by Matilda Hart
“I’m sorry, Nathaniel,” Helena said, her heart slightly broken by his pleading expression. “But we can’t reveal ourselves now. Your reputation…”
“Is meaningless,” he said stubbornly. “I cannot go back to the way I was, Helena. That nothingness…”
Gently, she placed her hand on his face. “Nathaniel, you won’t go back to that. You’re better. You know you are.”
Nathaniel looked unsure, but gave a bitter smile as he nodded. “Wait… before you leave… you must promise me that we shall see each other again.”
“I promise you I will,” Helena replied, giving him a deep kiss. Biting her lip, Helena then turned to ask one more thing, “Nathaniel… do you love me?”
In lieu of a response, he kissed her again. His strong arms encircling her body in a warm, secure grip. “I do, Helena. With all of my heart.”
Chapter 10
24th of May, 1813
Though Oliver Dillingham had gotten enough proposals from the noblewomen to keep him entertained for hours at the ball, the earl could still not help but notice that his friend was mysteriously gone for half the night. Even more suspicious was that Selene was also left unattended. Had Nathaniel finally decided that she was too dull for him? Oliver supposed he could not fault him for that. But he doubted the recently righteous fellow had changed his mind so quickly.
His curiosity eventually got the better of him as he went to the table of the now pouting marchioness. “I must say, I expected a woman of your beauty and grace to be busy dancing, not sitting alone,” he commented with a smirk.
She gave him a cold glare before staring back into her drink, her thin finger circling the rim of the glass.
“Marchioness, please tell me what troubles you. I cannot bear to see a face like yours corrupted by anger.”
Selene rolled her eyes at his compliment as she took a sip of the wine. She was not the type to fall for flattery so easily. But although she considered the man lower than herself, the woman could not deny his handsome face or charm. And though it was perhaps the fault of the alcohol or her sorry state, Selene muttered, “Why not ask your friend the duke? Apparently my beauty was not sufficient enough to keep him here. And now I hear he has run off with someone.”
The juicy tidbit made his ears perk. Why the old dog. Running off with some woman at the ball. I should have known he was not going to change his ways. And to think he was almost fooled by him. “My dear,” Oliver said, his green eyes shimmering like jade. “Who would be so foolish as to leave you behind? What woman could compare?”
The marchioness gave small, bitter laugh as she took a small bite of pastry. Her ruby red lips curled into grin as her blue eyes narrowed. Her voice was filled with malice as she said, “Oh, Oliver. You never will change, will you? Do you honestly think I would ever tell you a thing after what you did to my mother? Hmm… Scandal King?”
Rather than look ashamed or guilty, the early merely grinned as he ran a gloved hand through his dark hair. “Why change what has worked so far?” he asked, getting up to go to his carriage outside.
Oliver ignored the daggers Selene stared at his back as he walked out. He was sure he would win her over eventually. The real goal for now was to find out who the woman was, and if she was the person Oliver suspected she was.
While preparing to enter the lavish couch, he spied the footman and driver of the Beaumont carriage. How odd, he thought. It was midnight and Nathaniel still had not left. He was sure that if he had met an irresistible woman they would have headed to his home.
Not wanting to waste any opportunity, Oliver offered them a decent sum in exchange for a bit of espionage. The two were highly reluctant to betray their master, but once they learned of his incredibly vast connections – as well as the threat he posed to their families – they quickly accepted his generous offer.
As he headed home, the Scandal King could not wait for his plans to be put into effect. It would not be long until all the people who had looked down upon him would have no choice but to thrust him onto their shoulders. It had been far too long that Oliver had been forced to live in the shadow of those like Nathaniel, whose lives were so graceful and filled with those that loved them so effortlessly.
And as for people like Selene’s mother, as well as everyone else who suffered as a consequence of his actions, they were a necessary casualty. The race for high ranks in London society was like a war; nothing was too drastic a measure. And this was a war that Oliver was going to ensure that he won.
