by Anne Herries
‘These are the best guest apartments,’ Mrs Hale told them. ‘I thought that you would like to be together, Miss Henderson.’
‘Yes, thank you,’ Helene said, lingering in the sitting room. ‘They are lovely. I am sure we shall be very comfortable here.’
‘His lordship’s apartments are in the west wing, Miss Henderson. We always used to house guests in this wing. His lordship had this part of the house refurbished first. I believe he means to have his own apartments done next.’
‘I see,’ Helene said. ‘Thank you for telling me, ma’am.’
‘I shall leave you to refresh yourselves,’ Mrs Hale said. ‘If you need anything please ring. I think you will find warm water in your rooms, and Vera will be here to assist you in a moment.’
Helene thanked her and she went away, leaving them to make themselves at home. Mrs Henderson walked round the sitting room, nodding her approval before going through to the bedrooms.
‘Which would you prefer, Helene?’ she asked. ‘They are both very comfortable—but this one has a better view. You can see a water feature beyond the lawns.’
‘You have this one,’ Helene said. ‘I have a view of the woods.’
‘You should have the best view,’ her mama said, but since she was standing by the window, clearly entranced by the view, Helene chose the slightly smaller room, which was over a small courtyard that backed on to what looked as if it must be a park.
She took off her pelisse and deposited it on the bed. She was just attempting to unfasten the back of her gown when someone knocked at the door and Vera came in, carrying a yellow silk teagown.
‘May I do that for you, miss?’ she asked. ‘Some of your things were sent on ahead and arrived earlier. I took the liberty of unpacking the small trunk and I pressed this for you. I hope it will do, Miss Henderson?’
‘Thank you,’ Helene replied. ‘That was kind of you, Vera. It will do very well. In the largest trunk you will find a dark green evening dress. I would like to wear that later—if you can manage to press it for me?’
‘Of course I can,’ Vera replied. ‘I am so happy to have been chosen as your maid, miss—and I hope you will be pleased with me.’
‘I am sure I shall,’ Helene said. She wriggled free of her gown as the girl finished unfastening her. ‘Thank you. I want to go down as soon as I have changed, because I should like to take a look at the gardens, though I am not sure if there will be time before we have tea.’
Helene did not wait for her mama. She had caught sight of some beautiful gardens and was eager to explore. A footman was standing by the door when she returned to the hallway.
‘I should like to explore the pretty rose garden I glimpsed as we arrived,’ she told him with a shy smile. ‘Could you please direct me?’
‘Of course, Miss Henderson. Follow me, I shall show you the best way to access the rose garden.’
He preceded her to the back of the hall and then opened the door into a very pretty parlour, which had all the sun in the afternoons and was very warm, despite the open French windows.
‘The garden is just out there, miss,’ he said, ‘and refreshments will be served in the front parlour on the first floor.’
‘Thank you…Rawlings…’ She smiled, pleased that she had remembered his name. ‘You have been very helpful.’
‘It is our pleasure to serve you, miss.’
Helene nodded and walked across the parlour to the open window. She went out into the garden, thinking how peaceful and pleasant it was. She could smell the heavy perfume of musk roses and hear the sound of birds twittering in some graceful trees at the far end of a smooth lawn. She was so lucky that this was to be her home.
She walked towards the rose arbour, inhaling the lovely scents and bending to sniff one particularly beautiful red rose.
‘Hello…’ a voice said behind her. ‘I think you must be Miss Henderson—Max’s fiancée?’
Helene turned and saw a man of perhaps two and twenty years. Of medium stature, he had a pale complexion and his hair was black, his eyes grey. She thought that perhaps he might have been ill at some time recently, for his pallor was not quite healthy.
‘Hello,’ Helene said and smiled; he was not unattractive and seemed friendly. ‘I am sorry, but I do not know who you are.’
‘No, I suppose Max did not think to mention me. I am Robert Heronsdale—his cousin.’
‘Oh, yes, I remember something. I believe Max told us that you and your mama live at the dower house?’
