forward to showing you Vauxhall. The gardens are lovely at this time of the year, and there are some interesting booths. We may see artists and even playwrights offering their wares for sale, as well as other merchants.’
‘I am looking forward to the fireworks,’ Helene replied, dropping her gaze. He was staring at her in such an intimate way that she could not doubt he meant her to know he liked her very well. If only she had not agreed to meet Lady Annersley! If she had not quarrelled so dreadfully with the duke, she might have gone on as before.
‘Oh, so am I,’ Emily said from the opposite seat. ‘No matter how often I see them, I am charmed.’
Helene nodded and smiled. She would not allow herself to think of the future this evening! If it were to be her last in Max’s company, she would make the most of every second.
Toby Sinclair joined them as they strolled past the booths, glancing at various trinkets displayed for sale. They stopped to glance at some enamelled snuff boxes and scent flasks, and Toby considered buying a fine example of Bristol blue glass, but did not part with his blunt in the end.
It was as they lingered at a booth displaying some rather exquisite miniature paintings done on porcelain, which could be made up into jewellery or set into picture frames, that a gentleman came up to them. Helene had never met him, but she saw at once that the gentlemen all knew each other well. Amelia also seemed to know the newcomer, but Helene could not tell whether she was pleased to see him or not, for her face did not reflect any emotion, though her hands curled into tight balls at her sides for just one moment. In another second she was smiling as she turned to Helene.
‘Helene dearest, may I introduce the Earl of Ravenshead—my lord, this is Miss Helene Henderson. She is staying with me in town.’
‘Delighted,’ the earl said, nodding his head towards Helene. He looked a little puzzled as his gaze returned to Amelia. ‘I have just today arrived in town. Max was good enough to invite me to join you all, for I have no engagements as yet.’
‘I am giving a card party on Saturday,’ Amelia said. ‘Perhaps you would like to join us, sir?’
‘Yes, thank you, I should,’ he replied and arched one eyebrow. ‘I may call before that if you have a free moment. I have something I should like to discuss with you concerning my daughter. Max has been telling me that you are the patroness of an orphanage, Miss Royston. I should be most interested in seeing it.’
‘Yes, of course. You may call tomorrow morning if you wish.’
Somehow they had separated into three couples. Amelia walked a little ahead with the Earl of Ravenshead. Toby Sinclair followed with Emily and Helene walked at Max’s side.
‘You are a little quiet this evening,’ Max said and glanced at Helene’s face. ‘Is something troubling you?’
‘Oh, no, certainly not. I was just thinking of our visit to your orphanage. I very much admire Miss Saunders and my thoughts return often to her and her wonderful work. I think it must be very satisfying to do such work with children—especially those who have come from poor homes.’
‘You are very right. When I first took them there, some of the lads had been starved and beaten, forced to do work that even a grown man would find tiring. It is unbelievable what some masters expect of their apprentices. I think the boys find it difficult to believe that their new life isn’t just a dream.’
Helene nodded. ‘I dare say it must seem that way to them. With an education behind them, they will find it much easier to gain employment of a more congenial kind when they are older.’
‘We shall have clerks and bankers, and tailors—perhaps even the new prime minister,’ Max said, laughter in his eyes.
‘I do not think it likely, though of course there is no good reason why not,’ Helene said. ‘Though I believe such honours go more usually to a more privileged class.’ She arched her brows at him.
‘Do I detect a note of disapproval in your voice?’ Max looked at her, gaze narrowed. ‘I know there are rotten boroughs where the rich and influential bribe people to vote for their candidate, and of course my seat in the House of Lords is hereditary—but I think on the whole we are honest and well meaning, even if we make mistakes.’
‘I did not mean to question such privilege,’ Helene said. ‘I dare say there is nothing wrong with it, providing someone do
es not abuse their position. However, I have often wondered why a lady may not vote or stand for a seat in parliament.’
‘Have you indeed?’ Max chuckled deep in his throat. ‘I see you are a radical, Helene—but I shall not harangue you with all the reasons why it would not work. Perhaps if you invited ladies of like mind to your salon, you could bring about the changes you desire.’
Helene’s cheeks flushed. ‘I did not say that I wished to change things, sir—only that I have wondered why it is so. Besides, I do not think that I shall ever be in a position to have a salon of my own.’
‘Do you not?’ Max’s gaze was soft as it dwelled on her face. ‘I believe it might be arranged quite easily if your husband chose to help you—and I am sure that a liberal-minded man would not object to his wife taking an interest in politics and good works. I know that I should not.’
‘Oh…’ Helene’s gaze flew to his face. What she saw there made her heart race. He was going to speak. She was certain he was about to propose to her. He must not! She had to stop him somehow! ‘But I do not intend to marry.’ The words were out before she could stop them, falling over themselves in an effort to save them both embarrassment. ‘I have decided that I shall find myself a position similar to that of Miss Saunders and devote my life to looking after deprived children.’
Max’s eyes narrowed; the laughter was gone from his face. Helene felt as if a knife had struck her in the heart as she saw his expression become closed, a little angry, hurt—even offended. She almost wished the words unspoken, but knew that this was how it must be. The duke hated her now. He would certainly forbid the marriage even if she agreed to it.
‘Are you sure that is your wish?’ Max asked in a careful, guarded tone. ‘You must know that as the wife of a wealthy man who cared for you, you could help children by giving them your patronage—as well as other things that might be near to your heart.’