A Woman of Honour

Chapter 14

During the last five days, since agreeing to be Ralph's mistress, Helen had spent very little time alone with him, even though in a few weeks, their relationship would be public knowledge and the on dit of every drawing-room. However, while they were still at Belmont Hall, Ralph's ancestral home, with his mother in attendance, they did not take any unnecessary risks.

They had snatched a few moments alone together, but these had been few and far between. There had been a few stolen kisses, but Helen had had to content herself with the intimate memories they had shared together on that precious afternoon at the lake.

She suspected that Alice knew that something had transpired between them that afternoon. Helen had wanted to tell her new friend about the newfound joy she had discovered in the arms of Ralph. That, even after all these years, when she had given up all hope, she had found love in the most unexpected place. However, something had held her back from making her confession.

The problem with Alice was that she was an incurable romantic. She would never be able to understand why Helen had refused Ralph's offer of marriage. Becoming his mistress, for a finite time, would not be a concept she could fathom. Alice was still far too young and naïve to fully comprehend Ralph's need for an uncompromised wife. She believed in fairy tales and happy endings, whereas Helen had been schooled in the harsh realities of the world.

Since Helen's advice about telling Tom the truth regarding her pregnancy, there had been a radiance in Alice's rosy cheeks. She was glowing with happiness, and Helen suspected that Tom had finally declared his love for her. Helen did not want to quell Alice's exuberance with her looming scandal.

On the day of the ball, the houseguests kept to their rooms. Helen had spent most of the morning assisting Lady Huntingdon and the housekeeper. Extra guests were expected that afternoon, and the already full house was bursting at the seams.

Helen, after enjoying the last week sleeping in a bedchamber by herself, offered to return to Lady Helford's room to free up another bedchamber.

'Thank you, my dear,' Lady Huntingdon had said genuinely, 'That would be most helpful. I do not know what I would have done without your help.'

Later that afternoon, after she had moved her possessions back into Lady Helford's room, Helen helped Marie organise her ladyship for the ball. The bedchamber was turned upsidedown, looking for all the accessories that would be required for the evening. When Lady Helford heard that there would be no bath available for her, she promptly flew into a rage.

In the middle of Lady Helford's tantrum, Helen heard a gentle knock on the door. Helen opened the door and saw Alice, who had obviously heard the commotion inside, standing in the corridor, smiling.

'What has put her ladyship into such a miff?' she said, her eyebrows raised.

'She cannot have a bath before the ball,' Helen replied.

'Oh dear,' Alice said, 'well, the servants are incredibly busy.'

'Alice,' Helen said suspiciously, 'what are you up to?'

'Me?' Alice said innocently, 'nothing, I assure you.'

'That,' Helen said, smiling, 'I do not believe.'

'Wakefield,' the imperious voice of Lady Helford commanded, 'is that Lady Huntingdon coming to apologise for her servants' ill manners? Send her in .'

Helen stood in the doorway, blocking Alice's entrance. 'She is not in a good mood,' Helen said, as Alice stepped forward to enter the bedchamber. 'Are you sure you want to come in?'