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“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!”
CHAPTER SIX
EARLY THE NEXT MORNING Helena left her chamber to share breakfast with the two ladies who had been so welcoming. After experiencing the confusing array of tastes and scents at dinner the previous night, she was happy to discover that the first meal of the day consisted of toast and tea served informally in the breakfast room.
More than her cordial reception, Lady Darnell’s stories about Helena’s mother had established between them the intangible link of kinship. Feeling more loved and accepted than she had since the loss of her mother, Helena vowed to do her utmost to fit into Aunt Lillian’s world.
Eager to begin that process, as they sat sipping tea, Helena asked, “Shall we go to the dressmaker today?”
As she spoke, both women’s gazes went to the damaged hand she had unconsciously brought up to support her cup.
Deciding the first step in her resolve would be to set their minds at rest about her hand, Helena tucked it back in her skirt and said, “As I expect you’ve noticed, I also have an immediate need for gloves.”
After a glance at Aunt Lillian, Charis said tentatively, “Does…does the thumb still pain you?”
“No. The accident happened long ago. But it left the hand rather unattractive. I should like to conceal it as soon as possible.”
“And so you shall,” Aunt Lillian said sympathetically. “Rather than go to the shops in person, however, Charis and I agreed it would be better to have the merchants call upon you here. You can then make your first public appearance after you’ve had your hair styled and your new wardrobe completed, and have had some schooling in the behavior that will be expected of you as a young lady in London. I’m afraid you will find the rules a bit more restrictive than those you have been used to in the country.”
She would have to be exiled to the polar reaches of the planet to move in an environment more restrictive than that from which she’d escaped, Helena thought sardonically. But her kindhearted aunt didn’t need to learn that. “Please, do instruct me,” she replied. “I don’t wish to make errors and embarrass the family.”
Though the teeming city just outside beckoned beguilingly, Helena told herself she could tolerate being confined for a few more weeks. Should her resolution falter before Aunt Lillian pronounced her ready to greet the ton, she need only recall the shocked revulsion that had wiped the polite greeting off the face of Adam Darnell.
She intended to carefully avoid that particular gentleman until she could be sure that the response she evoked in him at their next meeting was more positive.
“We shall be happy to tutor you!” Lady Darnell said, pulling Helena from the humiliating memory. “I have already dispatched a note requesting my favorite mantua-maker to wait upon us this afternoon. Before she arrives, Charis and I will go to the shops and bring back a selection of shawls, gloves, shoes and undergarments from which you may choose. And I shall tell Harrison to contact his usual employment agency to find you a lady’s maid.”
The last item in this list drove the smile from Helena’s lips. “I’ve always waited upon myself, Aunt Lillian. I don’t wish to have a stranger.” And she had a compelling reason not to bare herself before one, as well.
“Helena, a maid is a necessity!” Charis said. “The simple round gown you are wearing now is…adequate, but your new clothing will require someone to adjust and pin it properly, to lace you in and out of your gowns and stays.”
Inspecting the morning gowns worn by her two companions, Helena realized Charis was correct. The bodice of the gowns closed in the back with tightly drawn laces extending from the high waist to the neckline. It would be impossible for her to manage lacing them alone.
“You mustn’t worry,” Aunt Lillian said. “Any candidate the agency sends will have excellent references.”
Any candidate with excellent references would likely be contemptuous of an employer who knew as little as Helena did about gowns and fashion. To say nothing of the other…
“I would rather employ someone just starting out, as I am. Could not one of the maids already here serve?”
Aunt Lillian frowned. “I suppose if you would feel more comfortable being assisted by someone within the household, Harrison might assign one of the housemaids until you feel ready for a proper lady’s maid.”
Perhaps she might request to have the maid who had summoned her for breakfast, Helena thought, brightening. The girl appeared young enough, perhaps, to not immediately recognize the deficiencies in Helena’s upbringing, and her merry smile suggested a sunny disposition. But she, too, would probably be shocked when she saw Helena unclothed.
That sobering thought extinguished the delight Helena had been feeling at the prospect of a new wardrobe. “Must I disrobe to be measured for gowns? I have not undressed before anyone since my mother left.”
Both women looked at her in surprise. “Surely you had some female to assist you,” Aunt Lillian said.
Helena shook her head. “My father did not risk exposing me to anyone with feminine sensibilities,” she said dryly. “The sole servant I saw after Mama left was the baliff who…helped enforce my father’s dictates.” The less said the better on just what those dictates had been.
“You’ve existed since your mother’s departure with no female company at all?” Charis asked, clearly taken aback.
“None at all.” A more pleasant memory intruded and Helena smiled. “Except for the old medicine woman who lived in our woods—a hermit who’d been there as long as anyone could remember. However, as she dressed all by guess, she was of no assistance in matters of fashion.”
“You poor child,” Aunt Lillian said, her voice shaking a bit. “But you mustn’t worry. In this house, you need do nothing that makes you uncomfortable. The seamstress can measure you in your shift and your maid need only assist you into your gowns. You can manage a night rail alone.”
Relieved, Helena nodded. “Thank you for understanding, Aunt Lillian. But my shift is so old and worn I should be embarrassed to meet the dressmaker in it. Might it be possible for you to purchase something for me before she arrives this afternoon?”
“Of course. Right after breakfast, Charis and I shall proceed to the corsetiere and order a selection of garments to be brought here for you to inspect, while we continue on to the glove and shoemakers. Before Madame Sofie arrives, you shall feel presentable in shift, gloves and slippers.”
Helena rose to hug her aunt. “How can I thank you?”
Lady Darnell kissed her forehead. “By enjoying yourself. We want you to be happy with us, child.”
Emotion rose to choke her throat and for a moment Helena could not speak. For nearly as long as she could remember, the intent of those closest to her had been to make her as unhappy as possible. She almost needed to pinch herself to believe she was awake and this was real, not the dream she’d dreamed every night of the life that would be hers when at last she was with her mother again.
That would never be possible now, but Mama, dearest Mama, had arranged something almost as wonderful. Grief and gratitude swelled in her chest.
“I shall do my best to be happy,” she said at last, “but you must do your parts. Mr. Pendenning assures me that Mama has left me the vastest of fortunes. It would delight us both for you two to choose new garments, too.”
