by Vikki Vaught
* * * *
After breakfast, Helen met with Mrs. Smith and the cook to let them know they were having guests for dinner. She looked forward to spending time with the vicar and his wife. It was always a good idea to know the vicar so they could work together for the common good of her husband’s tenants. After the meeting, she went upstairs to visit the girls.
When she entered the nursery, Christina and Catherine were reading aloud. Both girls were advancing quickly and could now read complete sentences. After they finished their lessons, Helen took them to the garden. Christina was the leader, so whatever she did, Catherine went along with it. If she could get Christina to warm up to her, Catherine would as well.
Christina approached her with a puzzled look in her eyes. “We don’t want you as our mama, but what should we call you?”
She thought a minute. “I hope you’ll change your mind someday. In the meantime, call me Aunt Helen. When I was your age, I used to like to work in the garden. Would you be interested?”
Christina looked at Catherine, then they grinned and bobbed their heads. Helen went to the shed, found garden tools, and showed them how to pull weeds and put fertilizer around the flowers. The garden needed a lot of work, so it kept the girls entertained for a couple of hours. By the time they finished, they were asking her about the different flowers and bushes in the garden.
She enjoyed answering their questions and believed she’d made progress in getting them to accept her. By the time she returned them to the nursery, they were much more responsive toward her. Once she left the girls with Katie, she realized she would not do any decorating after all. That was all right though, since she’d had a lovely time with Christina and Catherine.
Matthew did not join her for tea. He’d sent word he was tied up at one of his tenant’s farms but that he would be home before dinner. After tea, she went to her sitting room to catch up on her correspondence. Once she finished her letters, she gave them to Wells and took a short nap.
When Vicar Winslow and his wife arrived, the butler showed them into the drawing room. Helen stood as they entered. “Thank you for coming. Lord Collingswood has been detained. He will join us momentarily. We’ll just sit and chat until he arrives.”
They took their seats on the adjacent sofa. Helen shared pleasantries for several minutes, then told the vicar, “I used to help my parish in Cranleigh and found it very rewarding. I want to do that here.”
Vicar Winslow had a round cheerful face and smiled jovially. “I appreciate your offer, and I shall certainly take you up on it. In fact, we’ve recently started a committee to raise money for some of the less fortunate. Would you like to participate?”
“I would love it.” Wanting to include his wife in their conversation, she turned to Mrs. Winslow. “You look familiar. Have we ever met?”
“You have a good memory,” she replied. “We met several years ago at the Duke of Ashurst’s ball. Lady Helton introduced us.”
“I remember now. I had to cut my season short that year.” Not wanting to linger on that painful time in her life, she asked, “Is there an orphanage in Salcombe? When I’m in London I help with one and have found it very rewarding.”
“We do,” she replied, “and I volunteer there, so if you like, I could show you around and introduce you to Mrs. Mullins. She’s in charge of St. Stephen’s. I’m sure she would welcome your assistance. I plan to go on Friday. Would you be able to come with me?”
“Friday will be perfect. Shall we meet at the church at nine?” Helen asked.
The young woman beamed. “That sounds delightful. I look forward to it.”
Helen wondered where Matthew was. He should have arrived by now. To keep the conversation flowing, she asked, “How long have you been married, Mrs. Winslow?”
“Five years.” She glanced at her husband and smiled. “We were wed shortly before Mr. Winslow came to the parish. I fell in love with the area and the sea. I find it invigorating.”
“That gives us something in common.” Helen looked up as Matthew entered. “Oh, good, Lord Collingswood has arrived.”
He shook hands with Vicar Winslow and bowed to Mrs. Winslow. “I’m sorry I wasn’t here to greet you when you arrived. One of my tenants had a fire at his farm today.”
Concern written across his face, the vicar asked, “Who had the fire?”
Matthew sat beside her. “Howard Miller. There’s a lot of damage to their home. We’re not sure how it started. In the meantime, I’ve told them they may live in the old gatekeeper’s cottage while theirs is repaired.”
