Page 32 of A Dream of Redemption
This time she was not going to take no for an answer. She walked around his desk and grabbed his arm. “Come on. I’ll organize the carriage.”
She watched him war with himself as she was warring with herself. He too knew that socially a friendship between them was inappropriate but neither of them had the strength to deny their attraction.
“It will not do your reputation much good to be seen out walking with the likes of me.”
She didn’t let go of his arm. “I don’t think society even knows who you are.” He didn’t have an answer for that. “You could be a family friend for all they know.”
“Someone will want to know who I am if you are seen on my arm. I have just as much to lose should a scandal erupt.”
She sighed loudly. “For goodness’ sake, it’s a walk—in public. I want to discuss my idea to hold a large luncheon to raise funds for the orphanage. Beatrice is helping me and we would love you to attend and talk to the ladies about the conditions of some of these places. Soon everyone will know what I am working on and never give it a thought that we are together.”
“Why me? Why am I to talk?”
Helen sighed. “Because women seem to listen to men more than they listen to other ladies. Besides, every woman I know will be watching you with undivided attention,” and she smiled.
To her horror her flattery had the opposite effect. “So you want me to stand up and dazzle with my looks as if I am a treat for them to indulge.”
She gazed at him and saw he was genuinely upset. “I know you don’t like using your looks, it is one of the things I admire about you. Growing up surrounded by powerful men who think nothing of seducing with their looks, your attitude is a breath of freshness. However, it does not hurt to ensure that the women we need to donate have your attention.”
His mouth did not soften. “I will not stay for the luncheon. I shall simply talk and leave.”
“Thank you. Now how about that walk so I can share my thoughts on expanding the Southwark Home for Orphaned Children.”
Conscious that she was still holding his very muscular arm, Helen let it go and stepped back.
“Some fresh air does sound desirous. I have been cooped up inside this last week and summer will be over soon. Perhaps Her Grace would like to join us and hear your plans too?”
Damn. She could not argue with him without looking obvious, plus it would be more socially acceptable for Marisa to accompany them. “I shall go and ask her, and fetch my bonnet. Shall we meet in the foyer in a few minutes?”
“Of course.”
Helen left without another word.
—
Damn. He was weak. He should have said no, but the urge to walk in the sun with her overrode all common sense. He didn’t even care if society deemed it inappropriate. And he should.
He folded Claire’s letter and put it in the drawer. His hand stayed on the handle. Normally he would have read the letter and thrown it in the fire. To keep Claire’s correspondence was a sign he’d changed. He was allowing himself to care.
He was not fooling himself any longer. He wanted reasons that would allow him to spend time with Helen.
Helen. She wasn’t even Lady Helen in his mind anymore.
Unusually for a beautiful woman Helen listened to those around her. Most beautiful people learned they never really had to listen at all. But not Helen. When she spoke with you it was as if you were the only person in the world who was important to her.
He made his way along the corridor and knocked on Her Grace’s door. When she called “come in” he took a deep breath and walked in. Just as he thought, she was alone. Helen was off fetching her bonnet or some such thing.
Marisa greeted him with a warm smile. He wondered if she’d still be smiling if she knew how he felt about her sister.
“I told Helen that I can’t join you on your walk but I will discuss the luncheon with you both tomorrow.”
He nodded. “May I ask what you told Lady Helen about my background.”
Her smile dimmed. “Nothing actually. If she asked I would tell her to ask you.”
“Thank you.”
“Is there a problem I should know about?”
