by Anne Herries
‘What do you mean?’ Helene tried to break away from him, but his grip was too strong. ‘Let me go! Who are you? Why do you say such a wicked thing?’
His grip tightened so that she cried out in pain. ‘I told you to listen. You must break off this engagement or you may be the next.’
Helene struggled, but she might not have been able to break away from him had someone not come out on to the terrace at that moment.
‘Miss Henderson…is that you?’ Toby’s voice called.
‘Remember, I shall give only this one warning,’ the man hissed in her ear. Then he let go of her and made off across the lawns.
Helene sighed and swayed slightly. Toby was at her side in an instant.
‘Who was that fellow? Did he threaten you?’
Helene breathed deeply. ‘It was a mistake. I thought it was you and told him I needed a little air. We came out and…but he has gone and you are here. Shall we have what remains of our dance?’
‘Damned fellow!’ Toby growled. ‘These affairs are all very well, but not when some rogue threatens a lady. Shall I go after him and give him a thrashing?’
‘No, please do not cause a fuss,’ Helene said. ‘Let us go back inside. I should have made certain it was you before I came out. Thank you for coming in search of me, sir.’
‘You are very welcome. You must know that I am always at your service should you need me.’
‘Thank you, I shall not forget your kindness,’ Helene said.
She tried to dismiss the incident, but it was difficult; the pirate’s words had frightened her—not for herself, but for Max. She was confused and distressed, but determined not to show it. However, the threat was serious and she must speak to Max as soon as possible.
Helene wished that she had not gone to the terrace with the pirate. His threats had spoiled the evening, even though she tried not to let her unease show as she went to join Max.
‘Is something wrong?’ Max asked as he sensed her agitation.
‘I have something I must tell you…’ She glanced over her shoulder. ‘This is not the right place or the time, but it is important.’
‘Something has happened?’ She nodded. ‘Tell me now, Helene.’
‘I have been warned not to marry you.’
‘Damnation! Who said such a thing to you?’
‘I do not know who he was, for he wore a mask, but he said that if I did not break off my engagement I should be a widow before I was a wife.’ Helene caught his arm, her eyes dark with emotion. ‘I am sure he meant his threat, Max, though I do not know why he threatened me.’
‘You have told no one else?’
‘No, of course not. It was a little frightening, but Toby came and the man ran off.’
‘You did not know him?’
‘He was wearing the costume of a pirate. I thought he was Toby, but then he grabbed my arm and said…horrible things. Who could it be—and why does he wish to stop our marriage?’
‘I have a good idea…’ He shook his head. ‘It is best if you do not know for the moment. Tell me, Helene—do you wish to break off the engagement in the circumstances?’
‘No. If he wants you dead, he will try to kill you whether or not we are married—unless you…?’
‘No, of course not. We shall not give him the satisfaction, Helene. I suspected something like this might happen and I am prepared for it, but I did not expect it to happen so quickly.’ Max frowned, hesitated, then, ‘I do not think you are in danger for the moment, Helene—and I think we have no choice but to carry on as if nothing had happened.’
‘You will take care, Max?’
‘Of you and myself,’ he replied and smiled. ‘Will you trust me, my love?’
‘Yes, of course,’ she said. ‘But Mama must not know anything of this or she will say we must abandon the wedding.’
‘Mrs Henderson must certainly not be told—the fewer who know anything at all the better.’
Helene found it impossible to sleep as she tossed and turned on her pillow later that night. The pirate had told her she must break off her engagement to Max or he would die—but two attempts had already been made on his life. She was relieved to have told Max and he had taken the news in his stride. Indeed, he seemed to have been expecting something of the sort.
Who was his enemy and why did he want Max dead? Helene wished that Max had told her more, but she knew he was playing his cards close to his chest. All she could do was wait and pray that he would be safe.
Helene slept at last and it was past eleven in the morning when her maid woke her. She ate a light breakfast and then dressed, ready for the journey to Max’s estate. They could not accomplish the whole journey by nightfall and were to stay at a good posting hotel for one night. In the rush of making sure that everything had been packed into her trunks, Helene had no time to think about the previous evening.
She took a lingering farewell of Amelia, hugging her and wishing her well. ‘Thank you so very much for everything,’ she said, tears stinging her throat. ‘You have been the best friend anyone could ever have.’
‘You have been a delight,’ Amelia told her. ‘I look forward to your wedding, my dear.’
Emily came forward to kiss Helene on the cheek. ‘I shall miss our walks and the conversations we had,’ she said. ‘I, too, look forward to your wedding.’
‘You must come and stay with us sometimes,’ Helene said and hugged her tightly. ‘You have been a real friend, Emily. Please write to me when you have time.’
‘Of course I shall, but you must go. I am sure that I heard the carriage pull up a moment ago.’ She smiled as the doorknocker sounded. ‘Lord Coleridge has arrived.’
Helene went to greet Max as he was admitted, giving him a searching look, but he only smiled and kissed her cheek.
‘You look beautiful, my love.’
‘Max…we must talk. I have been anxious.’
‘Believe me, there is no need. Everything is in hand.’
