Sweet Summer Kisses

by Erin Knightley

  “He and I share some of the same interests as Father and I do. That is all.” She lifted her chin defiantly.

  “He is hardly as old as your father, Helena. You are much too severe and spoiled, I fear.”

  “But he is much older and has a child, Mother!”

  “Would you wish to be judged by something you cannot control? I am disappointed in this, Helena.”

  That was the one thing her mother would say that shamed her. She felt a twinge of guilt, but refused to be bullied. “I shall not be forced into marrying him,” she said quietly.

  “No one has suggested such a thing. Edie and I thought that a quiet setting would appeal to you both. You may see the depths of each other’s character. However, should his daughter not recover, there will be no child to worry about. Is that what you wish?”

  Helena winced. That was hardly a becoming characterisation of her. Had she been so shallow? “Of course not, Mother. I only met him, so it is unfair to judge by first impressions.”

  Her mother sighed. “I wish that the situation had not turned out as such. Would that you could have had more time together here. For now, they need your help. The rest will take care of itself eventually. I have given you months to make your own choice. You could be a duchess with the snap of your fingers. If you can tell me that you intend to accept Waverly, I would not ask you to go to Reston.” Her mother looked her in the eye and studied her face.

  Helena looked down at her hands and fiddled with the bristles on her brush. “No, Mother, you know I do not. I will go and help nurse little Lucy as best I may.”

  Her mother rose from her chair and came over and kissed her on the forehead. “Thank you, darling. I knew you would do the right thing. I would be pleased to welcome a man such as Rutherford as my son-in-law, but not at the expense of your happiness.” She lifted Helena's chin gently with her hand to look her in the eye. “Do you understand that?”

  “Thank you, Mother. I know that deep down, but it helps to hear you say so.”

  Her mother smiled and gave her a hug. “I will see you in the morning.”

  Chapter 4

  Helena had difficulty falling asleep that evening. Why was it always hard to fall asleep when you needed it most? She knew that she would have little restful slumber while attending the sick room. She awoke the next morning in a fog. The carriage had already arrived to retrieve her and her trunks. She made haste to ready herself and break her fast in order to keep the Dowager from waiting.

  She was surprised to find her mother downstairs and ready to travel with them.

  “Do you go with us to Reston?”

  “No, dear, I travel with you only as far as Amberley. It will be a long journey to be sure, but you may spend a night there before continuing on to Reston.”

  The thought of only one night at Amberley made her long to be there more, but at least she would be away from the Season.

  As they made their way along the journey, Helena was grateful for her mother’s presence. The two older ladies talked as if they had twenty years to catch up on. She did not mind Lady Rutherford, but she wanted time to think. She closed her eyes and pretended sleep a good part of the way so they did not converse with her much. Her thoughts disturbed her, for though she was grateful for escaping the Marriage Mart, she was mildly apprehensive about her time at Reston, and what would be expected of her when she returned to Amberley. There were no local boys who were suitable, and the squire’s sons were away with the Peninsular Campaign. If her father did not agree with her mother, she might be sent back to London for another Season when her next sister Eugenie had her debut the following year.

  Why must there be such time constraints and pressure to marry? She was certain they were not purse-pinched. Her father was fairly open and generous. He would not be so with the tenants or parish poor if they were in dire straits.

  They stopped at the posting house in Reading for a change of horses and a brief cup of tea. They were back on the Bath Road before long, Lady Rutherford and her mother anxious to reach Amberley that night. They did make it in time, but the sun was setting when they finally pulled through the gates. Helena was greeted by her father and siblings, before pulling her weary body up to her bed, unwilling to think about having to spend another long day in the carriage on the morrow.

  Her father was up early the next morning, and she was able to enjoy a few moments of conversation with him before Lady Rutherford desired to leave for Reston.

  “How's my cheeky one?” He stood to greet her.

  “Fit to rupture with a surfeit of cheekiness,” she reached up and kissed him on the cheek.

  “That terrible?”

  “Worse,” she said as she threw herself in the nearby chair. “Mama made me hold my tongue.”

  “Ah. You do look a bit weary from when I last saw you in town.”

  “Town was exhausting.”

  “Is it true you refused Waverly?”

  “It is, Papa. I hope you are not angry with me. In fact, I hope you will not mind if I do not wish another Season.”

  “Waverly is an arse. I would have been disappointed had you accepted him. He would not have valued you for your best assets.”

  Helena cracked a smile. “Thank you, Papa. I did feel as though he thought me an object to be obtained.”

  “And now I understand you are off to help with Rutherford’s ill daughter?”

  She nodded.” It is Mother’s wish.”

  He raised his eyebrows. “You had a chance to meet him?”

  “I did.”

  “Did you care for him?”

  “He is nice, but he is older, Papa. And already has a child.”

  Her father narrowed his eyes a little and contemplated her with his hands together before his face.

  “You will not be forced into anything, Helena. I will say of all the eligible suitors, he is more worthy of you than the lot of them combined. I've known him some time and he is an honourable man. My only advice is to not write him off because of age or a child. If you care no more for him than as a friend after you know him better, then I am satisfied. Is that reasonable, dear?”

