Eliza agreed, doubting that Helena would heed any counsel against her own inclinations. “You might have returned to England to object. The war was over.”
His expression turned wry. “I could not imagine any horse would be fast enough to keep Helena from a scheme.”
“Why did she abandon it?”
“I believe the gentleman withdrew his affections, in what my aunt believed a timely manner.”
Eliza nodded, assuming that the gentleman’s family had learned of Helena’s lack of fortune. Perhaps Aunt Fanny had ensured that they learned as much. “Had he a name?”
“Undoubtedly, but I did not hear it.”
“I see.” Eliza noted the return of the butler at the top of the stairs, who cast a stern glance upon her, standing so close to Nicholas. Clearly he believed she had departed. She turned and continued toward the door, Nicholas fast behind her. The captain, of course, only desired her promise to assist him. How vexing that he saw her only as another sister or a friend who could be relied upon to aid his cause!
How irksome that she had no desire to resist his appeal.
“Surely you will not abandon the task before you have embarked upon it, Mrs. North?” he asked, a measure of urgency in his tone. He opened the door for her, as the butler was yet descending the stairs. The lack of a footman only confirmed Eliza’s suspicions about the aunt’s financial situation.
She had to help Helena, but she also wished for the success of her own endeavor—and she realized that would require a change in Nicholas’ opinion of her.
If such a feat could be accomplished.
She would need all the time with Nicholas she could contrive.
Eliza turned to him with a smile. “Surely not, Captain Emerson. I am not one to balk at a challenge.”
“Excellent.”
“But I must insist upon a revision to our agreement.”
“Indeed?” He was wary and rightly so.
“I know little of the eligibility of unwed gentlemen in town or your aunt’s assessment of them. I have lived for years in a small village in the north, after all.” She smiled. Nicholas did not, as watchful as a predator. “In order to succeed in this endeavor, I must have your assistance, Captain Emerson.”
“In what way, Mrs. North?”
“I must insist that you join us at any social gathering, that you might advise me.” He frowned and she guessed he would refuse. “Your sister must wed well and I would not err in a matter of such importance, sir.”
“I see you take your responsibility most seriously, but I am not prepared to spend all of my evenings upon the matter of Helena’s marriage.” He inclined his head slightly. “One night, Mrs. North. I scarcely have more connections than you in town these days, but I will meet you tonight and share what I do know.” His tone was hard and she doubted his will would soften.
Did he pursue the attentions of a lady already? How Eliza wished she knew.
She took a breath, knowing her stipulation had to be made. “You will be sober, sir,” she said quietly. “If you must embark upon nocturnal revels, you will indulge after leaving the company of your sister and myself.”
His gaze darkened and held her own. “You are demanding, Mrs. North.”
“I pursue the greater good, Captain Emerson, and at your request. If you object to my amendments to our arrangement, I will be obliged to decline this opportunity.”
“My aunt believes you have accepted.”
“Correcting her view will be your obligation, sir.”
Their gazes locked and held. Frederick had often said that those who indulged overmuch—whether it be in the consumption of drink or the cultivation of risk—sought to forget some inescapable truth or painful wound. If that was the case with Nicholas, Eliza only wanted to help him to heal.
Then Nicholas smiled, a slow change of his expression that lifted one corner of his mouth. “Remind me never to negotiate with you again, Mrs. North,” he murmured, a welcome admiration in his tone. He claimed her hand and she welcomed his firm grip. “You have made it impossible to refuse.”
“I did not mean to do as much,” she protested but Nicholas laughed.
“On the contrary, I believe your strategy was artful. Well done, Mrs. North.” He bent over her hand, touching his lips to the back of her glove. He looked up then, his expression alight. “I hope that the result is as you desire.”
