She didn’t care for Roxboro’s description, but Helen decided it didn’t matter. He was a debauched duke. And though she might have been more polite in his presence, Helen had been performing her duty to protect Cerise’s reputation. She would not be subjected to Roxboro again as the likelihood of his ever calling on Cerise was non-existent.
At least, she hoped it to be.
Helen bobbed politely. “Lady Hester.” Cerise’s friend might lack polite manners, but she did not.
Lady Hester took Cerise’s hand in hers. “I was worried you wouldn’t come today,” she laughed gaily. “I’ve convinced Miss Amhurst,” Hester nodded to an older woman with iron-gray hair visible through the window of a nearby carriage. “That Miss Cosgrove will provide adequate chaperonage, and she need not join us on our walk.” She leaned closer to Cerise. “I cannot abide Miss Amhurst’s limping about, at any rate.”
Miss Amhurst had a foot that turned in, which is why she’d never married. Cruel to mock her. But not unexpected from the likes of Lady Hester.
I really must…compose myself.
“I suppose that is Miss Cosgrove’s purpose,” Cerise said lightly, speaking as if Helen weren’t standing a mere two feet away. “To be adequate.”
Helen sighed and nodded to the older woman in the carriage. “Good day to you, Miss Amhurst.”
“Good day, Miss Cosgrove.” A gloved hand waved back. “Enjoy the park.”
Cerise and Hester started down the path, arms linked, heads bent together, whispering to each other and giggling, not bothering to wait to see if Helen would follow. She had to quicken her pace to keep up.
Several gentlemen doffed their hats in passing, made motions as if they would stop and intercept Cerise and Hester, but with a subtle glare from Helen, kept walking. The last thing she needed was some stray gentleman running up to Cerise to beg an introduction. Galway wouldn’t approve.
Staring at the slim line of Cerise’s back, Helen tried to tamp down her dislike but after three years in Galway’s employ, and today’s conversation, it was incredibly difficult. The girl had never liked her. The day of their first meeting, upon entering Galway’s home with Enid’s letter of recommendation clutched in one hand, Cerise’s opinion of Helen had been made clear. Never mind Galway eyeing her as if she were some small cake meant for dessert. Helen’s background had been questioned as well as her motives. She was not made welcome and little care was given to her comfort.
I should have tossed Enid’s recommendation into the fire.
“And then what?” she said under her breath. “I had nowhere else to go.”
A sad truth. At least she wasn’t selling oranges in the street.
I must stay focused. Keep Cerise from ruination. Receive the sum promised me.
Roxboro, debauched duke, hadn’t been the only instance of Cerise throwing caution to the wind. Helen had never seen a girl so determined to lose her maidenhead. Hopefully, he’d prove tobe the last. Cerise would be wed, the sooner the better, and could then take as many lovers as she wished. Even Roxboro.
That bothersome hum trailed over her skin, a reminder of the sensation experienced when near Roxboro. Desire, she’d finally decided. So rare for Helen, she hadn’t recognized it at first.
And for a libertine like the duke. I have lost my mind.
She thought of Roxboro’s beautiful mouth, so close to her own she could smell the bit of wine on his breath. Shamefully, she’d wanted him to…kiss her. Touch her. Even admitting as much was greatly upsetting. Roxboro was spectacular to look at, but he lacked a great deal of character. He was betrothed and intent on seducing a young lady he’d only just encountered at a ball. Just as he had Canterbell’s daughter. But when he leaned towards Helen every nerve in her body had suddenly flared to life.
Her foot hit a small pebble, nearly sending her tumbling into Cerise.
The merethoughtof kissing Roxboro flustered Helen. Never once had she contemplated Owen’s mouth in such a fashion, and she’d been about to wed him.
You’re like bedding a block of ice.
The desire Owen, her former betrothed stirred in her, was barely a whisper of what she felt just standing near Roxboro. The duke drew every female in his direction, pulling and tugging at your skin until you were powerless to resist. No wonder Cerise was so entranced by Roxboro. If he aroused Helen—
I was not aroused, merely momentarily startled.
—than no young lady stood a chance.
“I have the most wonderful thing to tell you,” Cerise said to Hester, keeping her voice to a whisper though Helen could still make out the words. “I have met Roxboro.”
Lady Hester gasped, covering her mouth. “No.”
Cerise nodded. “He isgloriousfor a libertine and…” she dangled the word to her friend. “He is going to call upon me and express his admiration to my father.”
Helen gnawed furiously at her bottom lip, as was her habit when faced with…well, Cerise. She’d hoped the girl had forgotten about Roxboro, but it seemed that hope was in vain.