Page 23 of A Dream of Redemption
“I won’t even grace that comment with an answer.”
“I don’t blame you; she is very beautiful.”
Physical beauty didn’t interest him. He knew firsthand that beauty could hide the devil himself within. “You of all people should know how wary of beauty I am.”
“She doesn’t know that though. That face of yours could get you in trouble one day. The aristocracy does tend to take a dim view of young ladies being led astray. Why don’t you find a nice woman and settle down. Have children of your own. You deserve to be happy.”
“I—I—there are already so many homeless and parentless children I’d rather help them.” He didn’t want children of his own. How would he provide for them? He had a good job now, and he was saving as much money as he could. But if anything went wrong—Helen’s face swam into view in his head—he could be out on the streets in an instant. Or what if something happened to him? To their mother? What if they were left alone without someone to protect and care for them? He could not bear the thought of any child of his enduring his childhood.
“I see the way you watch her, as if in awe. No one is perfect, if that is what you think. She’s just a woman like any other—albeit one with pedigree and money.”
Helenwasdifferent. She was kind, caring, and compassionate, very different from the rich ladies that sometimes propositioned him. “I am perfectly aware of what I risk and there will be no leading astray.” The memory of the kiss they shared burned bright in his memory.
“It’s not just your position you risk. I don’t want to see you get hurt. Does she know of your past?” His look must have given Blake his answer. “Well, she seems to have more than a passing interest in you. Lady Helen is sleeping now but I had to pry her from your side.” Blake’s raised eyebrow said it all.
He answered truthfully. “She should go home. It’s not proper for her to be here so long. Nor is it safe. Glover will be out for revenge.”
“You’ll get no argument from me. But for some reason her ladyship won’t leave you. If you really want to put a stop to this infatuation, perhaps you should tell her how you came to be in her sister’s employ.”
Shame made him wince at Blake’s words. “Christ, no. And it will stay that way,” he told his friend for good measure. “Stop scowling. I have not encouraged her.”
Blake gave a laugh. “You never have to. That face of yours is enough to encourage a nun.”
That was hardly his fault. He’d been managing infatuated women and men since he was nine years old. “Lady Helen could have any man she wishes. I’m sure she will soon move on and forget me. She’s merely infatuated because she has become emotionally engaged with the orphanage and what we are trying to do for the children.”
“We shall see, but if you are not interested in causing a scandal I’d knock this—whatever it is—on the head immediately. You’ll have to send for Her Grace. If anyone can get Lady Helen to leave it will be her sister.”
Clary snorted. “You will soon learn that for the likes of us, it’s very difficult to force a ‘lady’ to do anything she does not want.”
Blake nodded. “I’ll get Mrs. Thorn to send word to Her Grace.” His smile faded away. “I know you probably won’t listen but you need to let the stitches take properly before you try to go after Glover.”
“Can I return to my accommodations?”
“In a few days.”
“We might need Mrs. Thorn to fetch Her Grace then.”
Blake laughed. When Clary did not join in, his friend looked at him strangely, studying his face. “You’re afraid of Lady Helen.”
For once he thanked God for his ability to lie to someone’s face. “Don’t be ridiculous.” So many times he’d had to tell a client he enjoyed their touch when it made his skin crawl. It made it so easy for him to block out anything he did not want to hear or experience. “But perhaps it would be better if I simply went home?” He’d be safe from Helen’s ministrations; she’d never be able to visit him in his bachelor quarters.
“If you travel home you’ll need someone to come in and change the bandages at least twice a day. I’d prefer you to stay here where Mrs. Thorn can keep an eye on you. The wound could become putrid.”
Blake’s words made sense, and as long as Lady Helen left he could keep on top of the hunt for Glover from here with Richard.
“Fine. I shall stay here until the skin knits round the stitches but you will ensure her ladyship gets safely home.”
Blake nodded and poured him a good measure of whiskey. “If you won’t take any opiates, this whiskey might take the sting out of those stitches.”
—
Helen arrived at the door in time to hear Clary ask Blake to take her home. Clary was right. She should have gone home, but how could she leave when Clary was hurt? She wanted to ensure Blake’s instructions to boil the bandages and cleanse the wound were followed to the letter.
A part of her knew Mrs. Thorn would do exactly that, but if his condition worsened, or God forbid he died, and she was not here…That idea filled her with fear. For some reason she thought if she stayed he would live.
He had to live. He’d got the knife wound while protecting her.
She was here to relieve Blake for the rest of the night shift. Clary should sleep until light, and she could pretend that he was not indifferent to her.