There was just one last thing to take care of.
“Driver,” he said. “Take me to the apothecary in Dulwich.”
***
25th of May, 1813
Helena was still floating on air the next morning, even as she was ordered to scrub all the floors of the manor alone. Selene had not told her that she knew about her little rendezvous with Nathaniel, but it was quite obvious she did. The roaring woman had awoken her at dawn just to force her to dust all the curtains and clean the chimney. But nothing would be able to bring her smile down. Not while she still had the memories of his hands on her body and his lips on hers.
This carefree behavior seemed to only further enrage the marchioness, who purposefully stood behind her throughout the day; stamping her foot and snapping at every minor mistake Helena might have made.
And while she was a bit irritated that Helena had stolen the duke from her, it was not that which made her this enraged. It was the fact that it was a person of lower status – as well as the idea of a scandal being exposed which would cast her in a rather pathetic light. An elegant, refined noblewoman being displaced by a country mouse that could sew? The very thought of that getting around London made her want to scream.
As Selene had witnessed with her own mother, a thing like that could mean the end of her. Leaving Helena’s side to get some fresh air, she stepped out onto a nearby balcony to compose her thoughts and nerves. Henrietta Connolly had been Selene’s idol as a girl. A beautiful woman with the grace of a princess and the air of a queen.
But all that changed once Oliver had gotten involved. He was a younger man then, a handsome youth that appeared as if he had just stepped out of a classic work of art. However, she could see the greed in his eyes for power and status. He had somehow seduced her mother, and the two had been caught canoodling in pub within the depths of London.
Henrietta had never recovered from the shame. She had left her husband and father behind; the only thing that she could do to save her sanity. And while Selene hated her for the abandonment, she hated Oliver Dillingham even more.
And the fact that his carriage was now riding up the trail to the manor made her blood boil.
“Helena!” she shouted at the scrubbing young woman. “Go to your workroom and do not leave until I order you to!”
Helena was confused by the abrupt change in orders, but only nodded and raced away before the lady could change her mind. Her hands were raw red as beets anyhow.
“Joanna!” Selene snapped, making the poor maid nearly drop the load of dishes she was carrying. “Lock every room except the parlor and dining room!”
The girl immediately skittered off to do so, almost letting several saucers crash onto the ground.
Once alone she said aloud, “We cannot allow that cad to have any information that could damage us. Never again.”
The earl was greeted at the door by a sour-faced Selene, who demanded to know what his business was.
Without skipping a single beat, he merely smiled and answered, “I merely wished to request an audience with the loveliest woman in London.” When Selene threatened to close the door, Oliver then said, “As well as to discuss a business proposal with you.”
The marchioness raised a brow, torn between curiosity and the strong urge to shut the door in the arrogant fool’s face. “My father is still in Oxford,” she answered dryly. “He is the one who handles the business of this household. Now, good day Earl Dillingham.”
Before she cou
ld slam the door, he placed his cane in its path. “Now, now, Marchioness Connolly. I can assure you that this business is one that does not involve merchant trade. Please reconsider.”
And just like last night at the ball, Selene was both drawn in and repulsed by the earl’s charm. Despite the alarms raging inside her head, the young woman allowed him in. Perhaps she could find out what the man was planning.
Selene tried not to show her irritation as Oliver’s eyes peered around the parlor, as if in search of anything damning or controversial. She then led him to the only other room that was open, the dining hall, for some late lunch.
“Well, Dillingham,” Selene stated as sipped her tea, purposefully neglecting his title. “What is it that you wished to discuss with me?”
Adjusting the white collar of his waistcoat, he replied, “To be quite honest, I was hoping to inquire as to the level of commitment you had to Nathaniel.”
The marchioness’ jaw would have dropped if the risqué question had come from anyone else, but considering whom it was, it was not surprising at all. Smiling sweetly, she said, “More committed than you have ever been to anyone or anything.”
