by Abby Ayles
His eyes continued to search the guests. Lady Alice was speaking with Mr. Grant, another one of the investors. She was laughing and being charming, her devices with which to wheedle information.
Captain Standish was talking with his future in-laws, while his bride-to-be was engaged in conversation with one of his sisters.
Elias could no longer sit and watch. He allowed himself to take a turn around the room to see what he could hear. He picked up several small conversations, until he was summoned by Captain Standish, who wished him to tell his future mother and father about their time in Italy.
The Captain was mesmerizing them with tales, and Elias was happy to assist him. He stood next to the Baronet, in direct line of Helena, and his eyes never left her. Her light brown hair was shining by the lamplight. Her skin was pale, much paler than usual. He wondered if she was becoming ill.
She looked like a sad angel. Her face was serene as she sat beside Beatrice. Her eyes were occupied with the window as Beatrice leaned in to speak with her several times.
What was she saying? Whatever it was, it didn’t seem to be improving Helena’s disposition.
Smile. Light this room with your radiance.
Elias willed Helena to wipe the melancholy from her face and allow joy to return to her. She was not made for matter and no mirth. She had a naturally happy spirit that was being subdued by circumstance.
Rally on, Helena. Do not let this battle dampen your spirits.
“Lord Chatleton, tell dear Lady Eggerton of the art galleries,” Captain Standish commented, forcing him to return his attention to his hosts.
“They were spectacular, madam. Nothing in all of Europe could compare to them,” Elias informed. “That does not include the street painters. They are really quite remarkable.”
“Is that so? We have never travelled to Italy. Perhaps we could,” she said as she turned to her husband.
“Perhaps. My wife is always eager to add to our art collection,” he mused.
“And it is a pleasant pastime, I’m sure,” Elias answered with a small laugh.
“The very best. Do you collect art, Lord Chatleton?” Lady Eggerton questioned enthusiastically.
“Unfortunately, I do not. What paintings are to be found in Balwell Manor, are those of my family. My father had not the time to collect, and my mother passed away when I was a small child. Perhaps if she had lived longer there would be more art to grace the halls.”
“I am so sorry to hear of your mother. It is not an easy thing to lose a mother at a young age,” the older woman commented.
“My father did his best. He had some help,” Elias admitted. “Your sister was the mother figure I had to rely on. She did her best to forge me into the man you see before you.”
“She did a good job indeed,” Captain Standish commented.
“Indeed. My sister-in-law has always had a gift with children, both her own and others,” the Baronet added. “It is a pity she could not be here for Arabella’s wedding, but her health is of some concern at this time.”
“How is Mrs. Leeson?” Elias asked, taking the opportunity to get much-desired information on the state of the family.
“She has been in her bed these past weeks. Helena and Beatrice were barely able to come to the wedding, what with their mother in such a condition and the unfortunate circumstances their father finds himself in.”
The Baronet’s gaze turned to Elias as if testing how the mention of Ambrose Leeson affected him. Elias did not allow any emotion to be seen on his face.
“I am very sorry to hear of Mrs. Leeson’s illness. I wish her well as soon as possible.”
“I will convey your sentiments with your permission,” Lady Eggerton said with a small smile.
“That will not be necessary, madam. I think Mrs. Leeson would do better focusing on her health than on the good wishes of others.”
“Certainly she would want the wishes of a gentleman she raised as almost a son?” Captain Standish questioned.
Elias felt uncomfortable. “Indeed.”
He was thankful to leave the conversation. Lady Alice had information and had quickly sought him out the moment she had received it.
“Mr. Grant has nothing to add on his own account, so I believe we can eliminate him.”
Elias nodded as the two walked around the room in search of a quiet place to sit. They found the window box was available, and soon occupied it.
“What else?” he asked.
“I was thinking, perhaps my father’s clerk, Mr. Gibson, could help us.”
“Mr. Gibson?” Elias questioned.
Lady Alice chuckled. “How silly, you must have already spoken to him given he was keeping track of your accounts for you after the company became yours.”
Elias’s breath stopped short. “Your father’s clerk was tracking the accounts? The accounts of Repington’s Goldsmith & Jewellers?””
“Yes,” Lady Alice replied somewhat perplexed. “Father had asked him to go by weekly and check on Mr. Leeson’s performance to ensure that you were in the best of hands. He intimated that you had asked him. He said that you did not want to affect the strength of your friendship with the man by checking after him.”
“Indeed,” Elias answered as his mind turned over the information. The Earl of Evertonham was checking into the finances of his business? He had never asked the man to do anything on his behalf. This was news indeed, though he did not think Lady Alice realized the significance of what she had just spoken.
