“Yes, Verity darling.”
Verity jerked her head up. “Pardon?”
Leaving her sofa fellows behind, Helena picked up her wrap and sat beside Verity. They were squished hip to hip, which was hardly appropriate. But judging by the missing shoes and bonnets, Verity supposed it was an unconventional house party in every sense of the word.
“They were asking about the Iron Duke,” Helena quipped. “Is his skin as cold as metal?”
“Oh. Oh no. He’s…”
Verity paused as she recalled the last time she had touched Tristan. It would have been during their kiss. She recalled his warmth, firmness, and gentleness.
She swallowed. “He is human as any of us might be.”
Helena clapped. “No one should ever bet against me, for I am always correct. In my experience, men are always warmer than women. It is why we go together so well.”
“It is growing chilly under the shade,” noted a baroness who was nearing her forties but happily and wealthily widowed as Helena. “I believe the lawn is calling to me. Bowls, anyone?”
“Oh certainly!”
“First, I must fetch my bonnet. What a horrible thought to end up with freckles at this time of year.”
“I’m ready to play!”
Everyone chattered happily like old acquaintances. When Helena didn’t rise, the others nodded and waved to her. A few of them remembered to wave to Verity as well or otherwise forgot she was there.
That’s for the best. I don’t think I’m cut out for my rank. Perhaps I never was.
“Dearest Verity.” Helena set down her champagne glass to wrap an arm around her. “You’re chilled to the bone and absolutely miserable. Would a game of lawn bowls lift your spirits?”
A sigh escaped Verity’s lips. “I’m afraid not. I would be positively awful to play with right now. I’m sorry, Helena. Perhaps coming here was a mistake.”
“Don’t say that! You are always welcome. And it was clear you needed some time away from London. I’m only glad I arrived last week to air out the Lily room for you. It’s lovely, isn’t it? Oneof my favorites. You will be comfortable there for as long as you like,” Helena added with a pointed look.
The honesty and kindness in her gaze nearly brought Verity to tears. She ducked her head, sniffling as her eyes stung.
“You are too kind. I don’t need it now.”
“But that is when you need it the most, I think. You haven’t said a word about what happened. Was he so dreadful to you? Never mind, don’t answer that question. I know how men can be. Dukes, too. He was horrible and couldn’t see you as a human being with a beating heart, with hopes and love and sadness. Men never could see that. They never see us.”
Such somber words only worsened Verity’s pain. A tear spilled over.
She shook her head, leaning into her friend’s embrace. “He did, Helena. I swear it. Just for a moment. But then… I don’t know. I was wrong. I was so very wrong about him.”
“We cannot be right all the time. And this world wasn’t made for women,” Helena noted with a heavy sigh. She pulled a handkerchief out of a hidden pocket in her gown. “Here you are. Do wipe your tears. Shall I stay here with you?”
Laughter rang out nearby, reminding Verity that they weren’t entirely alone. She accepted the handkerchief before shaking herhead. “Thank you, Helena, but no. I shall do just fine on my own. I need some time to think.”
“Just remember that you are more than a guest here. You’re my friend. Practically my sister,” Helena added with a charming smile as she rose gracefully to her feet, without a hair out of place. “Do as you like. Send for me at any time. I shall come to you later.”
“Very well. Thank you for everything you’ve done for me,” Verity told her sincerely.
Coming to Helena’s was meant to distract her. But as Verity returned to the house and wandered the halls in a slow search of her rooms, she feared she couldn’t stop comparing this house to the manor she had left yesterday evening.
She turned onto the hall and paused at the sight of a tall figure passing by. Her heart dropped when she realized it was only a footman.
“Your Grace?” he asked and took a step toward her as she stared.
Verity shook her head. “Go on, please.”