The insult did not perturb him in the slightest, though he did jab back by saying, “At least one of you is.”
Her pale skin began to burn red, but she still kept her composure. Though Selene did not soften her tone as she said, “Speak your intentions now, bluntly, or be off.”
“Alright, Selene,” Oliver stated, gently patting his lips with a napkin. “I want you to help me gather information on Nathaniel.”
Slightly miffed that he addressed her so informally, she readied herself to show him the door. However, as she recalled last night, and the horrible feeling that she had experienced seeing Nathaniel run off with her seamstress… No, I can’t betray him like this! At least, not without making her pay as well… she mused.
“Very well, Oliver,” she replied. Leaning close to his face, Selene added, “On one condition.”
“What is it, my dear?” Oliver asked, moving his lips close to hers.
“You must destroy Helena Rowe.”
“You have a deal, Selene,” he said, grinning like a fox.
To seal the agreement, they began to kiss. And as much as one loathed the other, greater was the passion of the embrace. As the bell outside struck four, the two then departed; both of them with the feeling that one had outsmarted the other.
Chapter 11
25th of May, 1813
Helena had been a bit skeptical about the invitation to the Grinning Wolf. It did not seem like the type of place Nathaniel would want them to meet – though she did agree that the location was discreet enough to avoid most of the noble folk. And the insignia of his ring on the letter’s wax seal did not lie.
Nervously, she lowered the hood of her gray cloak as she took the isolated seat directed in his message.
“You lost, girl?” one barmaid asked, cleaning out a mug on the counter.
“No, just waiting to meet someone,” Helena replied meekly. She had wanted so badly to seem confident, but the rambunctious atmosphere had obliterated any pretense of it upon arrival.
The buxom woman looked her up and down skeptically. “No offense, darling. But I can’t imagine the type of person you’d want would be around here.”
As if to prove this, she then drove a knife deep into the top of a nearby table of arguing drunks. “Hey! If you two want to fight, then take it outside!” she growled. Turning back to Helena she then said, “You see my point?”
Before Helena could think of a response after witnessing the violent outburst, a chorus of loud singing erupted in the corner.
“Ugh,” the woman said disgustedly. “It’s those damn noblemen again. Honestly, it makes you sad to think this is the state of the court these days.” With a sigh, she shrugged her shoulders. “At least the girls will be getting a nice tip tonight – especially from that loud blond one with the blue eyes.”
Helena’s eyes widened in shock as the crowd around the noise parted to reveal who was at the center. “Nathaniel?....” she said weakly.
“That his name?” the barmaid asked. “Always wondered who that one was. I’m sorry if that was the poor sod you were wanting to meet. Let me save you the trouble and tell you – that man has broken more hearts around here than anyone else.”
The young woman bit her lip to try to stop the tears. Nodding numbly, she began to leave, thanking the barmaid for her company.
Once out the door, the watchful Oliver left Nathaniel’s drunken side to speak to her. However, he first passed a small bag of coins to the barmaid.
“You’re a terrible man, Earl Dillingham,” she said. “That woman’s a good one. And it’s a shame what you’ve done to the duke.”
“Your opinions are priceless to me, Marge,” he replied dryly. “Anyhow, I’m sure this will allay your guilt. You made a very convincing performance.”
Marge shook her head as she placed the money in her corset, wishing and praying that he would eventually get his justice.
Outside, all Helena could do was wait until the carriage driver that she had bribed would return within a few hours. Though her cloak kept her warm in the cool, rainy night, she was still very cold for some reason. There has to be an explanation for this, she thought desperately, though her heart was still in pain. He would not do this to me.
As Helena continued to keep herself from breaking down right on the street, she suddenly felt a coat being placed onto her shoulders.
“Are you alright, miss?” a deep voice said behind her. “You’re nearly soaking wet, my dear.”
