Chapter 7 #2
“Indeed, Mama,” Helena replied with a laugh. Turning back to Tristan, she continued, “Regarding our marriage... would you expect us to present ourselves as a devoted couple when we are in society?” She lifted her brows slightly.
“It may sound an unusual question, but my previous suitor proposed a similar arrangement, appearing to expect something rather different. I should simply like to understand the particulars before giving my answer.”
Tristan glanced briefly toward Sir Benedict, who answered only with the smallest shrug before Tristan looked back at Helena. “Expectations such as?”
Helena smiled to herself. “His expectations no longer signify. I merely wish to know whether you would expect us to persuade society that ours is a great love match.”
His eyebrows rose ever so slightly before he answered. “I ask only for honesty and friendship between us. I see little purpose in attempting to deceive the ton. Besides, if we continue to treat one another as we always have, I believe we shall already enjoy a happier marriage than many.”
Sir Benedict laughed. “Well said.”
Helena met Tristan’s gaze, “Thank you for answering my questions.” After taking in a small breath, she then said, “Yes, Lord Blackmere, I shall be very happy to accept your proposal.”
A genuine smile appeared upon Tristan's face. “I am very pleased to hear it.”
He rose immediately, and Helena did the same. She offered him her hand, which he accepted before bowing over it and pressing the lightest kiss to her gloved fingers.
As he straightened, Sir Benedict stepped forward and warmly shook his hand. “My congratulations, Lord Blackmere.”
“Thank you, Sir Benedict.”
Sir Benedict smiled with evident satisfaction. “Come. We have much to discuss.” Already making for the door, he motioned for Tristan to follow.
The footman closed the door behind them. Helena returned to her chair and leaned back, releasing a slow breath. "Goodness, Mama... I hardly know what to say."
"It is an exceedingly fortunate turn of events, my dear," Lady Fairchild replied, unable to conceal her delight.
"Lord Blackmere is an exceptionally good man.
I believe he will make you a wonderful husband.
And to think, only yesterday morning we had not the slightest notion how we might escape the baron's scandal. "
"I must write to Charlotte," Helena said. "I cannot imagine what she will make of the news."
"Did she not say she intended to call this afternoon?" Lady Fairchild asked. "Indeed, I believe she did."
Helena smiled. "Yes, you are right, I had quite forgotten." She glanced toward the door through which her father and Tristan had disappeared. "Do you suppose Papa is discussing my dowry?"
"I imagine so," Lady Fairchild replied. "And the announcement of the engagement, perhaps even the wedding itself." She opened her fan and gave it a thoughtful flutter.
"This is a delicate situation... Society will be surprised that another engagement should follow so soon after the last, but it would be far more dangerous to leave the matter unresolved.
Every additional week invites fresh speculation about your broken engagement to the baron and the reasons behind it. "
She paused fanning herself as she thought.
"Lord Blackmere is an earl of unquestioned character, and our families have been friends for years.
Most people will see his offer as a generous and honorable attempt to restore your standing after such an unhappy disappointment, rather than imagine there had been an understanding between you before your engagement to the baron was broken.
Once the settlements are concluded, there is every reason to proceed without unnecessary delay. A prompt, respectable marriage leaves very little room for idle speculation, and before long society will have found some new diversion."
Helena's expression hardened. "And all this because of that odious man."
"Indeed." Lady Fairchild snapped her fan closed with satisfaction. "But, with God's blessing, he shall soon be nothing more than an unpleasant chapter in our past."
A little while later, while Helena sat with a book open in her lap, having read the same page several times without absorbing a single word, her mother embroidering absently, her attention drifting more often to the window than to her needlework. Finally, there came a knock at the door.
The footman entered. "Lord Blackmere, My Lady."
Tristan stepped inside. "I shall not stay," he said, addressing both Helena and Lady Fairchild. "I am on my way home to inform my family of the engagement. Thank you for receiving me, I shall call upon you tomorrow."
"You shall always be welcome here," Lady Fairchild replied warmly. "And do bring your sisters with you." She took a step toward the door before pausing. "If you will excuse me, Lord Blackmere, I find I must speak with Sir Benedict."
With that, she disappeared into the passage, leaving Helena and Tristan alone.
Tristan watched the door close behind her before looking back at Helena. A smile gradually found its way across his face. "Has she been wishing to speak with your father for some time, did I occupy him longer than I should have?"
Helena laughed. "Oh, I believe the urgency arose the very moment you entered the room."
He laughed with her, both recognizing Lady Fairchild's transparent excuse for leaving them together. After a moment, his expression grew more thoughtful. "Will this arrangement truly suit you, Helena?"
There was no hesitation in her answer. "I believe it will."
His features softened almost imperceptibly.
"I am glad." For a brief moment neither of them spoke.
"I ought to tell my sisters,” he said at last. "Your father will explain the decisions we have reached regarding the engagement.
If there is anything you would rather alter, we may discuss it tomorrow. "
"Thank you," she smiled. "Give my regards to your sisters, and to Oliver."
"I shall." He returned her smile before bowing. "Until tomorrow... Miss Fairchild."
Helena smiled to herself. "Until tomorrow, Lord Blackmere."