Chapter 7
Helena folded the letter carefully before handing it back to Sir Benedict.
For several moments she remained silent, her thoughts refusing to arrange themselves into any sensible order.
She had read the letter three times, each reading leading her to the same remarkable conclusion.
Tristan was proposing a marriage of convenience.
It was the last thing she had expected, and she found herself entirely at a loss for words.
Sir Benedict watched her with patience before gently asking, "Well, my dear? I do not believe you could hope to find a finer husband. Tristan is one of the best men I have ever had the pleasure of knowing."
Helena looked from her father to her mother before giving a faint, bewildered smile. "I hardly know what to say. May I read it again?"
"Of course."
She unfolded the pages and read them slowly for a fourth time.
The letter was thoughtful and entirely characteristic of Tristan.
There was no pressure within its carefully chosen words, nor any suggestion that she owed him an answer.
He simply laid his proposal before her and her parents with sincerity and left the decision entirely in her hands.
When she reached the end, Helena folded the letter once more and rested it in her lap.
"When could he possibly have come to such a decision?" she asked. "I spent the afternoon at the Wycliffe’s yesterday, and there was not the slightest indication that such a thought had entered his mind."
"I found myself asking the very same question," Sir Benedict replied.
"He called upon us on Saturday after we had written to him asking for his counsel, and before he left, he said only that he wished to give the matter careful consideration.
I expected him to offer advice when he returned, not a proposal.
Even so, knowing Tristan as I do, as he is quite like his father, I cannot pretend I was surprised for very long.
He has always been a gentleman who acts when he believes something ought to be done. "
Lady Fairchild smiled across the table at her daughter.
"Your father and I were equally astonished when the letter arrived yesterday afternoon, shortly after you returned from the Wycliffe’s.
We decided not to show it to you then. We feared you would spend the entire night thinking of little else, and we also suspected you would only come to an answer after speaking to him yourself. "
Helena gave a soft laugh. "I believe you judged correctly. Had I received this yesterday, I should not have slept at all."
Sir Benedict smiled warmly. "For what it is worth, my dear, I believe Tristan is the one who has secured the better bargain, should you choose to accept."
"Oh, Papa," Helena replied with an affectionate smile.
Before Helena could reply further, a knock sounded at the morning parlor door. A footman entered and bowed respectfully.
"My Lady, Sir Benedict, Lord Blackmere has arrived."
The Fairchild family rose to receive him, and after the proper greetings were made, all took their seats.
"I imagine I ought to begin with general conversation," Tristan said after the tea had been poured, "but I fear all of us would merely be waiting for the discussion that brought me here. I think it better that we speak of it at once."
Sir Benedict nodded his head. "I believe that would be wise."
Tristan looked toward Helena before continuing. "My letter explained the proposal itself, but I thought it only proper that I should explain my reasoning in person. I would not have you believe this to be the result of a passing impulse. I have given the matter very careful consideration."
He paused only briefly. "When my family returned to London, we did so after three years spent almost entirely at Blackmere.
Georgiana has entered society for the first time this year, and although Beatrice has guided her admirably, she is still learning to distinguish genuine friends from those who seek only their personal advantage.
Helena, you have already proved invaluable in that regard. "
Helena listened without interruption.
"My sister also carries a greater burden than she ought. Since my brother-in-law's death, she has devoted herself almost entirely to Oliver. She bears it with remarkable grace, yet I know she has had little opportunity to enjoy the companionship of ladies of her own age." He smiled faintly.
"I had not realized quite how much she had missed it until I saw you together yesterday.” He continued after a moment.
"There is also the matter of my family's return to society.
During my father's illness, and after both my parents passed away, as well as my late-wife’s death, we withdrew almost entirely from London.
This is our first proper Season, and although our name has not been forgotten, we are, in many respects, establishing ourselves again. "
He looked toward Helena once more.
"You understand society remarkably well.
You know how drawing rooms function, when to speak, when to remain silent, whom to trust, and, perhaps most importantly, whom not to trust. I have already seen the confidence with which Georgiana looks to you, and I believe my household would benefit greatly from having you as part of it. "
There was no embarrassment in his manner as he spoke. Each reason had plainly been considered long before he had entered the room.
"In return," he continued, "I can offer you my name, which I hope would silence much of the speculation presently surrounding you. More importantly, I can offer you my word that you would always be treated with the respect due as my wife.
You would have complete freedom to pursue your own interests, to continue your painting, your charitable visits, and every other occupation you enjoy. I should never expect you to surrender your independence merely because you had become Countess of Blackmere." His expression softened.
"I also wish you to understand that this proposal carries no expectations beyond those to which you willingly consent.
Ours would be a marriage founded upon mutual respect, friendship, and honesty.
I would never ask more of you than you freely chose to give, nor would I expect affection where none exists. "
The room remained silent for several moments.
At length Tristan continued. "I cannot pretend that this arrangement is born of romance. It is not. But I believe it would offer security to us both, companionship to our families, and, if nothing else, the opportunity for two old friends to face the future together rather than apart.”
He held Helena’s gaze. “If, after considering everything, your answer is no, I shall accept it without offense, and neither you nor your family shall ever hear another word of the proposal from me. Our friendship, and that between our families, will remain exactly as it has always been."
“Thank you, Lord Blackmere,” Sir Benedict began.
“For explaining your reasoning in proposing a marriage with my daughter so thoroughly. Lady Fairchild and I were both astonished by your letter, as was Helena. We only gave it to her this morning, and I believed she might require a little time to collect her thoughts.”
“There is no need, Papa,” Helena said calmly, though she felt anything but. Beyond the surprise lay confusion and a number of unanswered questions. Although Tristan had explained himself remarkably well, there was still more she wished to know.
She turned toward him. “Lord Blackmere, before I give you my answer, may I ask one or two questions?”
“By all means,” Tristan replied, his dark eyes resting upon her.
“You have explained your reasons for making this proposal, but when did you first begin considering such a course? I confess I was quite speechless when I read your letter, for you gave not the slightest indication of such intentions yesterday when I called upon your family.”
Tristan smiled. “I imagine it must appear to have come entirely without warning.
In truth, however, I have been considering a second marriage for several months.
I hoped my family's return to London this Season might present an opportunity of meeting a lady suited to such an arrangement.” He paused before continuing.
“I am perfectly aware that the marriage my parents enjoyed was a rare blessing, as it was a love match. Having considered my own circumstances, I found myself inclined toward practicality rather than romance, as I did with my first marriage. When your situation became known to me, I reflected upon both your future and that of my own household, concluding that such a marriage might prove beneficial to us both.”
“I had wondered whether you were acting upon impulse,” Helena replied, “but it seems you have given the matter considerable thought.” Looking down at her hands, she tried to picture what such a marriage might become.
When she finally raised her head, she discovered both her parents and Tristan watching her.
“Forgive me,” she said with a small smile.
“I am merely attempting to give the matter as much consideration as you have.”
“No apology is required.” Tristan responded kindly.
“Then, Lord Blackmere, what would be expected of me within your household?” Helena asked, “Would this marriage exist merely for appearances, or would you expect me to undertake the full responsibilities of Countess of Blackmere?”
“I should expect you to preside over my household as Countess of Blackmere. There is naturally a great deal involved, but I have every confidence that Beatrice would gladly guide you, should you ever wish for her assistance.” A smile touched his lips.
“But,” he added, “I believe you have another question.”
Lady Fairchild laughed softly. “You see, Helena? He knows you remarkably well.”