“I’ll see what I can do to help. I’m sure this will be hard on them. They have three small children with another one on the way. I shall visit them tomorrow.”
Wells entered and announced dinner. Helen was pleased with the fare. The baked fish with Mornay sauce, along with rice and wild mushrooms, tasted divine. For dessert, Cook had prepared a lemon chiffon cake. She would let her know how much everyone enjoyed the meal.
Over dinner conversation, Helen discovered she had several mutual friends with Mrs. Winslow. It was a lovely evening and she looked forward to developing a close friendship with her.
After the vicar and his wife left, they went into the library to read. Once she finished her chapter, she closed the book. “I’m glad we had the Winslows over. I’m going to enjoy being friends with the vicar’s wife. We seem to have much in common. I hope you don’t mind. I volunteered to help with the orphanage.”
“Not at all,” he replied. “I know you enjoy volunteering at one when you’re in London.”
“There’s something else I’ve been meaning to mention.” She hesitated, not sure how he would react. “I’m a little concerned. Your sister is infatuated with Mr. Boling, and I think he’s dangerous. I worry he may try to get her alone. She’s so impulsive he may talk her into doing something she could later regret.”
“I’ve noticed that as well, and it concerns me greatly. Although Margaret thinks she’s grown, we both know she’s immature. I’ll watch them closely. These young men should be leaving soon, so we’ll only need to be vigilant for a while longer. If we both keep an eye on her, I’m sure she’ll be fine.” He stood. “I’m ready to retire. May I join you? I would enjoy some private time with my pretty wife.”
Helen smiled and threw him what she hoped was a sultry look. They ended the night by making love and falling asleep in each other’s arms. She again thought of how fortunate she was that he’d asked her to be his wife and…that she’d agreed.
CHAPTER 15
August 1820
Helen stayed busy over the next two days. They went riding in the morning, and she spent her afternoons with the twins. She’d made progress on Matthew’s rooms. Since he enjoyed the sea and loved its tranquility, she used varying shades of blue with beige accents. She found striped wallpaper with those colors and an oriental rug that matched. The room would be finished soon, but she was in no hurry, because she enjoyed sharing her bedchamber with her husband.
After tea the next day, she had Sally prepare a bath, since they were attending the Marquess of Ralston’s ball that evening. Helen looked forward to it with great anticipation. This would be her first opportunity to meet their neighbors and be introduced as the Countess of Collingswood.
Helen had selected a deep rose satin gown with an ecru underskirt. The bodice had a low décolleté, and it accentuated her bosom nicely. While there was not much she could do with her shoulder-length hair, Sally managed to gather it up into a top knot with tendrils framing her face. She decided to let it grow. Longer hair would give her more choices. She also suspected her husband would like it as well.
Once she donned her gown, she made her way to the entry hall. Matthew watched her descend. His smoldering green eyes sent chills through her. After she stepped on the black and white marble floor, he raised her hand and, under heavy-lidded eyes, he brushed a barely-there kiss across the top of her gloved fingers, sending sparks to her core. “You look ravishing as
always. I shall be the envy of all the other men attending tonight. I must keep a close eye on you, or someone will try to steal you away. My brother and the others are in the drawing room.”
When they entered, the three young men stood and looked appreciatively at her. Before they could take a seat, Wells announced dinner. Gregory and his friends joked and made a wager to see which of them would be the first to dance. They voiced the desire to enter any games of chance offered in the card room. Matthew interjected, “You’ve already spent this quarter’s allowance.”
The young man smirked. He clearly could care less what her husband had to say. Matthew’s jaw tightened. He’d mention his concern over his brother’s gaming and carousing on more than one occasion.
When their party arrived, a footman opened their carriage door, then they made their way up the steps and into the house. Once they stepped inside, the majordomo announced their party, and the Marquess and Marchioness of Ralston greeted them. The marchioness was a pretty woman, petite with light blonde hair, pale blue eyes, and a friendly smile. Helen hoped she would have a chance to talk with her later.
