Was Nicholas’ money sufficient to see her returned to London? It had to be, but she dared not travel alone.
“I also need a chamberpot,” she said, knowing there was little argument he could make to that. Helena then turned to walk toward the inn.
There was a silence behind her, a hint that she had surprised her companion.
Ethan caught up to her, seizing her elbow just before she reached the inn. A servant opened the door and Helena inhaled the scent of beef stew, tallow candles and a roaring fire. She continued into the tavern, her stomach growling, and smiled as those gathered there turned to look. The keeper wiped a table, gesturing to it, and Helena sat down with anticipation.
She met Ethan’s surprised gaze. “You feel no need for haste, which can only mean that you think we will not be followed,” he guessed, then perched on the chair opposite. “Whyever not?”
Helena removed her gloves, finger by finger, choosing not to tell him about the hidden bank notes. “Why would Aunt Fanny want to stop me from marrying a man with six thousand pounds a year?” she asked instead.
Ethan coughed. He sat down hard. He evaded her gaze and Helena sensed that his next confession would not be one she welcomed. “That isn’t quite the situation,” he acknowledged.
“You told me that was your inheritance.” Helena put her gloves down forcefully and glared at him. “Did you lie to me?”
“That is a harsh word,” he said, so flustered that Helena’s heart sank. “I may have been slightly more optimistic than is warranted.”
“How much do you owe?” she demanded in a whisper. The entire inn seemed to have fallen silent to listen.
Ethan fidgeted.
Then he spoke with quiet urgency. “My father yet breathes, as soon you will learn.”
“You did deceive me!”
“There will be no problem,” he insisted hurriedly. “Once we are wed and my creditors know that the heiress of Hexham is my bride, I will be able to extend my loans until your aunt’s passing.” He smiled. “You have no cause for concern.” He reached for her hand, but Helena pulled it back to her lap.
She frowned in confusion, unable to make sense of his claim. “But there is no heiress of Hexham,” she said, before considering the wisdom of this confession. The current viscount, she knew very well, had only two sons.
Ethan’s eyes flashed. “Of course, there is! You are the heiress of Hexham.”
“However did you contrive such nonsense?” Helena thought to make a jest but his expression revealed that he had believed it.
“Your aunt told me so,” he hissed, rising to his feet in fury. “Why else would I marry you?”
There was a collective gasp in the tavern. Helena felt the heat rise in her cheeks.
Still, she was no reticent maiden. She rose to her feet to glare back at him. “You vowed you loved me,” she said, aware that the women in the tavern found this compelling while the men did not.
“He lied, love,” an older lady said with a shake of her head.
“You said you had a legacy, not an accumulation of debts.”
“You might speak more quietly, my love.”
“You lied about your own father’s demise!” Helena watched Ethan’s mouth opening and closing as color rose on the back of his neck. She had no doubt that she had finally found the truth. “Did you care nothing for me?” she demanded. “Was this all about some funds that I do not possess?”
“It is not so callous as that,” he confessed then leaned closer to whisper. “But I simply must have an heiress! Surely you understand?”
“You have not found one,” Helena said, hoping he would say something more kindly but fearing he would not.
Ethan shook his head, then turned and left the tavern. Helena was outraged. He was abandoning her miles from those she knew and trusted.
What gentleman made such a choice?
“Wretch!” Helena whispered and sat down hard, her thoughts spinning. She had no acquaintances who might come to her aid. Her aunt would likely, as Mrs. North warned, have little assistance to offer her. Nicholas had undoubtedly chosen not to pursue her, thanks to her theft. What would she do when his money was spent? She did not even know what choices she had, but one thing was certain: she was not going to pursue Mr. Ethan Melbourne.
How had he so deceived her?
