Chapter 5 #3
"I look forward to seeing him," Helena replied. "It is wonderful that we should all find ourselves together again after so many years. Even Lady Pembroke has long wished to meet you all, after enduring countless stories of my childhood."
Charlotte smiled. "I confess I have become rather envious. Very few people can claim friendships that have survived from the nursery into adulthood."
"We have acquired one additional member of the family since then," Beatrice replied, her face brightening.
"My little Oliver. He has been the greatest blessing my late husband could possibly have left me.
" No sooner had the words escaped her than she looked apologetically toward Charlotte. "Oh, forgive me. I did not mean…"
Charlotte laughed and dismissed the concern with a wave of her hand. "My dear Lady Montfort, you need not apologize in the slightest." Her smile became amused.
"I fear I am a thoroughly unconventional woman. I have always suspected I should make a magnificent aunt, but I have never possessed the least desire to become a mother myself." She lowered her voice conspiratorially. "I realize society would consider that a dreadful confession, but there it is."
The others laughed.
"So please do not deny yourself the happiness Oliver has brought you on my account. Though I confess I do wonder how you manage, it cannot be an easy task without your husband."
Beatrice's expression softened. "That is both a relief and rather refreshing to hear.
I suspect there are many ladies who quietly feel as you do, though few would ever admit it aloud.
" She smiled fondly. "As for how I manage, I cannot pretend I always do.
I have simply been blessed beyond measure in Georgiana and Tristan.
Between them they have shared every burden imaginable, and I do not know what Oliver or I should have done without them. "
"I can well believe it," Helena replied warmly.
Over the next hour, Helena noticed that she always had one of her companions beside her. If Charlotte was drawn into conversation elsewhere, Beatrice would soon appear at her side.
If Beatrice was occupied with another guest, Georgiana took her place almost at once. They managed it so naturally that few would have remarked upon it, yet Helena understood exactly what they were doing. None of them intended to leave her to face society's curiosity by herself.
It was a kindness she would not soon forget. Her spirits lifted further when Lord Blackmere was announced. As Tristan entered the drawing room, Helena watched his gaze move over the assembled company until it found her. A warm smile spread across his face, and Helena returned it instinctively.
Lord Ravenscroft entered only a few moments after Tristan, and as he crossed the room, his eyes met Helena's. There was no warmth in his expression, only a look of unmistakable displeasure before he turned his attention elsewhere.
"Miss Fairchild," Tristan said as he approached. "Lady Pembroke... Beatrice... Georgiana."
Each returned his greeting.
"I have just come from calling upon your parents," he continued, turning back to Helena. "Considering the friendship our families have shared for so many years, I thought it better to spend a proper afternoon with them than merely exchange a few words at a social gathering."
Helena looked at him with pleasant surprise. "You have? I am certain they were delighted by your visit."
"They were kind enough to receive me." Tristan explained.
Before Helena could reply, Charlotte glanced across the room.
"Lady Montfort, Miss Wycliffe, have either of you made the acquaintance of Mrs. Harcourt?"
Both sisters shook their heads.
"Then you simply must. She gives the most entertaining card parties in London, and I refuse to allow either of you to pass an entire Season without receiving an invitation." Charlotte then gently ushered the sisters away before either could protest.
When they had gone, Helena smiled. "I suspect Lady Pembroke has decided she is responsible for everyone's introductions."
For a moment they watched Charlotte expertly guide the sisters into conversation before Tristan turned back to Helena.
"I hoped to encourage you to call upon us one morning," he said.
"Beatrice is eager for you to meet Oliver, and I confess I should like the opportunity to speak with you properly.
I have heard something of what has taken place, though I would much rather hear it from you, if you should ever wish to tell me. "
Helena's expression softened. "Beatrice has already spoken of Oliver, and I am looking forward to meeting him.
" After a brief hesitation she continued.
"I have told only my parents and Lady Pembroke what truly happened.
But I know I may trust you and your sisters, and...
perhaps speaking of it will help me put the matter behind me. "
"It should only be if you wish it," Tristan replied gently. "You are under no obligation to explain yourself."
"Thank you."
He glanced toward the refreshments. "May I fetch you a glass of lemonade? The footmen appear to have forgotten this corner of the room."
Helena laughed softly. "I should like that very much."
Tristan dipped his head before making his way through the guests toward the refreshments. Helena watched him disappear among the crowd and found herself smiling.
It was not long before another gentleman occupied the place Tristan had left. Lord Ravenscroft stopped before her, positioning himself so that she could not easily excuse herself from the conversation.
"Miss Fairchild," he said smoothly, reaching for her hand.
Helena instinctively drew it back before he could take it.
"My dear," he said, his expression filled with practiced sorrow, "I wish only that I understood why you cast our future aside so readily. I have never treated you with anything but respect, nor failed to act with your happiness in mind."
Helena looked at him in astonishment.
For a gentleman who knew precisely why she had ended the engagement, he played the injured party remarkably well.
She also noticed the careful volume of his voice, pitched just loudly enough that those nearest might overhear only fragments of the conversation.
Anyone watching would see a heartbroken gentleman making one final appeal to the lady who had rejected him.
"I still care for you deeply," he continued. "I cannot help hoping we may find our way back to one another."
He reached for her hand once more.