  “Yes, Papa.” She smiled, and received an affectionate hug before they made their way into the breakfast parlour.

  “Now, dear, tell me what you were able to read while you were away.”

  Her face lit up, and she embarked on a lively discussion of the delights of the London bookstores and lending libraries, and finished with her short visit to see the Elgin Marbles.

  ~*~

  She grudgingly climbed into the carriage, reluctantly leaving her home when she had only just returned. Lord Rutherford had sent a message that he had arrived, and the nurse had now come down with the measles, as had a number of the staff. He had sent everyone else away to prevent their exposure. Lucy was not safe yet, as she was still feverish and crying for her nurse. Helena prayed that the girl would accept her in her nurse’s place, and that Lord Rutherford would not fall ill.

  She and Lady Rutherford both slept a good deal on the second half of the journey. She was lost in thought about her father’s comments when the Dowager spoke.

  “So you must tell me what you thought of Geoffrey.”

  Helena looked up in surprise.

  “Geoffrey's first wife was an acclaimed beauty. So he is sceptical of you, you know.” The Dowager was watching for her reaction. “He only needs time to see you for you.”

  Helena could not have been more surprised that Lady Rutherford was speaking this bluntly. Beauty seemed to be all anyone ever valued her for in London, and yet Lord Rutherford was turned off by it. She was suddenly intrigued to know more.

  “Was she unintelligent?” she asked curiously.

  “Who can say? Christine cared for naught but fashion and gossip, and herself, of course. She was not intelligent enough to see that her husband might prefer to speak of else. You see, he values an intelligent mind and companionship above most other qualities. He regrets deeply allowing youthful infatua
tion to overcome his good sense.”

  Helena wrinkled her nose with distaste, then caught herself and smiled.

  Lady Rutherford laughed. “You have a hard time repressing your thoughts, don't you?”

  “It is my besetting sin. I can never get away with anything at home for my face tells all.”

  “At least one knows that you are honest. Geoffrey is the same way. My daughter was quite the opposite, however.”

  “Yes, it is much the same in my family.”

  “I pray you will not hold what I said against Geoffrey. It is not fair to judge you because you are beautiful, of course. I only tell you this so you may understand why he has hesitation. He must not only think of himself now.”

  “He shan’t be fooled again.” When Helena realised she had in advertently insulted the Earl, her face paled.

  “Quite.” Lady Rutherford smiled. “Your mother told me you hid a clever side. I could not believe her from your perfect manners in town.”

  “I beg your pardon, Lady Rutherford. I spoke before I thought.”

  “It is quite all right, my dear. The Season must have been torture for you then.”

  Helena blushed and nodded. “I want you to be yourself with me and with Geoffrey. Now tell me what you think of my son, truly. What were your first impressions?”

  Helena held her tongue, afraid her first impressions would render her shallow.

  “Come now, dear. I assure you it will be nothing I have not heard before.”

  “Very well.” She sighed. “I had heard of his reputation, of course.”

  “Yes, the Elusive Earl.”

  Helena nodded then continued on. “I had heard rumours that he was older and was looking for a mother for his daughter. I have also heard told that he was considered elusive for biding his time in the country and shunning town.”

  “And did you find the rumours to be true?”

  “I cannot yet say. I did not find him to be shy or elusive, but I am concerned about our age difference and becoming a mother overnight.”

  “The age difference is insignificant, darling, as you will soon realise. Trust me, it is preferable to find a man with a bit of town bronze, as they say. I do think it's fair to be concerned about becoming a mother. That does you credit, in my opinion.”

  Helena focused her eyes back on the countess. “It does?”

  “Of course. I would want nothing less for my granddaughter.”

  “It did not seem to deter the other marriageable misses, for he is handsome.”

  “Yes, he is that, but his income is likely what they found irresistible.”

  “I heard none of that. But the combination certainly makes him quite the catch.”

  “But you care naught for that, do you my dear? You are concerned about the child.”

  She nodded. “What is she like, Lucy?”

  “She is undeniably precocious and unhealthily attached to her father.”

  How could that be unhealthy? Helena wondered. She felt a tug at her heart.

  “I do hope the worst of the illness is past. I cannot bear to think about her sweet spirit being dampened by an illness. I'm not sure how Geoffrey would bear it. In fact, I know he would not consider marrying again, did he not long for more children. And an heir, of course.”

  The two ladies grew quiet as they pondered what condition they would find the household in. It could be very serious indeed. Helena did not miss the fact that Lord Rutherford only sought a wife to bear him more children. She could not bear the thought of an unhappy marriage followed by the dark shadow of the first—not when it was unnecessary. She wanted to help the child, and she felt sorry for Lord Rutherford’s experience, but she would not be made to feel guilty for her God-given looks. Helena would try hard to take her father’s advice and not judge him for age or fatherhood. She hoped Lord Rutherford would be able to return the favour.

  It was after dark when they pulled through the gates at Reston Park. Helena had never been so happy to escape the carriage. She was tired and achy all over, and wondered if it would be possible to have a bath so late.

