He looked up at her with pleading eyes. “My very dearest, you know how much I love you and how my heart aches when we are not together. And it hurts me so that I can speak to no one about us. Only yesterday, I visited Thomas again and felt so constrained that I could not share with him my joy in loving you.”
They had had words about this matter previously, but Helena reminded him, “You know father’s position. He absolutely insists that Thomas and I marry. But Thomas and I are both in agreement that that is an impossibility.”
“But why should that restrict us from telling him? I trust him not to tell your father as I am certain you do, as well.”
“Yes, but it would be so easy for the information about us to slip out, and father would be furious. Then he could keep us from ever meeting again. As it is now, he does not suspect, and we are able to meet like this as friends.”
George stood up and began to pace, running his hands through his hair. He turned to her and said, “Step outside with me onto the terrace. I feel the need for fresh air,” then he whispered, “and a little more privacy.” He nodded towards Bridget.
Helena stood and said to her sister, “We are going outside on the terrace for a little air. We shall come in when tea is ready.”
“Very well but keep close by.”
They opened the French doors and stepped onto the terrace and stood to gaze over the landscape.
“I am sorry, I just do not understand your father’s position,” George said, taking Helena’s hand, bringing it to his lips, and kissing it.
She pulled away and took a few steps backward. “Oh, George, he is a fanatic royalist and insists I must marry no lower than an Earl. But he has his sights set on Thomas and me marrying because he is a Duke and he knows that we are old friends and sees us as the perfect match.”
“But I know that Thomas is having money difficulties. He has confided in me about the fact.”
“Yes, he has told me as well.”
“Then your father must also know that I am the eldest son and, although my father is not titled, he runs a very fine estate with sheep, wool, grains and a very substantial variety of profitable other crops. I will inherit the estate, and we shall be well set as landed gentry.”
Helena’s head drooped. “I wish that were enough for him, but I am afraid it is not. He insists on a title.
“And what has your mother to say about such matters?”
“Poor Mama is not in the best of health and defers to him on all matters regarding the family.”
George began pacing again. “It is so unfair. My darling, how are we ever to solve this problem?”
“It would seem to me the solution would be to find Thomas another wife. If he was married he would no longer be available and Father just might consider us as a viable couple.”
George sighed, “Then he would just go hunting for a new nobleman for you to marry.”
“Perhaps. But by then, I might have been able to weaken his resolve.”
Benton appeared at the terrace doors. “Miss Helena, tea is served.”
Chapter 4
Thomas had seen the carriage approaching Pemberton from the driveway leading to the main entrance. He recognized the coach as his uncle’s and went to the door to welcome him.
“I was not expecting you, Uncle,” Thomas said.
“I had some business at my estate so thought I would stop by for a visit on my way. I trust Mother is well?”
“Sharp as ever and I am certain she will be happy to see you,” Thomas said welcoming his uncle inside. Uncle handed his hat and walking stick to Willoughby. “Do you wish to see Grandmamma now?”
Wilcox hesitated then said, “I should like to have a word with you first—if you are free?”
“Of course. Come into the library.”
Entering the library, Wilcox headed directly to the side table and poured himself a generous whiskey. He turned, raised his glass to Thomas, and asked, “Might I pour you one, as well, Nephew?”
“Not for me, thank you.” Thomas went to his desk and studied some papers and a ledger before saying, “I wanted to speak to you as well, Uncle. It is most convenient that you stopped by. But you speak first.”
