Silas groaned. “Amelia?—”
“Oh, do notAmeliame. You are forever skulking about with grave expressions and dark pronouncements, but I daresay this lady might appreciate a more cordial welcome.” She beamed at Helena. “Are you staying long? I do hope so! Silas is abominably dull company.”
Helena, against her better judgment, bit back a smile. “Hedoesseem rather serious.”
Amelia gasped, delighted. “You see? She understands perfectly!”
Silas pinched the bridge of his nose. “Amelia, go inside.”
She heaved an exaggerated sigh. “Not before I learn the lady’s name.” She turned to Helena with a polite curtsy. “What shall I call you, miss?”
Helena offered a gentle smile. “Helena. My name is Helena.”
“A pleasure to meet you, Miss Helena! May I also ask?—”
“No, you may not, Amelia.LadyHelena will be staying with us briefly, but you cannot pester her with questions anymore,” Silas cut her off, his tone harsh and brooking no argument.
Amelia frowned for a moment, but her face quickly lit up. “You’ll be staying here? How lovely!” She hurried over to the carriage and grabbed Helena by the arm. “Pardon me, Lady Helena. You must be quite exhausted by your journey. Come with me, and I shall get you situated in no time.”
“Amelia,” Silas growled this time, “Lady Helena and I were speaking.”
She waved a dismissive hand. “Don’t be rude, brother. Can’t you see she is tired and worn out?” Amelia practically pulled Helena from the carriage. “Where are your belongings, Lady Helena?”
“I have none,” Helena responded, feeling quite overwhelmed by this whirlwind of a girl.
“No worries, I am sure we can find something for you to wear. If not, the seamstress will adjust something.”
“Amelia!” Silas hissed.
His sister simply waved airily, threaded her arm through Helena’s, and led her into the house.
Silas watched his sister lead Lady Helena away with frustration. He had no idea how he’d raised such a willful spitfire; he’d tried his best to be as stern as possible to make up for his youth.
Lady Helena seemed as bemused as he was at Amelia’s behavior, but she seemed quite happy to go along with it.
This is not a game. Amelia can’t be involved in this.
Still, he could not help but notice that the lady had misplaced her cap somewhere, her long jet-black hair now loose, hanging all the way down her back in waves.
He wondered how her hair would feel if he ran his fingers through it.
Compose yourself, Highcliff.He shook his head to rid himself of fanciful notions.
Alighting from the phaeton, he handed it over to the groom before slowly following his sister and Helena into the house.
He stood stock still in the foyer. He could hear his sister’s high piping voice talking a mile a minute, somewhere on the second floor. She seemed quite excited by Helena’s presence.
Silas could not imagine why.
With a sigh of defeat, he began to walk to his office. It was clear to him that his talk with Helena would have to wait until Amelia was done with her.
“Where did you come from?” Amelia asked, looking Helena up and down.
Helena bit her lip, “I, um, well…did your brother say you weren’t allowed to ask any more questions?”
She knew she sounded rude, but this was an innocent adolescent girl; she had to be kept far away from the dangers of her predicament.
“I suppose. Forgive me; I don’t have much occasion to speak with ladies. I haven’t even been to London yet. But you must have! I am very curious. Please do tell me all about it!”