‘Max was good enough to give us a home after my father lost all his money and then suffered a fall from his horse,’ Robert told her with a strange smile. ‘He was ill for some months before he died and then we discovered that he had gambled away almost everything he owned. We were forced to leave our home. When Max heard of our misfortune, he generously asked us to come here.’
‘Yes, that is so like him,’ Helene said. ‘I hope you will visit us sometimes? I have not met Mrs Heronsdale as yet, but I look forward to it.’
‘Mama will call on you later,’ Robert told her. ‘I am sure she would have come this afternoon, but she is a little unwell. I hope you did not mind that I came at once? I must admit to being curious about the lady Max is to marry. I must congratulate him on his choice. You are very pretty, Miss Henderson.’
‘Oh…’ Helene was not quite sure how to answer. His eyes were bright as he gave her an intent look. ‘Thank you.’ She did not know what she would have found to say next, but she was saved by the arrival of Max. He came striding towards them, a smile on his lips.
‘Helene, my love. Rawlings said I would find you here.’ His gaze moved to Robert and his expression became thoughtful. ‘Robert. It is good to see you up and about at last, my dear fellow. I trust that you are quite well now?’
‘Yes, thank you, cousin,’ Robert said. ‘I should like to speak to you in private when you have time—but I am happy to report that my health has improved since your visit.’ He seemed to give significance to the last two words. ‘You understand me, sir?’
‘Yes, I believe I do,’ Max said and smiled at him. ‘I am happy to hear that things have improved. I see that you have met Helene.’
‘I envy you your good fortune,’ Robert said and offered his hand. ‘You have found yourself a lovely bride and I wish you both all the happiness in the world.’
‘Thank you, Robert,’ Max said and took his hand in a firm clasp. ‘We are about to have some refreshment. I do hope you will join us?’
‘I should get back, for Mama is unwell. I dare say she will be better in the morning. Her little turns only last a few hours. Perhaps you will invite us to dine one day?’
‘Of course. You may call whenever you wish,’ Max said. ‘Send my good wishes to Mrs Heronsdale.’
‘I shall do so, of course,’ Robert said and inclined his head. ‘Until we meet again, cousin—perhaps tomorrow morning.’
Max stood watching as he walked into the rose arbour and disappeared from sight through a tunnel of white, climbing roses.
‘Is something the matter?’ Helene asked, as he remained silent.
‘I am not sure,’ Max told her, his expression serious, and looked at her. ‘Do not be alarmed, Helene. I believe you may trust my servants implicitly—but take care when speaking with anyone from the dower house.’
‘You cannot think…’ Helene was shocked. ‘Surely not?’
‘I do not think it,’ Max replied. ‘But Robert is the only one who would benefit from my death until we marry—at least, that is what he or others may believe.’
‘Yes, of course I shall be careful of him—and of anyone else I do not know well,’ Helene said. She was thoughtful as they walked back to the house together. She had not disliked Robert Heronsdale on sight; he had seemed pleasant enough, but Max’s warning was clear. He must be in a position to know more than she, of course.
It was very worrying—until the person or persons who had attacked Max were discovered and caught, his life would c
ontinue to be in danger. She had come to love him so much and she could not bear it if anything happened to him. Max seemed in command of the situation, but it could not hurt if Helene kept a watchful eye. She would listen and observe, as she always did, and perhaps she might discover something of interest.
Max smiled at her, taking her hand to kiss the palm. The touch of his lips made the heat flood through her, making her aware of all the reasons she wanted to be his wife. ‘You must not worry too much, my dearest one. I warned you only so that you should not be fooled by a false message, but I promise you that I have everything under control.’
‘I know that you will have taken every precaution, as much for my sake as your own,’ Helene told him, her eyes warm with love. ‘But you must take care, too—and perhaps the obvious is not always as it seems.’
‘What do you mean by that, my wise little love?’
‘I just think that sometimes we are misled by the things others say,’ Helene replied thoughtfully. ‘I have nothing in particular in mind.’