Surprised, she turned around to find herself face-to-chest with a tall, gorgeous man. “I-I’m quite fine, sir,” she stuttered. “You’re much too kind. But truly, I am alright-”
Trying to return the jacket, Helena held back a small sneeze. Marvelous, I suppose having my heart broken was not enough punishment for deceiving Selene.
Offering her his own handkerchief, he insisted that he give her a ride home. “Come now, you cannot be so stubborn as to allow yourself to fall ill.”
Well, he does seem sincere, she thought. Though a small part of her was rather wary when she looked into his eyes. There’s something off about them. But as her cloak became closer to becoming totally saturated by the rain, the temptation for a dry, warm environment was too great.
As she stepped into the carriage, Helena asked, “May I please know your name, kind sir? So that I may thank you properly?”
With a smile that looked rather sinister in the moonlight, he answered, “Earl Oliver Dillingham, my dear. But it would please me greatly if you called me Oliver. May I also inquire yours?”
“Helena Rowe,” she replied. “And thank you for this… Oliver.”
“It was my pleasure, Helena,” Oliver said. Like leading a lamb to the slaughter.
***
28th of May, 1813
Helena inwardly cursed herself as she pricked her finger again. And as the wound did not stop bleeding, she was forced to abandon her work. I doubt Selene would appreciate a bloodstained gown – even though she deserves it, she thought bitterly. But in truth, it was herself that she was angry with.
How could I have been so foolish as to accept a ride with him?… The… the scoundrel! Helena screeched in her mind.
After getting into the carriage, it had not been long before Oliver had revealed his true intentions. He had flatly told her that unless she agreed to gather and plant certain information on Nathaniel’s residence, that she would be gotten rid of. In addition, not only would her father lose the rest of his business, but Nathaniel would be made to be a traitor to England for the French – something that could easily have him killed.
I have enough skeletons to bury the duke for all eternity, he had said, whispering the hateful words into her ear. I would not hesitate to use them.
“Helena? Are you alright?” Joanna asked, opening the door gently. “You haven’t eaten a thing since la
st night. How did the meeting with Duke Beaumont go?”
The mention of his name made her cringe before she could hide her expression. “Oh… it was fine…” she replied unconvincingly.
Putting her hands on her hips, Joanna said sternly, “No, don’t lie to me! You’re a terrible liar, Miss Rowe. And I’ve never seen you prick your finger this often before. Something’s bothering you greatly! Now please tell me what happened!”
In spite of herself, Helena began to tear up as she embraced Joanna. There truly was no way from hiding this from her, and frankly, she did not want to. The girl was the only female friend she had ever really had, and at this point she almost felt like a sister.
“Alright, Joanna – you’ve worn me down,” Helena said as she began to explain what had happened. But even though she desperately wanted to tell the bit about Oliver after seeing Nathaniel’s drunken state, Helena could not bring herself to do so. There’s no telling what that man is capable of. And the more she gets involved, the more likely he’ll do something to her. No… I can’t tell her about this. It’s my fault for getting mixed up with duke and I won’t allow anyone else to suffer because of me.
Upon hearing about the duke’s behavior at the pub, the maid was extremely distraught. With a blank look she sat on a bag of fabric. “That’s… that’s just deplorable, Miss Helena. And after all that talk about wanting to change and being in love with you… I just don’t believe it.”
“I did not wish to believe it either, Joanna,” Helena said sadly. “But I know what I saw.” With long sigh she recalled Nathaniel as he had one barmaid on his lap while the other teased his lips with hers. No, there was no denying it. He had betrayed her.
“Perhaps it was just a mistake, Miss Rowe,” the young girl said hopefully. “Perhaps he truly does want to change but just… backslid…”
Helena shook her head. She had thought about it, but if that was the case, it would mean that his behavior was more out of control than he imagined. “If he did this so quickly after saying he loved me… then I’m not sure he is capable of change,” she replied sadly.