Mrs Henderson came up then, looking expectant. The last goodbyes were said with thanks expressed to the servants, and then they were outside on the pavement. Max handed both ladies inside his travelling carriage, and then climbed in himself, tapping the roof with his stick to let the coachman know that they were ready to leave.
‘Well, this is very comfortable, Coleridge. You looked a little concerned just now, Helene—is anything the matter?’
‘Nothing at all, Mama,’ Helene said. ‘I was merely apologising for having so many trunks and bags.’
‘And I was assuring Helene that my grooms will bring everything on the baggage coach,’ Max said smoothly. ‘As for having too many trunks, my love, I am sure your mama will agree that a lady can never have too many pretty clothes. I dare say we shall have twice as many when we return from Paris.’
‘You will spoil her, Coleridge!’ Mrs Henderson said and looked satisfied. ‘Well, I dare say I may leave everything to you now. It is amazingly pleasant to have a gentleman to take care of one.’
‘And I intend to take good care of both you and Helene,’ Max told her with a smile. ‘I think we should send out invitations to the wedding almost at once, do you not agree? A month is not so very long after all.’
Mrs Henderson’s attention was immediately turned to all the preparations, and she passed the first of several miles happily discussing the various dinners, receptions and the dance that was to be held just before the wedding at Coleridge House.
Helene allowed her mama to talk, smiling at Max as he answered all Mrs Henderson’s questions patiently, and occasionally glancing out of the window.
It was just after they left London that a curricle moving at speed came up behind them and then overtook them, passing so close to their carriage that the wheels almost touched. Helene caught a glimpse of the man driving, but it was impossible to see much of his face, for he wore a black hat pulled low over his face and a muffler that covered his mouth and nose.
‘Damned idiot!’ Max remarked and looked out
of the window at the back of the curricle as it disappeared into the distance. ‘Why must people be in such a hurry?’
‘Some people have no manners,’ Mrs Henderson said. ‘He could easily have caused an accident.’
‘My coachman had the sense to pull over to the side of the road and let him pass,’ Max said with a slight frown. ‘Besides, the coach is heavier and more substantial than that light rig. He must have come off the worst, and I dare say he knew it.’
Helene studied Max’s face. A little pulse was flicking at his temple. She had a feeling that he was more concerned about the incident than he would allow. They had been in no danger, because the curricle had been too light to inflict substantial damage on their coach. However, something had made Max thoughtful, for he was silent for several minutes, clearly deep in thought. Had they been alone, Helene would have asked what was concerning him, but she did not wish to alarm her mama. Mrs Henderson had taken it as the thoughtlessness of a careless driver, but Helene could not help wondering if the driver of the curricle had hoped to cause an accident.
They stopped for the night at a prestigious posting inn. Helene and her mama were immediately shown to their rooms and Mrs Henderson declared that she would rest for a while before supper.
‘I shall come down to the private parlour in half an hour,’ she said. ‘You should not go down too soon, Helene. It will not do for you to be alone with Max in a public place. I know you are engaged, but you must still observe the niceties of polite behaviour, dearest.’
‘Yes, Mama. Do not worry, I shall do nothing to arouse censure,’ Helene promised. However, she took no more than ten minutes to tidy herself before going down to the parlour. As she had expected, Max was already there.
‘I wished for a moment alone before Mama came down,’ she said. ‘I hope you do not think it improper in me?’
‘You could never do anything improper in my eyes,’ he told her with a warm smile. ‘You are worried about the incident in the carriage?’
‘Do you think it might be him—the man who threatened me?’
‘It is possible—even probable. He may have wished to cause an accident or perhaps just frighten us.’
‘Who can it be?’
‘I am not yet certain, though I believe I know what is going on. Forgive me, dearest. Believe me when I say it may be best for you not to know.’ He took her hands, gazing down at her intently. ‘You must not let this overset you. I promise that all will be well.’
‘He shall not prevail,’ Helene said and raised her head proudly. ‘I am not afraid for myself, Max—but you must know that any threat against you distresses me.’
‘Yes, it must,’ he said, his expression grave. ‘If a threat were made against you, I should be anxious. He did not threaten you?’
‘No, at least only vaguely,’ Helene replied, not meeting his eyes.
‘Damn him!’ Max was angry. ‘Something about that rig made me feel I should know the driver, though he had made sure to hide his face. I have a feeling that that curricle belongs to someone I know.’ His gaze narrowed. ‘If I thought you were in danger, I would call the wedding off until the rogue has been caught and punished.’
Helene moved towards him, her expression urgent. ‘I am not afraid of him, Max. I was startled when he threatened me, but I shall be alert from now on. I believe that our wedding angers him. The thought of your marriage might be enough to bring him out of the shadows. It may be that you can turn the tables, use it against him in some way.’
‘That would mean a certain amount of risk on your part, but if the rogue is who I think he is, he will be watched constantly. If you have any doubts, please tell me now, for I do not wish to distress you, my love.’
‘If this person believes he has his way he will take his time and perhaps strike when you have relaxed your guard—but if he feels that time is short he may grow careless in his urgency. Besides, why should we sacrifice our happiness?’
