Page 69 of The Insufferable Duke
In how caught up she was in the discussion, Helena had not noticed the door had opened. Lord Robert walked in hurriedly, closing the door again behind him. With fear flashing in his eyes, he looked between them all.
“Everyone out there is talking of a fresh argument between the Moores and the Carters. Today of all days… why?” He looked helplessly at them all then his eyes rested on Christopher. “What is going on, Chris?”
“The usual arguments,” Christopher said darkly. “You can put it down to the families trying to find fault with one another rather than there being actually anything wrong.”
“Is that what you call it?” Benjamin asked, his voice sharp. “You had your hand on my daughter’s arm.”
“And I have danced with her at events, too; what of it?” Christopher’s words had Helena’s stomach tightening. She was not ashamed of those dancers, not for one minute, yet the way Benjamin looked at her was as if she had committed a huge betrayal. “I am no evil man, neither is anyone in my family.”
Benjamin had nothing to say. He simply grew redder and redder in the face, appearing ready to burst.
“I cannot believe this is happening,” Lord Robert said and thrust his hands into his hair, turning on the spot and heading back to the door. “We really should have just eloped to Gretna Green.”
“What? What did you say?” Benjamin turned sharply round, looking at Lord Robert.
“I fooled myself into believing that we could make peace and have a happy day,” Lord Robert said simply, captivating the attention of everyone in the room. “Yet I was wrong, wasn’t I?” No one answered him. “I’ve had enough of this. I’m going to that chapel, and I am marrying the woman I love. Whether any of you decide to turn up or not, that is your own choice.” He reached for the door again.
Helena looked at her father, seeing his expression had changed.
“He really does love her,” he murmured in wonder.
“You have stuck your head in the sand for far too long. You never wished to believe that, really, did you? Not even when he declared it to you before.”
Benjamin looked ashamed, hanging his head low.
“What the —” Lord Robert's words were cut off as a maid bustled past him, hurrying into the room.
“Chelsea?” Anna looked at the maid. “This is most improper. One should knock and curtsy to enter a room.”
Chelsea curtsied in a rush, panting for she had run so far through the house. She even returned to the door and knocked but didn’t pass back through. Ignoring Anna entirely, she marched toward Helena instead.
“What is it?” Helena asked, moving to meet the maid.
“It’s Julia, my Lady,” Chelsea whispered though everyone was so keenly paying attention that all heard her words, apart from Benjamin. “She’s gone.”
“Scone?” Benjamin asked.
“Gone!” Many in the room declared together.
“What do you mean, she’s gone?” Helena murmured.
“She’s not in her room.” Chelsea shook her head vigorously. “I’ve searched for her, but she’s not there. There’s a note too.”
Helena didn’t wait to hear anymore. She ran from the room, hurrying past Lord Robert, who stood as still as a statue, bending forward as if he had been punched in the gut by the news. Helena didn’t look back at her family, nor did she look at Christopher. All she could think of was Julia.
She ran through the room full of guests, ignoring all the cries that were shouted from friends and family.
“What’s going on, Lady Helena?”
“Is there something amiss?”
“Are the families warring again? Poor dears. More scandal to throw into the fire of gossip.”
Helena didn’t even falter in her pace long enough to shoot a glare at the person who had spoken last. She burst into the hallway and ran up the stairs, tripping on the hem of her gown as she ran so fast. She caught the skirt between her fingers and hitched it high, aiding her run.
Pelting down the corridor, when she reached her sister’s chamber, she found it open, swinging on her hinges. Not for one minute did she think Julia would leave of her own accord. Far from it. Julia was too excited about this wedding and could not stand still, for she was looking forward to the ceremony so much. There was not a chance she’d flee before this wedding.
Something else is afoot here. Some plot, some deception…
