by Anne Herries
He knew her to have spirit and that she could sometimes be provoked to a show of temper. Her reprimand when he had spoken disparagingly of the poet had only made him admire her the more. Helene was not afraid to stand up for what she believed. She seemed to imagine that he was the kind of snob Annesdale could be on occasion, and he wondered how he could convince her that he was no such thing.
If she cared for him, she must see that the matter of her mother’s birth was not important beside the way they felt about each other. Even if it became generally known, which at the moment it was not, it should be easy enough to drop a few hints in society; the fact that one grandfather had been in trade could be balanced by the knowledge that she was also Annesdale’s granddaughter. Max looked grim. Once Helene was his wife, no one would slight her. He would make certain of that!
Would the foolish girl realise that these things were of no importance? Or would he have to take drastic measures to persuade her?
Helene took her time choosing between the books she had borrowed from the library. She did not know what kind of poetry Max preferred, and she was almost sure he would not enjoy the Gothic romance she had brought for Mama. Perhaps he might care for Miss Austen’s work, she thought, and smiled to herself as she took the book upstairs. She knocked at the door of his bedchamber and was invited to enter. Max was sitting propped up in bed, looking annoyed and frustrated, just as Amelia had told her. He was still wearing his breeches, though his shirt had been removed. Amelia had found him a silk dressing robe, which he wore around his shoulders. His frown was replaced by a smile as he saw her.
‘I am once again grateful for your help,’ Max said, a gleam in his eyes. ‘Are you destined to keep saving my life, Helene?’
‘I did nothing of the kind, for I was too late to warn you of the attack,’ Helene said. She was very aware of the bronzed and muscled torso exposed by the opening at the front of the dressing robe. A spasm in her stomach made her uncomfortably aware of the physical reaction the sight of him caused her. Heat was flooding through her body. She swallowed hard, licking her lips with the tip of her tongue. He was so very handsome and masculine! ‘I merely assisted you to Amelia’s house. Her footmen carried you here.’
‘And you both bound my arm to stop the blood,’ Max said. ‘Amelia told me and the doctor said that it had been done very well. I fear I must have ruined your dress.’
‘Well, if you did, we ruined your coat by slitting the sleeve—and it was a particularly fine coat,’ Helene replied. ‘I care nothing for a little blood, sir. Someone has tried to kill you twice now and I find that disturbing. I should be very distressed if this rogue were to succeed next time.’
‘Would you?’ Max’s gaze was intent on her face. ‘I vow it was worth the inconvenience if it has made you aware of me as something more than a friend. You must know that my greatest happiness would be to have you as my wife. I tried to ask you before I left London, but you did not wish me to speak. Have you changed your mind? Will you allow me to make you an offer—not at this moment, but when I am on my feet again?’
‘My lord…’ Helene stared at him. She was so startled that she hardly knew what to say. ‘I did not mean to say that—at least… You must know that I have a high regard for you. I know I told you…I mean…’ She floundered and looked flustered. ‘Well, perhaps I do think more of you than is proper, but it can make no difference. I could not accept an offer of marriage.’
‘Because your mama was the daughter of a tanner—or because Annesdale had the effrontery to say that he would cut me out of his will?’ Max asked and saw her eyes widen in shock. ‘Do you really believe that I care two farthings if your grandfather was in trade? As for Annesdale’s fortune, he may leave it to whomever he desires—I do not need a penny of it! I do care for the man, but not if he persists in such abominable behaviour towards the woman I adore. He is now aware of my feelings and I believe he will not make such a mistake again. Next time you meet, I think you may discover that he wishes to apologise. Foolish Helene! How could you think me so shallow?’
‘Forgive me. I did not at first, but then…’
‘I called that damned poet a Cit and you assumed me to be a snob?’
‘Well…yes, at first, though afterwards I realised that I had been hasty. I should not have spoken to you as I did. Amelia says that it is a term often used, but not necessarily a disparagement.’
