Читать книгу The Untamed Heiress - Julia Justiss - Страница 13

THE YOUNG LADY, WHO HAD pale blond curls and her brother’s warm green eyes, turned to her. “Of course he does! I’m Charis, Lord Darnell’s sister. Let me escort you out of this confusion while Adam attends to Bellemere.”

There was no mistaking the sincerity of the girl’s tone. Prepared to offer a waspish reply, Helena was left with nothing to say. A gratitude she didn’t want to feel warmed her chest and angrily she blinked back tears.

Promising herself she would exit this dwelling as soon as possible and make her way back to Mr. Pendenning’s office, Helena let the girl escort her into the parlor.

“Please, will you not sit? Though I shouldn’t wonder at your wishing to bolt for the door, thinking you’d arrived at a house out of bedlam!”

There seeming nothing else to do; Helena took a chair.

“Let me apologize for so appalling a welcome,” Miss Darnell continued as she seated herself. “Lady Darnell has the sweetest of temperaments, but a very nervous disposition that sometimes overwhelms her—and she has been beside herself all afternoon with impatience for your arrival. Pray, do pardon her! When she recovers, she will be mortified at having made such a scene.”

Not sure what she should answer, Helena simply nodded.

“Should you like some tea? We didn’t know whether you would be hungry when you arrived.”

“Mr. Pendenning gave me refreshments at his office.”

“Are you tired, then? Adam said you had a very long journey—from Cornwall, was it? Oh, but here I am, chattering on when you must be wishing only to rest until dinner. Shall we go upstairs, then?”

Not sure she could bear an interview with the “recovered” Lady Darnell, Helena knew she should take her leave immediately. But the short nap at Mr. Pendenning’s office had refreshed her very little. The idea of having a place to temporarily lay her head held such appeal she was not able to refuse it.

“I should like to rest,” she admitted.

“Let me take you up straightaway, then. Adam is the most delightful of brothers,” Miss Darnell continued as they left the room and began mounting the stairs, “but he is a man.” Miss Darnell glanced back at Helena with a mischievous look. “I’ve often longed for a sister. Oh, I do hope we shall become great friends!”

Though Helena returned her gaze searchingly, once again she could read nothing but sincerity in the girl’s open manner and friendly smile. Too weary to worry over the matter any further, she entered the bedchamber to which Miss Darnell conducted her, conscious only of the clarion call of sleep.

“Ring the bell when you’re ready and a maid will escort you back downstairs,” Miss Darnell said as she pulled the curtains closed. “Now, rest well, for I warn you, when you join us again, I shall be full of questions!”

To which, Helena thought as she sank gratefully down on a bed as soft as Lord Darnell had promised, she was not sure she had any answers acceptable for the ears of a sheltered young maiden.

THOUGH HELENA HAD INTENDED only to close her eyes for a few moments, when she reached consciousness again, she was dismayed to find the room in almost total darkness. She sprang up, a little fear darting through her. If what happened in the next few minutes solidified her determination to leave, would she be able to find her way back through the tangle of streets to Mr. Pendenning’s office? Would anyone even be there at such an hour?

Before she could decide whether or not to tug the bellpull, her chamber door opened and a maid peeped in.

Spotting Helena standing by the bed, the girl bobbed a curtsey. “Begging your pardon, miss, but mistress wished me to see if you was awake yet. The ladies be waiting for you downstairs. If ye be ready, I’ll show you the way.”

“Mistress” presumably being Lady Darnell, Helena hesitated. She might as well get the meeting over with. If ’twas unpleasant…well, she’d already determined to leave. But she would do so properly, after expressing her gratitude to Mama’s cousin for her courtesy—not sneaking out like a prisoner breaking parole.

Mentally armoring herself for the confrontation, Helena followed, then paused on the threshold while the girl announced her. Taking a deep breath, she walked in.

She found Charis Darnell sitting on the sofa beside her mother’s cousin. Before Helena could utter a word, Lady Darnell jumped up and hurried to her.

“My dear Helena, please forgive me! My wretched nerves. I had worked myself into such a state waiting for Adam to return with you that when I perceived you at last, such a look of poor Diana about you, I was quite overcome!” Lady Darnell held out her hands. “Please tell me you’ll pardon an old woman’s foolishness and let us start over.”

Hesitantly, Helena offered her hands. To her surprise, the woman seized them and pulled her into a hug.

The soft brush of blond curls against her cheek…a scent of roses…the warmth of a rounded female form holding her close…All these touched something deep within her, flooding her with memories of a loving embrace.

After a moment of shocked surprise, Helena returned the pressure of the older woman’s arms. She clung fiercely to Lady Darnell, the contact fulfilling a craving for closeness she was only just realizing she possessed.

After several moments Lady Darnell loosened her grip and moved Helena to arm’s length, gazing with loving intensity at her face. “You do have the look of Diana about you,” she said softly.