“Father wanted to be sure you would be happy with your new acquisition. As Father’s personal clerk, Mr. Gibson was constantly checking the information he received when he visited the business.”
“I appreciate your father’s kindness. He did more than I ever expected of him.”
“I will tell him,” Lady Alice commented.
“That will not be necessary,” Elias answered quickly. “I would rather give the Earl my thanks personally.”
Lady Alice smiled more brightly. “Very well. I suppose that will mean you will be visiting us in London.”
Elias could not mistake the enthusiasm in her voice at the prospect of his visit.
He sat back a little. He hoped that the lady was not taking there to be more between them than the mystery of Ambrose Leeson’s framing. He would reproach himself sorely if that was so.
He had no designs on the woman. His heart beat for the one and only who had captured it many years ago, even before he knew it.
His eyes were captured by her a moment later. Helena was on her feet, with her sister beside her. They approached Arabella, whose expression faltered at their conversation before she nodded in some understanding.
Helena and Beatrice turned from the room. Beatrice looked ill, and a line of concern marred Helena’s pretty features. He did not think she would seek him out as she left, but to his surprise, as she was leaving through the door, her eyes turned back to him.
Elias’s heart beat faster at the small, fleeting gesture. She was still there somewhere. Their connection was not altogether severed. There was a chance that there could be reconciliation and a restoration of their affection. He certainly hoped for it.
There was no woman in his heart or mind but Helena. She occupied his thoughts whether she was present or not. He only wished there was more he could do to show her how he felt, but he was still held hostage by their fathers’ edicts.
He had to do his best to keep his word. What was a man who could not be held to his own words?
“Have you considered tomorrow’s picnic yet?” Lady Alice asked from beside him. She was looking at him eagerly. Elias had quite forgotten she was there.
“Yes,” he answered. “I will join the party.”
“Excellent!” Lady Alice rejoiced. “I must admit I hoped you would.”
“I am happy to be able to fulfil your wish,” Elias answered. He had more questions to ask. He would now need to use all his charm to get the information he needed from her. Lady Alice knew m
ore than she was aware of, and he needed to find out how much.
Chapter 27
Mornings came too quickly, Helena thought as she woke in her bed at Dunlily to the memory that there would be more guests arriving that day and a picnic to attend. She had no desire for either.
“Will you be joining us for breakfast?” she asked Beatrice as she tugged on one of her curls to put it in place.
“No,” her sister replied in her nightgown. She was still abed. “I will remain here today.”
Helena turned to her sister in concern. “This is two days now that you have slept here and not in your own bed, and now you will not go down to breakfast.”
“I cannot bear them, Helena. It was a mistake for me to come here. I should have stayed with Mother,” her sister answered sadly.
Beatrice was still mourning the loss of her engagement. It was a pain that clouded everything around her. Helena wished there was something more she could do, but her sister’s healing could only come with time.
“I will ask that something be brought up to you,” Helena said as she got to her feet. “What do you think?” she asked as she held out her arms and turned in a small circle.
“Better than any of them deserve,” Beatrice answered.
“Do not be so bitter, Bea. Though some may be unpleasant, Arabella and our aunt and uncle are not. Captain Standish is also quite agreeable and kind.”
“But the rest of them leave much to be desired.”
“It was not so in the beginning,” Helena reiterated. “It was Agatha’s doing, I believe.”
“Our own cousin, such a turncoat,” Beatrice sighed. “Who would believe it? I have half a mind to tell her what for.”
“You will do no such thing,” Helena replied. “We cannot stoop to her level, no matter what she says.”
“I just want to know why, Helena. Why would she treat us so contemptibly? It is beyond understanding.”
Helena walked over to the bed and sat upon it. She took Beatrice’s hand. “We may never know why,” she said. “But we have the consolation of each other,” she continued as she squeezed her sister’s hand reassuringly.
“I do not know what I would do without you, Helena. Your love is my strength,” Beatrice said.
“And you will always have my love,” Helena answered. “No matter what happens in the next few days. No matter what placement I find and where it may take me, I will never be too far to be there for you. I swear it.”
“I wish it did not have to be so. I will pray for a place for you nearby, so that you will never be more than a hundred miles from Sutton Street.”
Helena smiled but said nothing. They both knew Beatrice’s prayers would not be answered. There were far too many who knew of their circumstance in London. She had to search further afield if she wanted any chance of success. A governess did not always get to choose her situation. She could only hope for a good one.
