Helena’s mother came over and took Timothy by the arm. “Dearest, you have neglected me terribly this evening. I should so like it if you would escort me to dinner when it is called.”
“Of course, Mummy.”
Ralph Comerford was what one might call a plain, solid sort of chap. He had made his fortune and his title by being one of the most successful shipping magnates on the western coast. He operated two dozen ships that plied the globe taking English goods abroad and returning with the prized goods from foreign climes.
The children took after their petite and lovely mother, Sara. However, she had a frail constitution and did not exert a strong influence in their lives. She was what some might call a ghostly, fading beauty. It was almost as though one could see through her when she spoke or glided across a room, barely parting the air she walked through.
Presently dinner was called, and his Lordship led the way with Aunt Rosemary on his arm. Sara and Timothy followed them, and lastly, George and Helena, who exchanged a few fervent words unheard by the others as they lagged behind to express their longing for each other.
As the second course was being served, Ralph turned to George and asked, “Mr. Edgerton, how is your father these days? I have not seen him since we met up in town at the bank.”
“He is fine, Your Lordship. When he knew I was to be present this evening, he especially bade me send you his personal greetings and well wishes.”
“Ah. Very good.” Ralph turned to his son. “You see, a gentleman with manners. Unlike some that are insolent, rude, and unruly.”
Timothy shrugged and set upon eating his fish.
Aunt Rosemary had tucked her napkin, most unladylike, in the neck of her gown. Ralph turned to her and said pointedly, “We were not raised that way, Sister. Napkins belong in our laps.”
She glowered at him and said, “Try eating a roasted sheep’s head, seated on the ground in a tent, as the desert winds are howling, and then tell me how to keep my dress clean.”
“We are neither eating a sheep’s head nor are we in the desert, dear sister, so you might want to adapt to being back in Great Britain.”
Aunt Rosemary disregarded him and wiped her mouth and belched.
His Lordship looked out over the table and addressed his daughter. “My Helena, I asked the Duke of Pemberton to attend this evening, but he declined saying he had pressing matters at hand and would be unable to attend.”
Helena cast a glance at George and replied. “I expect, Father, that is because he has recently become engaged, and I imagine he is consumed with this new development.”
Ralph’s face turned an apple red and he sputtered, “That cannot be. There has been no announcement inThe Times. Impossible…”
Aunt Rosemary was enjoying this display immensely, and Helena was taking her time with the details.
“Oh, Father, dear, that is because it is a secret engagement. The lady in question does not wish to be known at this point in time, so his Grace has consented to keep her name anonymous.” Helena cast a quick glance at George who was beaming.
“But he is to marryyou!” he insisted.
Rosemary laid her hand on her brother’s arm. “Dearest, sometimes things do not work out as we would like them to.”
“But he ismyduke, and you are to behisduchess,” he warbled.
“Not now, it would seem,” Helena said, spearing a sprig of asparagus.
George looked at Helena with a look that asked if he should speak up now about their engagement, but she subtly shook her head.
“Good for old Thomas—a secret fiancé,” Timothy chuckled. “Now the gossips will have a good old natter about who the mystery woman is.”
Ralph turned to his son and announced, “This is not over. I intend to have a word with his Grace. We had an understanding…”
Helena countered, “Oh, Father, please. Let it go. Thomas is free to make his own decisions and, as I have told you many times, the Duke and I have no intention of marrying each other.”
“Then I suppose you had a part in his making that decision,” Ralph accused.
Helena sighed. “Not at all. How could I possibly engineer his marriage to another woman?”
“Then what am I to do with you now?”
Helena and George looked at each other briefly. Helena raised her hand just enough so that George would understand not to say anything yet.