“Do I? I always thought I looked nothing like her. I am so dark and she was fair, like you.”

“’Tis not so much coloring as in the way you carry yourself, your profile, the tilt of your chin.”

Still not quite sure she dared believe it, Helena said, “You do want me to live with you, Lady Darnell?”

“More than anything! But ‘Lady Darnell’ makes me sound like some sort of forbiddingly strict chaperone, which I assure you I do not intend to be. Adam and Charis call me Bellemere, after…something French, I believe.”

“‘Belle-mère’—stepmother,” Helena supplied. “Or ‘beautiful mother,’ which is even more appropriate.”

Lady Darnell dimpled with pleasure. “How sweet of you, child! I’m glad to see Diana taught you something of languages before she…” Coloring a little, Lady Darnell rushed on. “Well, I do not doubt it, for she was very clever! When we were girls, I always looked on your mama like a sister. I would be very pleased if you would call me ‘Aunt Lillian.’”

“You must call me Charis and I hope you will let me call you Helena,” Lord Darnell’s sister said as she came to join them. “We are so thrilled to have you here.”

Amazingly, it seemed they really did want her—despite her ungainly form and unattractive face, her mangled hand and tangled hair.

Mama had been right after all.

Swallowing the lump that clogged her throat, Helena at last managed to reply, “I should be honored to call you Aunt Lillian and Charis.”

“Good, that’s settled!” Charis said. “My brother shall be Adam, but I don’t expect we’ll see much of him. Once Bellemere announced her intention to summon an army of linen drapers, bonnet makers, cobblers, dressmakers, hairdressers, glove makers and such, he told us he expected to be frightfully busy for at least a month!” She grinned at Helena. “Sit down and let us start planning.”

“Yes, please do,” Aunt Lillian said as she led Helena to the sofa and took the seat beside her. “I had Cook hold dinner, not knowing when you would wake. While it is prepared, you must tell us what you wish to do.”

It had been so long since anyone had asked Helena what she wanted that for a moment she was too surprised to reply. A rush of gratitude filling her, she said, “Since I know virtually nothing of how to conduct myself in Society, I shall need you to teach me. I should like tutors, too, for the pianoforte and history and literature and all those subjects I have not been able to study since Mama left. Of course, I wish to have gowns and shoes and all such necessities made up as soon as possible.

“But first, I waited so very long to be reunited with my mother, only to discover I will never see her again. Please, Aunt Lillian, would you tell me about Mama? Everything you remember, from the very beginning!”

Lady Darnell gave her a tremulous smile. “Of course, my dear. We first met when Diana just five years old…”

AFTER HIS STEPMOTHER’S disastrous reaction to Helena Lambarth, Adam had borne the afflicted woman to her bedchamber. Leaving her maid to minister to her, he’d hurried back downstairs to be told by the butler that both Charis and Miss Lambarth had retired to rest until dinner. Realizing there was nothing further he could do for the moment, Adam headed for the library.

Although Helena appeared to better account in the blue gown than she had in the rag she had been wearing when he’d first cast eyes on her, the impression she made was still startling. Lady Darnell’s fainting fit was his own damn fault, he acknowledged with a gusty sigh as he sat behind his desk. He should have anticipated such a strong reaction from his sensitive relation and, while waiting at the lawyer’s office for Helena to have her dress fitted, sent his stepmother a warning.

Too late for that now. Still, he knew Lady Darnell’s desire to take in the girl was heartfelt and genuine. Hopefully once over the cataclysmic shock of meeting Helena, she would deal better with her.

He certainly hoped so, for otherwise he had no idea what he would do with her. Though he’d promised her a warm welcome, he could hardly insist that his stepmother care for someone she held in abhorrence. Nor could he, in good conscience, send the girl away to live alone in London.

Pushing that worry aside, he opened his account books to tackle the more immediate problem of finding somewhere the money to make the repairs his agent had written were essential for the tenants at Claygate Manor.

His humor soured further as he played that financial shell game. Several hours later, after resolving the matter as best he could for the moment—and promising himself he would look into the courting of Miss Standish with all speed—he closed the ledgers and headed to the parlor to see if his stepmother had recovered enough to present herself for dinner.

Pausing on the threshold, he spied the three ladies on the sofa, Miss Lambarth and Charis sitting to either side of his stepmother and leaning toward her as she spoke.

“Lord Lambarth pursued your mama from the moment she appeared at her first ball,” Lady Darnell was saying. “Diana liked him well enough…until Gavin Seagrave arrived halfway through the Season. Oh, the look on her face when she saw him—and he her! I was standing right beside her, and knew with dismaying certainty that very instant that theirs would be a Fatal Passion!”

“Why dismayed?” his sister asked. “The Seagraves are connected to an earldom, are they not?”