‘No, how could you?’ Max said, an odd look in his eyes. ‘However, I think you may be right.’
Helene had no chance to ask him what he meant, for they saw Toby Sinclair walking across the lawns towards them. They greeted each other with pleasure and then went on up to the house.
Chapter Eleven
The Earl of Ravenshead was the next guest to arrive. He joined them in the drawing room for sherry before dinner that evening. Helene knew now that the three men were close friends and were meeting for a purpose. She caught snatches of their conversation, hearing the words Harry, and Northaven, a couple of times.
The earl seemed to be of the opinion that Northaven was up to his tricks again, whatever that might mean, but Max was clearly doubtful. However, they soon changed the conversation when the butler came to announce that dinner was served.
Max took Helene in to dinner; the earl offered his arm to her mama, who seemed pleased with the attention. The company consisted of three gentlemen and two ladies that evening—most of the guests were not expected until the next day.
‘I have requested the pleasure of my aunt and cousin’s company tomorrow,’ Max told Helene. ‘I dare say Dr Clarke may accompany them; he is a physician—or so I am led to believe—and I can hardly exclude him altogether. We shall have several guests by then, I hope, so you will hardly notice him.’
‘If he is a pleasant gentleman, I shall be happy to meet him,’ Helene said. ‘Remember, I am a tanner’s granddaughter.’ Her eyes twinkled with amusement. ‘I am hardly in a position to snub a physician.’
‘Perhaps I deserved that,’ Max retorted. ‘However, it was not meant in that way—merely that I think we should reserve judgement for the time being. Besides, you are also the granddaughter of a duke.’
‘Do not remind me,’ Helene said, her smile fading.
‘Annesdale has written to me,’ Max said. ‘He asks if I will add his name to mine in return for his fortune for our sons.’
‘What did you answer?’ Helene looked at him hard.
‘I have not done so as yet,’ Max told her. ‘I know you are very angry with him, Helene. I thought you should have time to consider our reply.’
‘You are consulting my wishes?’
‘Of course. Would you expect me to do otherwise?’
‘I know that matters of property are generally dealt with by gentlemen and their wives are seldom consulted.’
‘I would never bother you with mundane details of business. However, this concerns you closely, Helene. You must certainly decide in this matter. I would not dream of accepting something that might distress you.’
‘Thank you,’ she said and sent him a look of gratitude. ‘May I have some time to think about this, please?’
‘Naturally you will wish to consider your answer. I should be sad if you were to reply without giving this thought. Annesdale is a proud man, but he is also an old man and perhaps he regrets things he has done in the past—as many of us do.’
‘Yes, perhaps,’ Helene replied.
The subject was dropped, as the conversation became general. They were dining in the small parlour that evening because there were only five of them. Toby entertained them all with the latest gossip from town. Helene laughed at his audacious description of something the Regent was reported as saying, thinking that it boded well for the future. They had good friends and it would be a happy life here at Coleridge.
The gentlemen did not linger over their port and soon joined the ladies in the drawing room. Helene played the pianoforte for a while to entertain them, but at ten o’clock her mama said she was tired and they left the gentlemen to their own amusements.
‘The Earl of Ravenshead is a pleasant gentleman,’ Mrs Henderson remarked as they went upstairs. ‘He was telling me that he has joined his friend Lord Pendleton in a venture to import French wines into this country. Apparently Lord Pendleton suggested it to him as a way of repairing his family fortunes and it has been successful.’
‘I believe Amelia likes the earl very well,’ Helene said. ‘Do you think she may marry him, Mama?’
‘I should not think so for a moment,’ Mrs Henderson said. ‘She seemed very wrapped up with her plans to travel. I believe she means to take Emily and travel to Italy this winter.’
‘Oh…’ Helene did not continue the conversation—after all, it was not their affair—but she could not help wondering if Amelia’s plans had come about because she was unhappy.
However, she did not dwell on the thought long for she had other things to consider. She was certain that even now the three gentlemen downstairs were plotting something. She had noticed significant glances between them at dinner and she imagined they were thinking of a way to draw out the rogue who had twice tried to murder Max.