‘Unfortunately, too often it is,’ Max admitted ruefully. ‘And I fear I am as guilty as the next man. However that does not mean that I have no friends amongst persons who find their living from trade or that I despise them—and since your father was a gentleman, your grandfather’s trade is too far in the past to be a problem, Helene.’
‘Do you think so? Mama has never forgotten the way she was treated and Lady Annersley said—’
‘That lady is a vixen. She is not well liked, Helene. You should ignore anything she said to you.’
‘Oh…’ Helene’s heart fluttered as she looked into his eyes and saw them flame with passion. ‘Does it truly not trouble you that Mama’s father was a tanner?’
‘Not one jot. I love you and would love you if you were a tinker’s daughter. Nor do I care for the opinions of others. As my wife, you will be accepted by my friends,’ Max told her firmly. ‘Anyone who snubbed my wife would no longer be my friend. I think we should have as much company as we cared for, both in the country and in town.’
‘Oh, but you cannot…’ She shook her head as Max swung his legs over the side of the bed. ‘You must not get up. You may harm yourself.’
‘Come here and sit beside me, then,’ Max said. ‘I want to hold your hand and kiss you. I think it is time I told you how much I love you.’
Helene moved slowly towards him, her heart beating wildly. The shock of seeing him so near to death had broken down her defences. If he did not care that her grandfather came from the lower classes, why should she? She sat next to him on the edge of the bed and he reached for her hand with his uninjured arm.
‘Really, you should not. I ought not to be here. Amelia said it was perfectly proper because you were not well, but I do not think Mama would agree. I fear she would be most shocked…’
The words died in her throat as Max leaned towards her, kissing her softly on the lips. There was such sweetness and tenderness in his kiss that Helene sighed and sat perfectly still, her lips parting as his tongue probed between them. She felt a tingling sensation inside, warmth spreading through her and a joy she had never experienced before.
‘Oh…’ she whispered as he drew back and looked at her. ‘Are you sure?’
‘Perfectly sure, my foolish love.’
‘Mama did not wish me to marry a title.’
‘We must see what we can do to change her mind,’ Max said and held her hand, caressing it with his thumb. His touch set off little butterflies of sensation inside her, making her feel very strange. She wanted to melt into his arms, to be kissed until she could think of nothing else. ‘I shall ask you properly another time, my dearest girl—but you will make me happy, won’t you?’
‘If it is truly your wish,’ Helene replied, looking at him shyly. ‘I have been very unhappy since that evening at Vauxhall, but I could not let you ask me. It would not have been fair or right.’
‘I understand perfectly,’ Max said. ‘It was honourable, but foolish, my love. I knew what was in your mind the moment Annesdale told me what he had said to you.’
‘I should have told you myself. Indeed, it was in my mind that I would do so when you were well again.’
‘I wish you had told me at the start. Promise me there will be no more holding back, Helene. If something upsets you—you must tell me.’
‘I am afraid that the duke will not be pleased if you marry me and allow Mama to visit us—you will allow it?’
‘Of course. She may live with us or have her own home, but she will always be welcome.’
‘Oh, Max…’ Helene’s throat caught. ‘The duke will be so
angry—and you are fond of him.’
‘You may leave the duke to me,’ Max said, such a grim look in his eyes that Helene almost felt sorry for her grandfather. ‘If he wishes to visit us, he must learn to respect you and your mama.’
‘You are so determined—’ Helene stopped as he kissed her once more, her throat tight with emotion. ‘I do care for you very much, my…Max…’
‘That is very much better,’ he said and smiled. ‘I have decided to ask some friends to stay at my country home in two weeks’ time. I think we should announce our engagement in The Times as soon as possible and then we shall go to the country—if the idea pleases you?’
‘Yes, please,’ Helene said. ‘We could leave after Amelia’s masquerade ball. If that is suitable for you?’ She glanced at him uncertainly. ‘You will have to speak to Mama…’
‘I shall as soon as I am on my feet again,’ Max told her and winced, clearly in pain. ‘My arm is still a little sore. Perhaps I should rest for a while.’