Adam shifted his gaze to Helena. Her lips parted in a half smile, her eyes glowing, her whole face and body radiated the dynamic intensity that had struck him when she smiled at him in the lawyer’s office. A vibrancy so luminous one actually did not notice the thinness of her face and frame.

But more than that, she looked happy. A deep sense of satisfaction settled in his gut and he offered a swift prayer of thanks that despite their inauspicious beginning, the ladies were obviously now on cordial terms.

Quietly he retraced his steps. Since he was promised to dine at his club anyway, he’d leave Helena to bask in Lady Darnell’s memories of her mother and consult his stepmother about her future later.

HALF AN HOUR LATER, Adam entered White’s. His return from the army was still recent enough that several gentlemen, former Oxford mates or London acquaintances whom he’d not yet seen, came up to greet him, slowing his progress to the dining room where his best friend Bennett Dixon awaited him.

Dix rose and tossed down his newspaper as Adam approached. “At last! I’d about given you up!”

After shaking his friend’s hand, Adam threw himself into the chair opposite. “Sorry. I was skirmishing with the account books and lost track of time.”

Beckoning to a waiter, Dix nodded. “Devil of a job, bookkeeping. Hope you won the battle.”

“Barely. Johnson wrote informing me that the roof of the dining parlor at Claygate leaks. Not wishing to scare off the new tenants who will soon arrive, ’tis imperative to repair it. I can’t afford to lose the rent.” Sighing, he shook his head. “And to think, I used to believe all I need do was get my carcass back to England before some Frog dragoon skewered it, and all would be well.”

After ordering dinner, Dix looked back at Adam, sympathy in his gaze. “A bloody shame, your father wasting away as he did. Stands to reason everything went awry, with no hand on the helm for so many years.”

“Enough bleating about finances. Let me tell you the most exceptional news.” After pausing to sip his wine, Adam recounted the circumstances behind the arrival of Helena Lambarth. “So,” he concluded, “after collecting her from the lawyer a few hours ago, I conveyed her home.”

“How old did you say she is?”

Adam swallowed another sip. “Twenty.”

“Twenty! And unmarried?” Dix’s eyes immediately brightened. “Is she attractive?”

Adam recalled the response she’d briefly sparked in him. Still, he could hardly describe her as a Beauty. “I doubt she’ll ever be accounted a Diamond, though I’m confident her appearance can be improved. You see—” he glanced around to confirm that no one was near enough to overhear “—the poor girl has been ill-nourished and badly treated. Indeed, my stepmother about had palpitations when she first saw her. However, learning that she must assist the chit in acquiring a complete new wardrobe soon rallied Bellemere’s spirits. We don’t yet know whether the girl will wish or be able to go about in Society, so don’t mention her existence to anyone just yet.”

Dix nodded. “You can rely on my discretion.” After suspending the conversation while their waiter served dinner, he continued, “No wonder you’re in a pucker, having this additional charge placed on your income.”

Adam chuckled. “Not a bit! Apparently the chit has been left quite a lot of money, which she insists upon using to purchase her own kit. Rather an…independent sort,” he said, having difficulty finding words to adequately convey Helena’s unusual essence.

“An heiress, eh? Maybe I need to take a look! Unless you have an interest there yourself.”

Dismissing the brief flare of warmth that question generated, Adam laughed outright. “Heavens, no! Even if I did, ’twould hardly be fitting, with her practically my ward. Nor would I encourage you to dangle after her. Helena’s father treated her with such severity that, at the moment, she’s very wary of men. No, the solution to my financial woes will have to come from some other quarter. In fact, I have someone in mind and wish your opinion.”

Dix nodded. “Hate to see anyone forced into leg shackles, but one can’t allow the family holdings to be sold off. So, who is the heiress you’re considering?”

“Miss Priscilla Standish.”

Din gave a low whistle. “Setting your sights rather high! Rumor says Miss Standish has refused a number of eligible offers these last few Seasons. Don’t know the chit myself—I don’t run in the elevated circles her family frequents! Her parents are said to be regular Tartars, especially the mother, but since the girl’s fortune exceeds that of any other maiden in the Marriage Mart, I suppose they can be particular. What makes you think you’ve a chance to win this female Golden Ball?”

Adam shrugged. “We were neighbors growing up. She always had a fondness for me.”

“A childhood attachment—that’s an advantage no other contender can boast,” Dix approved. “That might do it, for even the officious Mrs. Standish can’t fault your breeding. And the chit’s fortune is certainly large enough to offset your lack of one. Am I to wish you happy, then?”

Adam laughed. “That would be a bit premature! I’ve not even called on her yet, and I haven’t seen her in years. She, or Mrs. Standish, may show me the door—for being the fortune hunter I am.” Adam feared his light tone wouldn’t entirely mask his bitterness at being forced into that role.

