Page 44 of A Dream of Redemption
Clary could feel his face heat. “I believe it is more than infatuation.”
His Grace’s smile vanished. “How can there be more unless you have encouraged her?”
Had he encouraged her? Allowing her into his home certainly was not the smartest thing to do. Pleasuring her was definitely encouraging her. He should have been stronger.
“I have tried desperately not to encourage her.”Liar.“I have tried to tell her about my past and why there can be nothing between us. But she will not listen.”
His Grace’s face took on the countenance of a wounded bull. “Then try harder.”
“That is my problem. I have feelings for her too, and I’m concerned I’ll weaken.”Weaken!Hell, he’d already gone far beyond what this man sitting in front of him would condone. Clary licked his dry lips. “I was wondering if you could talk to your wife and suggest that maybe it would be a good idea if Helen was not involved in the orphanage work.”
His Grace leaned back in his chair, his fingers linked as his palms lay flat on the desk. He considered what Clary had revealed. “I am immensely proud and grateful that you have brought this to my attention. I think it is a credit to you that you have overcome your past, but we are men of the world, and we both know that our pasts never disappear. Even if Sebastian were to consider an untitled gentleman as a suitable husband for Helen, he would never condone a man with your lack of wealth or background.”
And just like that Clary’s dreams and hopes were dashed. Smashed to pieces on the rocks of his birth. He didn’t know why he’d got his hopes up in the first place. If the man whose house he had worked in for the last five years could not overlook his past, there was no hope that society or Helen’s brother would.
If he could not have her, he needed to put distance between them until he got his rioting feelings under control. Having had a taste of his dream, he wanted Helen in his bed so badly he was petrified of doing the unthinkable and ruining her. He’d always thought he was strong, but as it turned out he was not that strong after all.
“So you will speak to Her Grace on this matter.”
“Of course. Perhaps it would be best if you were absent for a bit.”
Clary stood and nodded in agreement. “I will be staying in Southwark at the orphanage for the next few days. I need to rally my men and change the strategy in our hunt for Glover.”
“Good. Oh, and by the way, I don’t feel there is any need for Sebastian to hear of this. He does have a bit of a temper, especially where his sisters are concerned.”
Clary bowed before stating, “Of course, Your Grace. I shall leave the delicate matter in your hands; thank you.”
Just as he reached the door, His Grace added, “I heard from Mr. Henley yesterday. He informs me that your brother, Simon, has a fine mind, and he is very pleased with his work. It is more than likely that Mr. Henley will agree to train him to become a solicitor. I think you should both be very proud of what you have achieved over the last few years.”
Clary remained silent.
“I will admit I was not happy with Marisa’s idea to bring you both into our home. But as usual my wife knew better. Don’t disappoint her.”
Finally the warning. That’s what Clary had been expecting all along. His Grace was making it very clear with a subtle reminder that if Clary brought disgrace down on the family both his and Simon’s positions were in jeopardy.
Clary merely inclined his head and slipped out the door.
—
Helen stretched her arms up above her head and rolled her head to get the cricks out of her neck. “That’s the last one. I do hope we get enough acceptances.”
Beatrice eyed the stack of invitations to the planned luncheon to raise money for the Southwark orphanage. “Since word has got out about your Mr. Homeward I suspect we will be full to overflowing. Nothing entertains women more than an extremely handsome man whom everyone is curious about.”
Helen’s blood prickled with jealousy. She didn’t want a bunch of women flirting with Clary—her man. Her man! He really wasn’t her man—not yet.
“Yes, well, Mr. Homeward is not there to titillate bored ladies. He is there to help the ladies understand how dire the situation is for these children without a decent orphanage to raise them and teach them a trade.”
“No need to get defensive. Mr. Homeward has experience with being an orphan.”
“What is that supposed to mean?” Helen asked. “I thought his family came from Yorkshire, and he grew up near Maitland’s estate?”
Beatrice shrugged. “My mistake.” She smiled at Helen. “I’m just worried about you and your closeness to Mr. Homeward. Did you talk to Marisa?”
She shook her head. “Not yet. I’ve been too busy.” In fact, Marisa had tried to speak with her alone over the past few days but Helen had been avoiding her. Too scared her sister would perceptively ask after Clary.
Suddenly Beatrice sat up straight, eyeing her cautiously. “Have you done your hair differently today?”
She patted the perfect coil on her head. “No. Why?”