‘I shall go and leave you to sleep,’ Helene offered, rising to her feet.
Max lay back against the pillows, his eyes soft with laughter as he looked at her. ‘I would rather you stayed and read to me from that excellent book you brought with you. If it makes you feel easier, you may sit in the chair. I assure you I am not strong enough to ravish you, my love, even if I wished to, and I would much rather you gave yourself to me when you are ready. Love is mutual and should be enjoyed equally by both parties—do you not think so? Now I have made you blush. Read to me and I shall behave—as best I can.’
‘Oh…’ Helene gave him a look of admonishment. ‘You love to tease, Max. I was not sure if you liked Miss Austen’s work?’
‘I think everyone enjoys her stories. I know Prinny is very fond of them,’ Max told her. ‘No, I am not one of the Regent’s set, though we have visited the races at the same time and sat down to cards more than once.’
‘Lie back and rest,’ Helene said and opened the book to begin reading. ‘I have not read Pride and Prejudice yet, but I have been told that it is vastly amusing…’
‘Is it true that you spent almost two hours with Lord Coleridge?’ Mrs Henderson said when she came to Helene’s room that evening. ‘It is all very well to assist in a sick room when someone is injured, but it is improper for a young girl to visit a gentleman’s bedchamber.’
‘I knew you would think so, Mama,’ Helene told her. ‘I assure you that nothing improper took place.’ Well, almost nothing, anyway! ‘Besides, we have an understanding. When Lord Coleridge is better, we shall become engaged. He will announce it in The Times soon and he has invited us to go down to his country house and stay for a while when we leave town.’
‘Coleridge came up to scratch?’ Mrs Henderson looked at her with a mixture of disbelief and dismay. ‘You told me that you had refused him—why did you change your mind? Did you tell him what the duke said to you?’
‘I did not tell him, Mama. However, the duke must have done so, for I believe they have had words,’ she said. ‘However, Max says that he does not care two farthings that Grandfather was a tanner. Nor does he care for Annesdale’s fortune. You are to have a house, if you so choose—but you will always be welcome to stay with us, and we shall visit you. Max says if the duke wishes to know us and our children, he must acknowledge you in public.’
‘Helene…’ Tears stung the lady’s eyes. ‘This is more than I could ever hope for—but are you sure, my love? There will be some who may whisper behind your back—you will be envied your good fortune.’
‘It does not matter,’ Helene said. ‘Max says that anyone who will not accept me will no longer be his friend.’
‘He must truly love you, Helene. You are fortunate, my love.’
‘I know.’ Helene kissed her cheek. ‘Shall you like your own home, Mama—or would you rather live with us?’
‘That would not be right. I should like my own home, though I shall visit often—at least when you are in the country. I do not care for London so very much.’
‘I dare say we shall spend much of our time in the country. You will not insist on a long engagement, I hope? I know Coleridge means to ask you as soon as he is better.’
‘Well, we shall see,’ Mrs Henderson said. ‘But what of these attacks on his life? Amelia says it has happened twice—and you were there both times. What does he mean to do? You can hardly marry until this unfortunate business is cleared up, Helene. You might have been hurt yourself. Lord Coleridge will have to convince me that he is able to protect you before I give my consent. However, I shall consent to take you down to the country, if I am certain he respects you as he ought, I shall allow the marriage to go ahead—perhaps at Christmas.’
‘Coleridge will discuss all the details with you, I am sure. We have only spoken of our plans—he did not feel it appropriate to make me a formal offer in his present situation. I am sure he will do so as soon as he is able.’
‘Yes, I suppose he will,’ Mrs Henderson said and her frown eased a little. ‘I shall be satisfied once I have heard what he has to say—but I suppose I should wish you happy, dearest.’
‘Thank you, Mama,’ Helene said and smiled. ‘I am very happy.’
