Chapter 21 #3
“Georgiana, what we have discovered will not be easy to hear.” Helena still held the leather-bound file.
“I know I have a history with the baron, and that you may think me prejudiced against him. I also know he has likely done much to turn you against me. But I would have you know that I love you dearly, and I would never seek to hinder your happiness. I wish only for you to marry a man who is worthy of you and who will cherish you.”
Tristan then began to explain all they had discovered and suspected, showing Georgiana the evidence they had gathered and allowing her to examine the pages contained within the leather-bound file for herself.
He told her of Frederick's investment with Lord Ravenscroft, his discovery of the baron's illegal dealings, and his subsequent confrontation with him.
He explained what Elinor had written, including her growing fear that Frederick's death had not been an accident, and then shared what Nathaniel had discovered concerning Lord Ravenscroft's financial affairs.
For the most part, Georgiana said little. She turned each page carefully, her expression growing more troubled as she read, and every so often she looked toward Tristan or Helena as though hoping one of them might offer some explanation that would make what she was reading less dreadful.
Neither could.
By the time Tristan finished explaining what they had learned, Georgiana had gone pale. She closed the file slowly and rested her hand upon its cover.
“I do not understand,” she whispered. “How could I have been so mistaken about him?”
“I believed myself to be a person who could make accurate judgements of a person's character, and I was mistaken for a full year,” Helena consoled. “This is not a reflection of you, dearest; this is a reflection of him. He is cunning and a master of manipulation. He took advantage of you.”
“But I allowed him to! And... oh, I was so awful to you!” Georgiana's eyes filled with tears. “Oh, I am so sorry, Helena!”
Helena quickly moved to her side and sat beside her.
“No, no, I will not have this!” Helena smiled.
“You were taken in and deceived. This is a man who has had years to practice such deception, years before you had even exchanged your child's gowns for those of a young lady. How could you possibly have been expected to recognize what you had never encountered?”
“Do you forgive me?” Georgiana asked her softly.
“There is nothing to forgive.” Helena smiled, taking her hands. “In fact, I believe we are now truly sisters, given that we have had our first misunderstanding.”
Georgiana managed a small laugh. “You are too kind, Helena. My brother could not have married anyone better.”
“Indeed,” Tristan said, causing Helena to look at him with raised eyebrows and a small smile.
“Oh!” Georgiana said in a sudden panic. “He asked you if he could formally call upon me!” She turned to Tristan with a look of distress. “How will I ever face him? I cannot!”
“You will not have to.” Tristan reached into his coat pocket and withdrew a letter.
“I have written my response to him. Although, he will receive it later than I promised, I have explained that he will not be permitted to call upon you formally, and that I wish him to put an end to whatever attachment he has formed toward you.” Tristan smiled at Georgiana.
“I wished to speak with you first, before sending it.”
“Send it, at once!” Georgiana exclaimed. “Thank you, Tristan. I may feel like a fool, but I am glad you and Helena spoke with me. I want nothing more to do with that odious man.”
Helena picked up her porcelain cup and sipped the last of her tea before saying, “Beatrice knows the entirety of the situation, and between the three of us, we shall make certain the baron does not corner you at any social gathering where we may encounter him.”
“I am certain she will be most eager to hear how our conversation went. I shall have her called and make certain this letter is delivered.” Tristan rose from his seat.
He glanced at Georgiana with a smile. “Georgie, I believe we have made a start toward a much better relationship between us.” He winked and grinned.
“I believe so, brother!” Georgiana laughed.
Tristan left the morning parlor feeling relieved by the outcome, though still rather sheepish about the way he and Georgiana had behaved at the beginning of their conversation.
His thoughts turned to Helena and how admirably she had handled them both, stepping in when their tempers had risen and then, when he needed her support, standing beside him to appeal to Georgiana.
He could not imagine having anyone else as his wife, and he was exceptionally grateful for her.
“Ah.” Tristan spotted his butler. “Mr. Blake, could you please see that this is delivered to Lord Ravenscroft, and have Beatrice called to the morning parlor?” He paused. “Perhaps send for a tray of refreshments too. With cake… or perhaps just cake.”
“Most certainly, My Lord.” Mr. Blake bowed. “I have just been informed that Mrs. Fenwick has been located as well. She is here in London.”
“She is?” Tristan raised his eyebrows. “Do you have an address?”
Mr. Blake withdrew a piece of paper from his pocket and handed it to him. “Shall I have her sent for?”
“No...” Tristan replied slowly, reading the address.
“I am told she is at home most afternoons.” Mr. Blake bowed and stepped away.