“Of course.”
“Aunt Rosemary has gone to London for a week or so and Helena and I have no place to meet. Might I prevail upon you to stop by and see Helena on your way home? Ask her to tea at Pemberton for later this afternoon and then she and I can meet. We have so much planning to do for the wedding.”
“But does her father know about the marriage yet?”
George frowned. “Not yet. Neither of us has had the courage to tell him about Aunt Rosemary’s gift to Helena and our plans to marry. It is most awkward.”
Thomas could not help but laugh. “Oh George… the road to love is never straight and often cruel.”
“Please, will you do this for me? I should be so grateful.”
“Very well. I owe her a visit in any event. And I might just visit with Comerford and see if he will still consider investing with us or not. After all, we never followed up with him about our offer.”
“Good luck with that. I know he hates me and he cannot be feeling very kindly to you either after lying to him about your engagement.”
“Perhaps you are right. But I feel I must at least conclude our dealing with him.”
“As you wish.”
“I shall invite Helena for four o’clock if that is convenient for you?”
“Most suitable,” George answered.
* * *
Thomas was admitted to Springford Manor and directed to Miss Helena, who was reading in what was known as the ivy garden.
She looked up as Thomas approached and gave him a welcoming smile.
“I hope you have some news for me of Georgie?” she said closing her book.
“Well, that is a fine welcome. Not a word for me, but just concern for your lovelorn fiancé?”
“Oh, Thomas, how rude I am. Of course, I am glad to see you. But, as you know, Georgie and I are lost in the stars but restrained from meeting by my horridly wicked father.”
“Yes, I have heardallthe sordid details.”
“What are we to do, Thomas? Advise us.”
“Well, to start, you are invited to tea at four at Pemberton, where there will be a certain honored guest…”
“Oh, you are a darling.” She stood and flung her arms around Thomas’s neck.
He took a step backward and removed her arms but took her hands in his. “I am really very happy for you, even though I know you have a rocky road ahead.”
“Thank you, dear friend.”
“I shall not stay. I also need to see your father, if he will have me. I will see you again at tea. Until then.”
He turned and left Helena in the garden, pressing a particularly lovely flower in her book.
Thomas found his way to Lord Comerford’s study and knocked.
“Yes?” a voice from inside answered.
“Thomas Haddington,” he responded.
There was a long silence. Thomas knocked again.