She marveled at the turn out as they strolled around the room. A half-dozen chandeliers hung from the tray ceiling with hundreds of beeswax candles, casting light on the evening finery of the guests. She had no idea there were so many members of the gentry in the area. They passed a group of ladies, and she saw Mrs. Arlington with them. Matthew steered her away, but the woman boldly approached. “Good evening, Lord Collingswood, Countess. It’s lovely to see you again. As I told you when we first met, we must chat soon. We have much in common.”
The widow looked slyly at her husband the entire time she spoke. She did not like the way her eyes roamed over Matthew, looking like a cat awaiting its next bird of prey.
Why does she keep saying we have much in common?
It was the second time Mrs. Arlington had mentioned that. When she finally made eye contact with her, she had the same wrathful expression in her eyes she’d seen when she met the woman. Matthew’s arm tensed under her hand, and his jaw tightened.
Something caused his reaction, but she was not sure what. When they returned home, she would question him again regarding his friendship with the woman. Obviously, they’d been more than mere acquaintances. There had to be more to her animosity.
He placed his hand on the small of her back. “Good evening, Mrs. Arlington. We would love to stay and chat, but we’re on our way to the drink table. We wish you a pleasant evening.”
They strolled to the other side of the ballroom, and Matthew handed her a glass of champagne. He drank his quickly and took another. Helen greatly feared it had something to do with that detestable woman. The string quartet began tuning up for the first dance of the evening. Matthew took her glass and sat it on a tray, before they took their places. The opening strains of a waltz filled the room, and soon she was enjoying herself so much she dismissed her concerns.
After the dance ended, they approached Lord and Lady Ralston. While her husband talked to the marquess, Helen turned to his wife. “I didn’t realize there were so many people in the area. I’ve looked forward to your ball ever since we received your invitation. I thought it would be a good opportunity to meet more of my neighbors.”
“I’m pleased you could come,” Lady Ralston replied. “I’ll introduce you to some of the ladies in attendance.”
“Thank you. That would be lovely.” Helen surreptitiously searched the woman’s face, but she did not believe she’d ever seen her before. “I’m surprised we’ve never met. Do you go to town for the season?”
The marchioness sighed. “We haven’t gone for the past four years. I’ve been too busy having children. My three boys are only a year apart, so my hands are full. As much as I love them, I hope I don’t have any more children for a couple of years. Shall we stroll, so I can introduce you to my friends?”
Several of the ladies Cassandra introduced her to asked her to tea. She’d always made friends easily, so it seemed it would be true here as well. They also chatted with Mrs. Winslow. “I’m looking forward to our visit at St. Stephen’s on Friday.”
“Mrs. Mullins will be thrilled you want to help,” Mrs. Winslow assured her.
Lady Ralston interjected, “Excuse us, my dear. I want to introduce Lady Collingswood to Mrs. Warren. I shall see you at church service on Sunday. Have a pleasant evening.”
As they approached the next cluster of women, Helen noticed Mrs. Arlington was part of the group. Cassandra began introductions. The brazen woman interrupted her. “We’ve already met. Lady Margaret introduced us the other day when they were in town. The decorations in your ballroom are delightful, Marchioness. Everyone of social standing must be here tonight. Thank you so much for inviting me. You always have such magnificent balls. After all, you’re the most prominent member of society in our neighborhood.”
Mrs. Arlington gushed over the marchioness. It was almost embarrassing to watch. While Lady Ralston was polite, if a bit cool, she took the woman’s effusive behavior in her stride. She got the impression the marchioness did not care for Mrs. Arlington.
Since Helen was beginning to feel the same way, she was relieved she was not alone in her distaste for the woman. It was unusual for her to dislike someone.
They moved on and Lady Ralston whispered, “I never like to speak ill of anyone, but I cannot abide that woman. She’s far too forward, and she’s always fawning over me. It makes me uncomfortable for anyone to do that. I hope you don’t think poorly of me for saying this, but I already feel comfortable with you. I hope we can become friends.”