Several ladies were amongst the guests that arrived the next day. Helene helped Max to receive them, feeling a tingle of excitement as the house began to fill up. She knew most of them, for they had been Max’s friends in town, but one or two neighbours also came to call during the morning. Helene paid particular attention to learning their names for they would be her friends when she lived here. Max received an urgent message just after nuncheon and made his excuses.
‘I must attend to some urgent business. You will excuse me, Helene. I shall not be away long. Perhaps you will make my excuses and see that our guests are received. You know everyone and most of those still to come are your own particular friends.’
‘Of course,’ Helene said. ‘I shall be pleased to welcome them in your absence, and to explain.’
Amongst the flurry of arrivals, she almost missed the brief visit from Mrs Heronsdale. However, when Helene returned from greeting Captain Paul Marshall and his sister, she discovered Max’s aunt sitting with her mama.
‘Miss Henderson. I am Coleridge’s aunt,’ the lady said, rising as Helene entered. ‘I believe you may have met my son yesterday? He told you I was indisposed. I had a slight headache. I was sorry not to have been here when you arrived. Please forgive me.’
‘Robert made your apologies, ma’am,’ Helene replied and offered her hand. She was drawn into an embrace, inhaling the almost overwhelming perfume of rose water and lavender. ‘I am very pleased to meet Max’s aunt.’
‘Coleridge sent word that he wished to see me,’ she said. ‘However, he was out when I arrived, I believe on estate matters.’
‘He will be sorry to have missed you,’ Helene told her. ‘However, I know that he invited you all to dine this evening. I am sure you will be able to speak privately then if you wish.’
‘Yes, I dare say.’ Mrs Heronsdale looked at her intently for a moment. ‘My son was very taken with you, Helene—I may call you that, I hope?’ She looked pleased as Helene inclined her head. ‘I have seldom known him take to anyone so quickly. Robert is inclined to keep his own company, but he told me he was keen to know you better.’
‘Oh…’ Helene recalled the rather intense look in the young man’s ey
es and her cheeks felt warm. ‘That is kind of him.’
Well, I must go,’ Mrs Heronsdale said and stood up again. ‘Will you walk with me to the door, Helene?’
‘Yes, of course—but will you not stay for tea? Some of my friends have just arrived. I am sure they would like to meet you.’
‘This evening,’ Mrs Heronsdale said. She was silent until they left the parlour, then she placed a hand on Helene’s arm. ‘I had to speak to you alone. Please, Helene, take this as a friendly warning—do not trust Robert too much. I say this for your own sake. If he asks you to walk with him anywhere…be careful…’
Helene felt an icy trickle down her spine. Mrs Heronsdale’s grip on her arm was almost painful and the look in her eyes was frightening.
‘I am not sure I understand you, ma’am?’
‘Robert is…excitable at times. Oh, he means no harm, and he truly likes you—but be careful of being alone with him.’
‘I should not walk alone with any gentleman but Max,’ Helene assured her. ‘But surely you cannot think…?’
Mrs Heronsdale looked as if she might burst into tears. ‘I do not wish you to think the less of him. It distresses me to say these things…but Doctor Clarke says that Robert becomes a little odd at times. It is the reason he has to—’ She gasped and looked anxious. ‘Please, say nothing of this to my nephew. If he knew, he might…’ She shook her head. ‘I have said too much…excuse me, I must go.’ She walked quickly to the door and then glanced back. ‘Do not forget my warning.’
Helene puzzled over her words. She wished that she could speak to Max concerning his aunt’s warning. Mrs Heronsdale had begged her not to tell Max, but Helene knew that she must talk to him, and as soon as possible.
However, they now had ten extra guests. Max had invited three ladies he knew to be Helene’s particular friends. They were all delighted with the news of her wedding and she found herself caught up in the chatter and excitement. Even when Max joined them for tea a little later she had no chance to speak with him alone.
