Lewis said nothing for several ticks of the clock, staring at his hands. “And what of the sister?”
With a glance at Nathaniel, Helen said quietly, “She has been settled with relatives. Far away.”
Lewis nodded, lifting his gaze to stare at the striped wallpaper. “Fine by me. She’d grown tiresome of late.”
Inwardly Nathaniel’s anger turned to pity and prayer. Would his brother never change his ways?
Helen offered Lewis more tea, but he waved the cup away, eyes distant. “Still, I shall find her again if I decide to. See if I don’t.”
Pain flashed in Helen’s eyes. Pain and disappointment. “I do see.” She opened her mouth to say more, hesitated, and then instead turned to Nathaniel.
“When you returned from Barbados, I was less than kind to you. I misjudged you, and I apologize. I see now that your motivations were honorable. Your actions meant to protect our family. Thank you.”
Nathaniel’s heart squeezed.
She turned back to their older brother, expression tight. “Lewis, for all your charm and good looks, you are...” She broke off, and tears flowed in place of the unspoken words. Her voice thick, she whispered, “But I never could hear a word against you.”
———
Later that day, Nathaniel sat with his steward and his sister in the library, thankful for the fact that it no longer served double duty as sickroom. Nathaniel enjoyed having the private use of the library once more, though Helen still spent more time there than she had before. As did Hudson.
Robert Hudson rubbed his palms together. “What shall we take on next, sir? New plans for drainage? Expanding the orchards? Another trip to London?”
Before he could answer, Mrs. Budgeon knocked on the open doorjamb.
“Mr. Hudson, sorry to disturb you, but the candidates are here. Should you like to sit in on the interviews?”
Hudson pulled a face. “Mrs. Budgeon, I have every confidence in your ability to hire a suitable stillroom maid.”
“Thank you, Mr. Hudson. And please do remember the annual inspection of linens and livery is at three.”
“How could I forget?” He smiled wryly, and the housekeeper departed.
Helen watched the exchange with interest. “Forgive me for saying so, Mr. Hudson, but life in service doesn’t seem to suit you.”
Hurt and defensiveness crossed his face. “I am sorry if I’ve disappointed you.”
“Not at all. But it is clear to me you are ambitious and capable of a much more self-directed life.”
He narrowed his eyes. “That almost sounds like a compliment, Miss Helen.”
“It is. Good heavens, have I been such a shrew you don’t recognize praise from me when you hear it?”
“No, miss. But nor do I take praise from your lips lightly.”
She inclined her head. “I think you could accomplish anything you set your mind to.”
He looked at her significantly. “Anything?”
She blushed. “I refer to business, of course.”
Arnold came in with a special delivery on a tray. Nathaniel’s heart surged to see the familiar handwriting. The much-anticipated letter.
He waved it to gain Helen’s attention. “A letter from Father.”
Helen pressed a hand to her chest. “What does he say?”
Hudson, Nathaniel noticed, gave Helen’s arm a discreet, comforting squeeze.