“I would like that.” She kept her voice low. “I’m glad you shared your concerns regarding Mrs. Arlington. It confirms my own.” By this time, they had returned to their husbands. Matthew asked the marchioness to dance, and Helen moved onto the floor with Lord Ralston.
* * * *
The rest of the evening passed quickly. Shortly before they planned to depart, a commotion broke out in the card room. Matthew excused himself and went to investigate, fearing it involved Gregory. It did. Evidently, he’d lost money in a card game and believed the gentleman had cheated.
He went to his brother and pulled him away. “I’m sure this is all a misunderstanding. How much did you lose? You know you’ve already overspent your allowance. How do you plan to pay this gentleman?”
With a surly expression marring his face, Gregory retorted, “I’m not. He cheated.”
The gentleman sneered, “I…do not…cheat, sirrah! You have impugned my honor, name your seconds.”
Matthew grabbed him by his coat. “You will apologize to this gentleman right now.”
He jerked away. “I will not. He cheated, and I can prove it. Boling saw the whole bloody thing. This man switched cards under the table. He can demand satisfaction, and I’ll give it. Boling, Austin, will you be my seconds?”
They nodded, and Matthew stood at a loss for words. His little brother was going to fight a duel. After discussion between the seconds, Gregory chose pistols, and the site would be on the beach at dawn the following day.
He had to convince his brother to apologize. He was too young to fight a duel. If he could not get him to see sense, he would try talking to Barnaby Sexton to see if he would withdraw his challenge. What a way to end the evening. A crowd gathered at the door. Helen’s face turned pale when she realized what had taken place. In fact, everyone looked shocked.
What a scandal.
When they arrived at the house, Matthew grabbed Gregory’s arm and hauled him to his study. “I demand you apologize to Mr. Sexton. You’re entirely too young to fight a duel. You should not have played cards anyway. Why do you keep getting yourself into trouble?”
His eyes flashed ire, and his face turned red. “That man cheated, and I want to duel him. In fact, I hope I kill him so he can’t cheat anyone else.”
Tunneling his fingers through his hair, he realized he would not change his mind. “If you will not apologiz
e, you need to find your rest so you’ll be ready to face him at dawn. Please reconsider and apologize. It’s not too late. For God’s sake, you’re barely eighteen.”
Gregory shook his head and stalked out of the study.
Matthew located the inn where Barnaby Sexton was staying and tried to convince him to withdraw his challenge. He’d even tried to bribe the man. It was all for naught. When he returned home, he went to his study and poured a snifter of brandy, then drank it in three gulps. He’d learned Sexton had fought other duels in the past. He broke out in a cold sweat as he visualized his brother lying in a pool of blood. The door to his study opened, and his wife entered.
Oh, God, she’s so beautiful.
He wanted to hold her and make this all go away, but that would not happen. Her lovely eyes showed her concern. “What is happening? Must Gregory fight the duel? He’s so young.”
Matthew poured another brandy, then filled another glass with sherry and handed it to her. “He has no choice, unless he apologizes. That’s not going to happen. I went to Sexton and tried to convince him to withdraw. I even offered to pay more than my brother lost. He still refused to call it off. He said this was a matter of honor.”
“Dear Lord.” Her face grew pale. “Does he even know how to shoot?”
He tried to hide his fear. “I taught him, and he’s actually good.” The image of his brother came back and a wave of overwhelming fear shot through him. “He’s such a hothead, I’m afraid he’ll do something stupid.”
“Will you be there?” she asked, her voice shook. “I don’t know how they work. I’m so worried. He’s only eighteen, entirely too young to engage in a duel. Of course, I don’t understand why men think they need to fight them. At least he knows how to shoot. Could one of them end up dead? Oh, this is truly horrible.”
“I don’t want you to worry. Gregory will be fine. Since dueling is illegal, neither of them will be seriously hurt. Most of the time, the duelists shoot wide or in the air. This will not do his reputation any good.” He clasped her hand. “Come, let us go to bed so I can try to get a little sleep before the duel in the morning.”
