A Woman of Honour

Chapter 13

A couple of hours later, Ralph and Helen were lying on the bank of the lake, where they had been the day before, entwined in each other's arms.

When they had arrived at the lake, Ralph had found a gardener and had told him to bring Sampson back to the stables. He then released the rowing boat from its mooring and helped Helen inside. They had almost collapsed laughing, and in turn capsized the boat, when the hem of Helen's dress caught on the oar. She fell into Ralph's arms, and he held her close as the boat rocked precariously from side to side. Not even in the very early days of her relationship with Harry, when she had worshipped the ground he walked on had she ever experienced such unbridled joy.

'I would rather we did not go swimming fully clothed,' he said dryly, as he expertly steadied the boat.

'Neither would I,' Helen said, laughter still dancing in her eyes.

When they were both seated, Ralph removed his riding jacket and cravat. He rolled up his shirtsleeves and began to row across the lake with long, steady, effortless strokes. Yesterday, Helen had looked at the beautifully tranquil scenery, but today, she was transfixed by the man sitting directly in front of her.

He was not quite as handsome as Harry. Harry had been like an adonis; tall, dark and incredibly handsome. It had been one of the reasons why she had fallen in love with him all those years ago when she was still an impressionable girl. However, Ralph had something about him, that Harry definitely lacked. His expressive grey eyes were his most attractive feature. She doubted Ralph knew how she could read him so easily by looking into their depths. They were the reason why she had fallen in love with him so easily. It had taken just one look, and a connection between their souls that could not be broken had been formed.

Helen knew that their relationship could not last. She was allowing herself to snatch a temporary rest bite from the cares of this world. She had agreed to become his mistress, an arrangement she knew could not last. Whenever he eventually found a suitable wife, she would have to end the liaison, however painful that would be for her.

But, that afternoon, with the sun shining through the branches of the willow trees that lined the bank of the lake; she banished all thoughts of the future to the back of her mind. She had made the decision to live her life in the moment. As Helen lay in his arms, she knew that she had to grasp this opportunity for happiness at every turn. Whatever happened between them in the future, she would always remember these few precious hours for the rest of her life.

She lay next to him with her head resting in the crook of his arm. Her fingers lightly caressed the hairs on his chest as his hand gently fondled the curve of her hip. She felt loved.

When they had arrived at the lake, Ralph had fetched a couple of blankets from the folly. He laid them on the soft mossy ground near the water's edge. Then, with all the enthusiasm of a young schoolboy who had escaped his master's lesson, he stripped off the rest of his garments and ran excitedly into the water.

Helen removed her dress, stays and stockings, but kept on her chemise to preserve her modesty. Why she should feel embarrassed in front of him, she was not sure.

'Helen, come in,' he had said as he splashed in the water. 'You will find it much easier to swim without your chemise hampering your movement.'

'Well,' she had said indignantly, 'turn around then.'

Ralph did as he was commanded and waited patiently for her. Helen began to splash him playfully with water. 'It's going to be like that, is it?' he said with a grin as he splashed her back.