Helena refused to speak of the cloud that hovered over them. There was a possibility that they may never see each other again. If Helena was unable to find a place amongst her peers, she would be forced to seek employment outside of their acquaintance.
“What would you like to eat?” Helena asked.
“Some dry toast and tea,” Beatrice replied. “My stomach is still unsettled.”
Helena nodded. “I will see that you have it.”
She kissed Beatrice on the forehead and told her to rest before she left the room. Helena steeled her nerves the second the door was opened. She would face today without her sister to comfort her.
As promised, Helena sought the cook to make Beatrice’s request known, before she went into the dining room to join the rest of the house for breakfast.
The morning flew by, and soon it was time for the picnic party to set off. Helena had intended to join them, but she found that when the moment arrived, she simply could not. The prospect of hours alone with them was too much.
She walked to the door and helped the party to pack their baskets, when a carriage arrived unexpectedly.
“Reginald!” Captain Standish called aloud as the first of the men stepped from within its confines.
“Amos!” the man laughed loudly as they stalked toward one another to the wonder of all.
"I thought you would miss it," Captain Standish commented as he patted the other man on the back.
“Miss your wedding? I would have to be held hostage to miss such an event. The great Captain Standish a married man? It will be your greatest story yet.”
Captain Standish brought the gentleman over and began to introduce him to the party. His name was Lieutenant Reginald Rock. Helena waited with the other for their introduction.
“Lieutenant, may I present Miss Helena Leeson. Her older sister Beatrice is unwell and will not be joining us today.”
“Nor will I,” Helena said as she looked at Captain Standish. She bowed her head. “Lieutenant.”
“Miss Helena,” Lieutenant Rock replied. “A pleasure.”
“Will you be joining us? I am sure we can accommodate you. We have more than enough food,” Captain Standish mused.
“No,” the lieutenant replied as he turned his dazzling smile toward her. “I believe I will stay with Miss Helena. It has been a long journey for me. I do not think myself up to a picnic now.”
“Are you sure?” Captain Standish inquired.
“Quite. And if I may beg the indulgence of Miss Helena, I would ask her to keep me company as I have never been to Dunlily and am sure to lose my way around."
He leaned closer with a small smirk on his face. "I also would not want to be chased away by the staff who do not know me. I can be quite intimidating I'm told."
The smile appeared on Helena’s face unsolicited. It was quite unexpected. Though the lieutenant was tall and lean, with a small scar over his right eyebrow and a thin moustache, he was far from frightening.
“It would be my pleasure,” Helena answered. She had no choice. She could not very well refuse him and be seen as rude.
“Lead the way, Miss Helena,” the lieutenant said with a smile.
Helena walked slowly so that the lieutenant could fall in beside her.
“What plans have you for the day?” he questioned.
“Honestly, sir, I had not decided,” she admitted. “I suppose I could read.”
“Do you enjoy reading?” he questioned. “I would have supposed you more a lady who likes the out of doors.”
Helena looked at him in surprise. How could he know that?
“Whatever made you say that, sir?”
“I cannot tell you. It's just, when I look at you, I see sunshine and meadows, not spines and leather binding,” he mused.
Helena considered the response and then quietly pushed it aside. “The library is this way.”
She turned to proceed but found her movement interrupted by the lieutenant’s hand on her arm. She looked up at him in surprise.
“Forgive me, but I have spent many months confined to an enclosed space,” he said as he withdrew his hand. “Perhaps we could take a walk before retreating into another closed room?”
Helena smiled at him. “For your sake, Lieutenant, I will alter my plans.”
“I am much obliged, Miss Helena. If ever you are in need of a good rigger, I am your man,” he mused. Once again Helena found a smile upon her face.
Lieutenant Rock was nothing like his companions. He was so vibrant and alive that she found her spirits elevated around him. They strolled through the house together. None of the guests were present to accompany them. Helena had to ask one of the maids to chaperone them as they walked in the garden and talked about their interests.
“I adore poetry,” she said. “I have always loved it. Written words that could evoke such emotion. It is quite lovely.”
“Do you have a favorite poem?” Lieutenant Rock questioned as he strode beside her. His hands were folded behind his back, and he leaned forward slightly as he attempted to look at her while they walked.
Despite the fact that Helena knew many poems, only one was coming to her mind at the moment. “A Red, Red Rose by Robert Burns.”
The lieutenant smiled.
“O my Luve is like a red, red rose,
That’s newly sprung in June;
O my Luve is like the melody
That’s sweetly played in tune.
So fair art thou, my bonnie lass,
