Silas wasn’t sure he agreed that having the three women in a confined space for hours was a good idea…but there was nothing to be done about it now.
He headed for his own horse, noting that Charlie was already astride his.
The young man had impressed Silas with his composure. He shared that trait with his sister. Silas could only hope that one day, he would let his guard down and realize that he was safe at last.
They rode out, towards St. Margaret’s. Silas was pleased that it was a lovely, mild day with nary a cloud in the sky.
He prayed that this trip to the abbey would be much more pleasant than the last.
The place was quite crowded once they arrived. Nevertheless, Helena was glad to have arrived because it meant she could leave the carriage. She didn’t know how much more glaring and cold glances she could take. Cassandra seemed to be taking it all in stride, but Helena could not help but feel mortified on Amelia’s behalf.
She grabbed her sister-in-law’s hand as soon as they alighted, and marched her away with a murmured excuse to the men. She took her behind the abbey building, which was relatively secluded before rounding on her.
“What are youdoing?” she asked.
Amelia had the temerity to look puzzled. “What do you mean?”
“I mean the glares, the ‘humphs’, the cold looks. You made the journeyveryuncomfortable.”
Amelia had the grace to be abashed. “Oh, I didn’t mean for you to feel?—”
“Well, I did. Now, Miss Evans has been very gracious so far, but I need you to remember your manners and act accordingly from now on.”
Amelia’s face fell. “But…”
Helena took her by the shoulders, looking into her eyes. “Iknow. I do. But Miss Evans is his choice. You have to respect that.”
Amelia pouted, folding her arms mutinously. “I do not like her.”
“Of course you don’t. But you can behave politely and with decorum.”
Amelia huffed.
Helena grinned at her. “Now, that was your last humph. No more of that.Smiling.Politeness. Keep that in the front of your mind. Yes?”
Amelia sighed, her shoulders dropping in defeat. “Fine.”
“There’s a good girl. When we get home, I’ll have Cook make you some pralines.”
“You cannot bribe me with confectionaries, Helena.”
“But I just did.” Helena hooked her arm through Amelia’s. “Come now, smile for me.”
Just then Charlie came around the corner and stopped short. “Oh, I was looking for you. They are calling for you. The Regent will be here any minute and His Grace said he wishes to introduce you to some other nobles.”
“All right. Let us go back.” She hooked her other arm through his and led them both back to Silas, Benedict, and Cassandra.
Helena could feel her hand shaking as the Regent went down the line, greeting everyone as a man by his side introduced them.
She took deep breaths, trying to calm herself. Then she felt the warmth of Silas’s hand in hers and she was able to calm down.
The Regent came up to her and she curtsied deeply. “Your Royal Highness,” she murmured.
“Your Grace. I am particularly thankful to you for returning the diadem to the Crown, rather than claiming it for yourself.”
To Helena’s shock, he grinned at her.
She curtsied again. “It was my pleasure, your Royal Highness.”