“It isn’t ‘fortune hunting’ when the suitor is well-born, handsome and of superior character!” his friend returned loyally.

“Thank you,” Adam replied, the sting slightly eased. “But ’tis what I am for all that. Still, if I can steel myself to perform my duty with dispatch, I may be able to provide enough of a dowry that Charis, at least, will not have to concern herself with finances when ’tis her turn to choose a mate. And it will be satisfying to see Darnell land restored to what it was in my grandfather’s day.”

Dixon nodded again. “Might as well look to the positive. So, when do you begin the siege?”

“Tomorrow. In the meantime, though, I must postpone the trip to the card room I promised you earlier and return to consult Lady Darnell about our new houseguest.”

Their meal finished, the two friends stood and shook hands. “Let me know if there is anything I can do to help,” Dix offered. “And promise me I’ll be the first to meet your mysterious guest, once you judge it possible!”

“You’ll be bid to her very first dinner.” Running through his mind one more time a vision of Helena as she appeared at the lawyer’s office, he added, “But don’t expect the invitation anytime soon!”

AFTER RETURNING FROM WHITE’S, Adam went in search of his stepmother. After discovering she was in her sitting room, he proceeded to the door and begged leave to enter.

Lady Darnell greeted him from the secretary, where she’d been writing notes. To his relief, her eyes were bright, her cheeks their normal pink hue, and her smile welcoming. Apparently she had recovered from the distress occasioned by her first glimpse of Miss Lambarth.

He walked over to kiss her hand. “You are looking much better than when I left you, dear ma’am. I’m so sorry to have foisted Miss Lambarth on you unprepared.”

“And I must apologize for acting such a looby! I didn’t mean to be so hen-hearted. ’Tis only that I was horrified to see how badly she had been neglected.” As she said the words, tears welled up again in her eyes.

Adam patted the hand he still held, his concern for her returning. “Are you sure you wish to undertake her care? You are in no way bound to do so, you know. ’Tis not a frightened child we are talking about, who could be cosseted and tucked away in the schoolroom, but a young woman who, by right of birth, ought to be out in Society. Given her total lack of preparation for such a thing, it seems impossible that she could be schooled in the proper behavior by the start of this Season. You spent years at Papa’s bedside. I would not have you exile yourself from Society again. We can hire tutors for Miss Lambarth.”

Dashing her tears away with one hand, Lady Darnell shook her head. “Turn the poor child over to strangers, when she’s just found her family? Certainly not! If I could bear standing by, watching your dear papa dwindle into a shriveled husk of the man he’d once been, I can tolerate Helena’s appearance now. Despite all that she went through, she is a bright, clever girl. She will learn how to get on quickly enough, and with proper nourishment, her looks should improve. Her mama was quite the beauty.”

“If anyone can make her appear to best advantage, ’tis you!” Adam said, encouraged by Lady Darnell’s assessment. “Still, as you know far better than I, the rules of the ton can be a trap for the unwary. I shouldn’t wish you to suffer for the social lapses that she will inevitably make, inexperienced as she is.”

Lady Darnell waved a hand. “One of the benefits of age, my dear, is the freedom to ignore the opinions of Society. My friends, who will all know her circumstances, will understand, and I care nothing for the rest. That is, as long as you and Charis aren’t embarrassed by it.”

“Since I have no doubt that Charis will capture some discerning gentleman’s affections long before Helena is ready to make her appearance, and I may be on my way to being settled myself, you needn’t worry on our account. I only wish to make sure you are assuming this burden not out of a sense of duty, but because you truly wish to.”

It was a testament to his stepmother’s absorption with Helena Lambarth that she didn’t immediately task him for details of how he meant to get “settled.” Oblivious to all else, she continued, “’Twill be a challenge to my skills—and a delight. While you were working, I sought her out to apologize for my rude reception. We had a very pleasant chat. Oh, how I do see Diana in her! Teaching her proper deportment may be easier than you imagine, for she has already begged me to instruct her.”

Lady Darnell patted her eyes one last time. “When I think of what Lambarth made Helena suffer, Diana’s kin all unknowing! No wonder the child wants nothing to do with any of her father’s family.”

“It shall be as you wish, then. Mind, she and her lawyer insisted that all expenses for her upkeep should be paid from the proceeds of her mama’s estate, so you needn’t be outfitting her from your pin money.”

Lady Darnell’s enthusiasm faltered. “Oh, dear. Must I follow a strict budget?”

Adam chuckled. “Quite the contrary. From the figures I was shown, the girl might just be the wealthiest young woman in England. Buy whatever you think needful.”

Lady Darnell clapped her hands and gave Adam one of her most brilliant smiles. “Excellent! Mark my words, Adam, when I am done with Helena, you shall not even recognize her!”