“And what did your husband say about that?”
“Oh, Sebastian was long gone before that. And, in any case, he had a rather selective palate for Moroccan street urchins. Kept him amused and allowed me to pursue my own interests.”
Helena had heard Aunt’s stories before, and she sighed and removed her gloves, anxious for George to arrive.
“Glass of sherry?” Aunt offered.
“No thank you. Need to keep a clear head. George and I have some serious issues to discuss.”
At that moment a carriage arrived at the entrance, and Helena went over to the window. “Oh, good, it is him.”
“Shall I ring for the tea now?” Aunt asked.
“If you please.”
Aunt got out of her chair and paused at the door. “I shall leave the two of you alone this afternoon. I know you will behave yourselves, and I want you to have some privacy.”
“Thank you, Aunt.”
George came in just as Aunt Rosemary was exiting.
“Oh, Helena, I got your note and am so anxious to speak with you.” He went over and embraced her.
“Darling, come sit with me. Tea shall be here shortly, and Aunt has agreed to leave us alone so that we may talk privately.”
“How very kind of her.”
Helena suddenly felt a little shy and did not speak up immediately.
George opened with, “You said in your note you had something important to tell me, but you did not say what it was.”
“Yes, I know. I wanted to tell you in person.”
George became nervous. “Has something happened?”
Helena hung her head and softly said, “I ended up telling Thomas about us.”
“But I thought…”
She put her hand on his. “But everything is fine. He understands the situation and has promised not to let it slip. It is unlikely that Father will find out.”
“But…”
“No, and there is more. Thomas has agreed to allow us to tell Father that he is engaged.”
“Oh… To whom?”
Helena smiled. “He says we can tell Father it is a secret engagement.”
“Ishe engaged?”
“No, silly. He is just trying to help us.”
At that moment the tea was brought in and served, and they were both silent.
After the butler left, George asked, “Then what does that mean for us? Is there going to be a public announcement of his engagement?”
“No, that is why it is supposed to be secret. But you and I can tell him the Duke is to be married and it takes the pressure off for me to marry him.”
