A Reputation Reclaimed

Prologue

April 1796

Croydon

With her second season nearly over, Miss Helena Hargreaves swallowed a fitful sigh as she scrutinized the rose in her gloved hand. It had been given to her by a hopeful young suitor who, subtly grazed her breast when he reached to pluck it from the nearby bush. Ignoring the transgression, Helena thanked him, inching away ever so slightly as they continued their stroll under a lush pergola.

She wasn't ungrateful for the rose, it was beautiful, the petals were smooth and pink but she'd received more than her fair share of flowers since her debut. Not all had been pilfered from gardens, most had been delivered to her home in impressive bouquets. If she recalled correctly, she'd received over fifty of them, some from the same admirers. Not only were there flowers, but there were also poems, letters, carriage rides through Hyde Park, and visits to Gunter's. Yet, despite all of this, Helena was at an impasse.

She had not yet fallen in love.

Worry began to unsettle her. She, along with her twin Felicity, had been declared diamonds of the first water and though her family was untitled, Helena's prospects were the envy of every unmarried young woman. Her dance card was always full, she was never without escort and if she required refreshments it would be hastily procured by any of the surrounding men. Now at the end of her second season, naught had changed. She was still beset by eager suitors but she was disenchanted by them all. By now was certain she had met every bachelor in London and none set her heart on fire.

None of them felt right.

"Something amiss?" A face resembling a cherub's assailed hers.

Alarmed by Mr. Pyle's sudden closeness, Helena jumped slightly. "Oh!"

Mr. Pyle stood before her sheepishly, blocking her view of the path ahead. "Apologies. You look rather... pensive."

It was then that Helena realized how rigid her face felt. She relaxed then smiled up at him, "Pensive? Goodness, no one has ever accused me of such a thing before."

"That is a good thing then." Mr. Pyle was at her side once more and they continued their descent down a row of freshly planted flowers. "Women shouldn't be so serious. Especially beautiful ones, like yourself. It distracts from the loveliness."

Whatever chance Tobias Pyle had for courting her had now been tossed out the window like the contents of a chamberpot.

Helena willed herself to keep her lips stretched congenially in some semblance of a grin. "You are too kind."

Behind her there was a faint rustle, her mother and grandmother trailed after her a fair distance away, engrossed in their usual gossiping. Helena knew her family was beginning to grow impatient with her fastidious approach to husband hunting but she would not be swayed to accept just any gentleman who appeared before her doorstep with an offer even if it was a smart match. Nor would she accept Mr. Pyle though he was comely enough, as long as he kept his mouth shut. But there was little chance of that and she'd have to endure his company until they reached the end of the gardens which were expansive thanks to their hostess, Lady Crockwell's love of greenery.

Helena quickened her pace, nearly leaving Mr. Pyle behind but with one long stride he matched her evenly and the back of his hands gently swept across the sides of her gown.

Suppressing a shudder, Helena began to consider that maybe it was time to take some respite from these suitors. Some had been true gentleman, keeping a polite distance and never engaging in any physical contact with her. But others tried to herd her away in private alcoves, gripping her wrists tightly and shushing her protests. A few tried their damndest for a kiss but Helena was unrelenting, dodging their lips like a fencer would a foil. One man had the audacity to actually fondle her breast. In her distress, Helena cowered and very shamefully let the man continue his assault on her until they were very nearly caught. She, of course, never entertained an audience with him ever again. The rejection had cut him so he resorted to spreading diatribe about her to anyone that would listen. Soon rumors circulated that she was no maiden, a woman of loose morals, a harlot. A ridiculous reaction to rejection but unfortunately the ton seemed to delight in it. Thankfully, not all were so easily swayed and by their good graces Helena was still able to participate in society.