  A footman helped the ladies to alight from the equipage, but no servants came out to greet them. She could not make out the house or surroundings, but she could smell the salty air of the sea and hear the gentle roar of the waves hitting the shore. She looked forward to being able to take it in by sunlight.

  “Surely it is not so late that all of the servants have retired?” Lady Rutherford stood there, bewildered.

  “He must have sent them all away, ma'am. Either that, or they have all fallen ill,” Helena suggested.

  “Ah, yes. I do remember him writing something to that effect. Well, we shall have to make do for ourselves then.”

  Helena kept her giggle to herself. The thought of Lady Rutherford doing for herself was humorous. She hoped she was wrong, because she did not know if she could manage to dance attendance on a sick child and Lady Rutherford, who would be used to an army of staff to wait upon her.

  No one answered the knock, and Lady Rutherford grew impatient.

  “Perhaps we should try the door, ma’am.” She was not taking to the ‘no servant’ notion very well.

  Helena tried the handle and the door was thankfully unlocked. It was dark inside the entry, save one small flame in a sconce. She squinted and saw some tapers on a table. She hastily lit two of them and handed one to the Dowager.

  They made their way upstairs without encountering another being. Helena’s spirits sank. She foresaw a difficult few weeks ahead. She said a quick prayer that the child was still alive. They found the Countess's room, and her footmen brought their valises up.

  Lady Rutherford directed the footmen to place her bags in a room down the hall. Helena doubted she would see much of that room. She wanted to find the child to see where things stood before she considered her own comfort.

  “Where will I find the nursery, ma'am? Upstairs?”

  “Yes, of course. I am so tired I cannot think straight. I truly hope the luggage cart with my maid arrives soon. I am unused to no help at all. I confess I thought there would be a few servants remaining. Thankfully the bed is made.”

  Helena directed the footmen to retrieve some fresh water. She then opened the valise and pulled out the necessities for Lady Rutherford. She helped her out of her gown, and to change into her nightdress.

  “Thank you, dear.”

  “Can you manage from here, ma'am?”

  “I believe so,” she said with little confidence.

  “Good night then. Do not worry. I will let you know if anything is needed.” Helena smiled and went in search of her patient.

  She crept upstairs to the nursery, which was pitch black. She went quietly from room to room and found not a soul. She hesitated, but decided against going upward toward the servants’ quarters, an unlikely place to find the child or the Earl. She made her way back down the stairs and looked closer at the family apartments. She found Lady Rutherford’s room to orient herself, and then began a further inspection. She found her room, but the next door was closed. She sucked in her breath. This must be the Earl's apartment. She had not considered having to intrude in such a way. What if Lucy had died? Would she be disturbing him in a state of acute grief? She was there to help, she reminded herself. She discarded her reservations and brought her hand up to knock softly. Hopefully Lord Rutherford would not open the door with a gun pointed at an intruder. Silly girl, she whispered to herself, intruders don't knock. She must not read so many gothic novels that took place in great, dark houses. She shook her head, for she must be too tired to think straight.

  There was no answer, but she dared not let herself in. She knocked a little harder and she heard someone stir. Her heart began to race and her insides began to churn.

  Lord Rutherford opened the door and stood before her in complete dishabille. She should have looked away, but she had never before seen a bare-chested man and she could not make her eyes shift. He looked nothing like her little brother,
Samuel. Thank heavens it was dim enough to hide her blush. They both stood in shock, staring at each other.

  “Miss Foster?” He attempted to focus in the dark. “What are you doing here?” he asked in an exhausted voice.

  She snapped out of her wayward thoughts, realising the impropriety of them being in such a situation. At least there were no witnesses to her indiscretion. Lucy! She recalled. Ask about the child, for goodness’ sake.

  “I…I came to help care for your daughter. I have already had the illness and have experience nursing my siblings. Is she all right? I did not find her in the nursery.”

  He was still staring at her. He seemed to realise she had spoken to him. “Lucy? Yes, yes. She is in here with me.” He looked toward the bed. “It seemed more comfortable.”

  “Oh.” Helena could not envision any man of her acquaintance bringing their child to their bed, nor could she stay in his chamber to care for the child. She must have frowned. “But you have not had the measles yourself, sir.”

  “No, I have not.” He ran his fingers through his hair, causing the muscles on his abdomen to ripple. Helena had to look away before her thoughts betrayed her.

  “I had little choice. Her nurse fell ill. I am the only one she would allow near her.”

  “Of course.” She looked through the dim chamber for the child. “How is she?”

  “Much improved, thank you. She broke her fever soon after Miss Higgins was sent away. I'm terribly sorry my mother dragged you all the way here to care for her.”

  She opened her mouth to deny it, but then shut it knowing he knew better. “I do not mind, truly. Your note sounded dreadful. We thought you might need the extra help.”

  “I did not intend for it to compel you to come.”

  “I never thought that. I apologise for the intrusion. I can return in the morning.” She felt incredibly out of place. She had not considered he would not wish for her to be here, or his feelings on the matter. She suddenly wished she could be anywhere but here.

  “No.” He reached out and touched her arm. She trembled from his touch, acutely aware of his proximity to her. “That was not what I meant.”