Arabella shrugged. “It’s just that I wish it could have always been like this—the four of us, free from the tyrants who kept us bound.”
“Well, we are hardly free,” Emma sighed. “Not until we have husbands. And Helen will always have to be concerned about her so-called father.”
“Let us not speak of him,” Helen interjected firmly. “I hope to never see him again. I know it is a dreadful thing to say of one’s own father, but he has always been so awful to me. And I cannot believe he made Harry think everything was his fault. Harry must have suffered so much all these years. I am so glad you convinced him to tell me the truth.”
Arabella smiled. Harry had been reluctant, but he had recognized that if he wished to truly escape his uncle’s grip,he needed to be honest. Furthermore, he needed to ensure that Helen knew the full extent of her father’s cruelty, for Richard would undoubtedly use his influence to tarnish Harry’s reputation.
Together, they had devised a plan. Emma, Hanna, and Mrs. Hollingsworth took it upon themselves to discreetly share the truth with the ladies of the ton and the servants. Meanwhile, Harry revealed the truth to a select few in the House of Lords, and soon enough, the real reason behind Lady Templeton’s death became known, as did the reason behind Helen’s condition and her sudden disappearance.
Now, when they walked in the park with Helen, they were met with smiles rather than curious stares. On more than one occasion, Arabella had been approached by ladies who commended her for taking Helen in. She sensed they were speaking not just about Sir Richard’s treatment of his daughter but also of her recovery.
This newfound respect was something Arabella was still growing accustomed to. At times, there were lingering looks and whispered remarks that unsettled her, though Helen seemed unbothered. She was simply delighted to have the freedom to visit the park at her leisure, to buy sweets without fretting over the cost, and to roam without the oppressive rules her father had once imposed.
Under Sir Richard’s tyranny, Helen had been allowed out of the house only at certain hours and for a limited time, dictated by when her father believed the streets would be sparselypopulated. The more Arabella learned of Helen’s imprisonment, the more grateful she became that it was finally over.
At least, for the time being.
“Indeed,” Emma agreed. “Let us not speak of our fathers. Arabella, do tell us about you and Harry. I’ve seen the two of you sneaking off to an alcove, and I could have sworn I heard the sound of kissing.” She giggled, and Helen and Hanna joined in.
Arabella felt a flush rise to her cheeks. It was true—she and Harry had grown much closer since he had shared the truth with her. Their feelings no longer needed to be hidden, nor was there any fear that they were not reciprocated.
Freed from the chains his uncle had placed upon him, Harry had emerged as a different man. He could still be brooding and introspective, lost in his thoughts, but he was also witty, charming, and romantic. Each day, he would present her with a fresh bouquet from the garden, buy her sweetmeats, and even rub her feet after a long day.
And nearly every night, after Helen had gone to bed, the two of them would retreat to the music room to play the harp and violin or sit before the fire and talk about their families, their hopes, and their future.
It was blissful, more than Arabella had ever dared to dream.
Indeed, she was certain that?—
A shout from downstairs interrupted her thoughts. Hanna and Emma rushed to the window, while Arabella hesitated for a moment. Though Helen could move her own wheelchair, it was sometimes difficult for her, as she was still quite weak.
“Don’t worry,” Emma said, noticing her sister’s hesitation. “I’ll go downstairs and see what it’s about.”
Arabella nodded and hurried to join her sisters at the window.
“It is Sir Richard,” Hanna whispered, glancing nervously at Helen, not wanting her to overhear.
But Helen, sharp-witted as ever, could read their expressions with ease.
“He is here, isn’t he? My father?” she asked quietly.
Arabella sighed. “He is, but do not fret. Stay here, and he shall not harm you.”
She rang the bell and then turned to her sister. “I am going downstairs. I believe Harry will need me. Can you both remain here? I will have Brandon stand guard outside the door.”
“I will go with you,” Hanna said resolutely.
“Very well,” Arabella agreed. She then crouched in front of Helen, taking the young girl’s cold hands in hers and runningher thumbs over them soothingly. “Do not worry, all will be well. Brandon will stop anyone who tries to get in here.”
Helen nodded, but Arabella could see the fear etched on her face.
Arabella then took Hanna by the hand, and together they made their way downstairs. Sir Richard had already barged in, and someone had alerted Harry to his presence. The two men were striding toward one another, their steps vigorous and determined, like two bulls readying to lock horns.
“Where is she?” Sir Richard demanded. “Where is my daughter? You have taken her against my wishes, and you will pay for this!”
“Uncle Richard,” Harry replied in a mock-friendly tone, “we have been expecting you. How was Scotland? Did you make some advantageous business arrangements there?”
“Do not mock me, Harry! Where is Helen? The neighbors told me it was you who took her!”