‘You are very brave,’ Max said, reaching out to touch her cheek with his fingertips. I am sorry that you should have been exposed to two attempts on my life.’
‘I am glad I was there for the first time, you might not have noticed the man with the pistol,’ Helene told him. ‘However, I must ask you to keep even the merest hint of danger from Mama. She would insist on postponing the wedding if she thought I might be in danger.’
‘She would be anxious for you and rightly so,’ Max said. ‘It will be much better if she knows nothing—I think she might unconsciously betray us if she were aware of what may happen.’ He tipped her chin to look at her. ‘You realise that this rogue may try anything to ruin our plans?’
‘Yes, Max,’ she said and raised her eyes to his. ‘I know that he will try to thwart us if he can.’
‘But we shall not let him?’
‘Certainly not!’
Max laughed softly, and then bent his head to kiss her on the lips. For a moment he held her close, the kiss becoming hungry, demanding. Helene felt as if she were melting into his body, becoming one with him. It was a blissful sensation and she pressed herself closer. They were both breathing hard when he released her.
‘Forgive me,’ Max said. ‘I should not have done that here, for someone might have walked in on us, but I could not resist. You are one of the bravest ladies I know and I adore you.’
‘So I should hope,’ Helene said and laughed up at him. ‘It is quite expected of new husbands, you know—though in some instances it does not last too long.’
Max arched his brows. ‘I hope that does not mean you will tire of me too soon?’
‘No, sir—it means that I accept that some gentlemen tire of marriage. I hope that you will not be one of them, and I shall do my best to make sure that you prefer your wife’s bed to that of a mistress.’
‘Helene?’ Max’s eyes danced with mischief. ‘Do you think that quite a proper statement for a young lady of quality?’
‘I dare say it is most improper,’ Helene replied demurely. ‘However, it is the truth—I think that marriage is more than the exchange of contracts and duty. I hope for a lifelong love match.’
‘That is exactly my own wish,’ Max said. ‘I think I need to k—’
His words were lost as the door opened and Mrs Henderson entered. ‘Ah, there you are, Helene,’ she said. ‘I went to your room, but as you were not there thought I should find you here.’
‘You are just in time, ma’am,’ Max replied. ‘I believe our supper should be here at any moment.’
Helene met his eyes, a tingle of pleasure running through her as she saw the reflection of his desire. She knew that he wanted to kiss her again and she felt his frustration. It was difficult for a young lady to be alone with her fiancé in society, but perhaps when they reached Coleridge it might be possible sometimes.
They reached Max’s estate in the early afternoon the next day. Grooms came running to help with the horses and open the door when the carriage pulled to a halt. By the time Max had helped Helene and her mama to alight, the front door was opened and a welcoming party of servants came out to greet them.
A lady dressed all in black apart from a neat white collar came forward and dipped a curtsy. ‘I am Mrs Hale, the housekeeper at Coleridge House,’ she said. ‘We are delighted to have you here, Miss Henderson—Mrs Henderson.’
‘Thank you,’ Helene said and smiled at her. ‘We are very pleased to be here.’
‘May I introduce you to the servants, Miss Henderson? This is Hale, our butler and my husband, your own personal maid, Vera, the parlourmaids, Jenny, Susan, Jane and Millie. The upper footman Jenkins, his under footmen, Rawlings, Phillips…’
Helene was taken along a line of smiling men and women who all inclined their heads and murmured something about being pleased to see her. Obviously, they had been told she was their master’s fiancée and were eager to welcome her. She tried hard to memorise their names but knew she might forget one or two until she became accustomed to their faces. However, she would not f
orget Vera, who was to be her own maid.
‘Shall I take the ladies up now, sir?’ Mrs Hale asked Max as he stood watching benevolently. ‘Or would you wish for refreshment to be served immediately?’
‘I would think the ladies would prefer to see their rooms first,’ Max said. ‘Shall we say half an hour?’
‘That will be much better,’ Mrs Henderson said. ‘Come along, Helene. I am anxious to change this gown for a fresh one after so much travelling.’
‘Yes, Mama.’
Helene followed her mama, listening as the housekeeper talked about the house and how good it was to see it come to life again now that the master was home from the wars.
‘We thought at one time that he might settle elsewhere,’ she said. ‘It will be good to have a party of guests again…and to see his lordship happily settled at last.’ Mrs Hale looked at Helene with approval. ‘I do my best here, but the house needs a mistress.’
‘A house like this needs a great deal of order,’ Mrs Henderson said. ‘However, I must say that it looks just as it ought.’
‘His lordship put the repairs needed in order some months ago. He has spoken of further improvements, but I dare say he was waiting for the right time. Colour schemes are sometimes the better for a lady’s eye—would you not say so, ma’am?’
Helene did not join in the conversation. She was too busy looking about her at what was to be her new home. Coleridge House was a fine building of pale yellowish brick, with long-paned windows and three storeys. From what she had seen so far, the décor was both stylish and comfortable, which was not always easy to achieve. However, the entrance hall and staircase were not enough to judge the whole. She was curious to see the room she had been given, and when she was shown into a suite of three rooms, all of which were decorated in shades of green, white and gold, she thought them luxurious.