‘I was a little done up yesterday,’ Max said and kissed Helene’s hand when he took his leave of her the next morning. ‘However, I am much recovered this morning. I could not quite squeeze my arm into the coat my man brought with him, but I may find something a little more accommodating at home. I have things to do—one of them to send a notice to The Times. I shall ask them to announce it the morning after Amelia’s costume ball. We shall let it be known to our friends that evening. By then I am determined to be wearing a decent coat—and to have my ring on your finger.’ He smiled down at her anxious face. ‘Is there any particular stone that you have a fondness for, my love?’
‘I shall love it whatever you choose,’ Helene told him. ‘You are quite sure you are well enough to go home?’
‘Quite sure. I may not call tomorrow—but it will be the day after for certain.’
‘I shall look forward to it,’ she told him. Her grey eyes were still uncertain, deeply thoughtful. ‘You will take care? Two attempts have been made on your life…’
‘I shall be escorted home, by my man, and my groom, also Jemmy,’ Max said, gazing down at her. ‘Do not worry, my love. I promise I shall be safe—and before I walk anywhere again I shall make certain arrangements to protect my back. I am not that easy to dispose of, believe me.’
‘Then I suppose I must let you go,’ Helene said with a reluctant sigh. ‘I shall count the hours until we meet again.’
‘They will seem long to me,’ Max told her and kissed her fingertips. ‘I would stay longer, but I need to be at my lodgings. I have people to talk to, things to arrange. I promise you, nothing will happen to me, my darling.’
‘Go, then,’ Helene said and stood back. ‘I shall not keep you since you wish to leave.’
‘I hope it will not be long before I need never leave you again.’
Helene watched as he left the house, his valet close behind him. It was not likely that the assassin would make another attempt on Max’s life so soon, but she would be uneasy until they were in the country. He had been safe there. His enemy had attacked him soon after his return from the country, so it made sense that whoever the rogue was, he lived in London.
Helene frowned as she wondered who wanted Max dead and why. He had offered no explanation other than saying that it might have been robbery, but Helene did not believe it and she did not think that Max did, either. If he had his own suspicions, he was not sharing them with her.
‘What made you think of it?’ Gerard asked as he shared a bottle of wine with Max after dinner that evening. ‘Do you really think that someone tried to kidnap Amelia last summer because they thought she might marry me?’
‘It occurred to me and it seemed to fit,’ Max told him. ‘We were all staying with Harry at Pendleton. You had paid some att
ention to Amelia at Susannah’s dance—and then again at Pendleton. Someone who was not of our party might have thought you intended to ask her to marry you. Indeed, I wondered myself. I believe you knew her some years ago?’
‘I suppose Harry told you?’ Gerard frowned. ‘I was in love with Amelia when we were younger. I asked her to marry me and I approached her brother. He refused me for reasons he never explained—and when I said that I would not take no for an answer, he set his grooms on me. They bound my hands and then…he took his riding crop to me. Some of the scars remain to this day.’
‘Good grief! The man is a scoundrel! Does Amelia know?’
‘I did not tell her.’ Gerard frowned. ‘He told me that the beating was a gift from her to punish me for my impertinence. Even in my anger and humiliation I did not believe him, but I left a letter for her in our secret place. The letter was found and taken, but she did not meet me as I begged her. I thought that she must wish for our affair to be at an end. It was only later that I wondered if the letter had gone astray. I think Amelia loved me once…though that was long ago and forgotten now.’
‘What had you done to upset her brother?’ Max frowned. ‘Royston is a bore and a bully, but I would not have believed he was capable of such behaviour if you had not told me.’
‘I believed at the time that it must have been because he thought me impertinent to ask for her in marriage,’ Gerard said. ‘My father had near ruined us. If it had not been for a lucky inheritance, the estate might have had to be sold. Yet I would swear there was something more—something more personal to Royston.’
‘You still do not know why he hates you?’
‘I have no idea,’ Gerard said. ‘Unless…I saw something once, but I have never been sure what happened. I shall not tell you, because I prefer not to malign someone if I do not know the whole truth. Royston could have thought I knew more than I did.’