All the years she had lived with Aunt Fanny and been compelled to abide that woman’s obsession with wealth, and she had never thought to check the veracity of Ethan’s claim.
There was an error Helena would never make again.
She should have kept her gaze fixed upon the Duke of Haynesdale, regardless of his infirmity.
“If I may say as much, you are well rid of him, Miss Emerson.”
This last was uttered in more gentlemanly tones. Helena looked up at the sound of her name to find Mr. Galveston bowing before her.
“If I may be of service,” he said, his color rising slightly. “I could not fail to overhear your conversation with Mr. Melbourne. I believe I was so fortunate as to secure the last available room for tonight, but you are welcome to it, Miss Emerson. I will find a place in the stables instead. I would be honored to do you this service.”
Helena’s heart flooded with relief to find a kindly face. “Mr. Galveston! But how did you come to be here?”
“Pure happenstance, I assure you, Miss Emerson. I left London, having realized that my quest was unlikely to meet with success, and was returning home. This is one of my customary places to spend a night.”
“I do not know where you live, sir.”
“Outside a small village in Cumbria. Mrs. North was married to the pastor in a nearby parish, thus we were acquainted.” He stood and waited. “Will you take the room, Miss Emerson? I think you will find it simple but comfortable.”
Helena had learned something in the past day and was cautious to accept. “I would not put myself in your debt, sir.”
“I would not consider it a debt but an honor for me.” He smiled.
“You are wise not to jump from the fat to the fire,” Mrs. D. said, appearing suddenly behind Mr. Galveston. She nodded at Helena. “I am glad that you have learned something on this day. Do you know this gentleman?” Mr. Galveston looked to be intimidated by the solicitor’s wife.
“I have been introduced to him in London, yes.” She introduced the two of them.
Mrs. D. harrumphed. “Your offer is kindly meant, sir, but I will sit with Miss Emerson until her brother arrives.” She nodded as he inclined his head politely. “Miss Emerson had a small bag on the coach from Alconbury. I’m sure she would be most appreciative if you fetched it, Mr. Galveston.”
Her manner was so imperious that there was evidently no question of Mr. Galveston failing to comply. He immediately scurried away to do her bidding and that lady sank into the opposite chair with a smile. “Fear not, my dear. I will wait with you. Your brother will come and all will end well. You will see.”
Helena nodded, so suddenly overcome with gratitude that she could scarcely speak. There was a detail, though, that her newfound friend had to know. “Thank you, Mrs. D, but my brother will not come.”
“What is this? Is he no better than the other?”
“He is honorable, a true gentleman, and kind to me, but I tricked him. I fear I lost his support in so doing.”
Mrs. D. studied her. “I see.”
Mr. Galveston reappeared then, a little breathless from retrieving Helena’s bag, and set it down beside her with a triumphant smile. She thanked him, then Mrs. D. turned to him. “I wager you know Miss Emerson’s family?”
“I know her chaperone, Mrs. North, and have met her brother, Captain Emerson...”
Mrs. D. interrupted this tale, standing abruptly. She was nigh as tall as Mr. Galveston and certainly more imposing. “Then you will write to them, if you please, and advise them that Miss Emerson is a guest of Mrs. Agnes Dawlish, wife of the solicitor in Carting Corners. It is not five miles from here, to the east.”
Mr. Galveston looked between Helena and her would-be hostess.
Mrs. D. lowered her voice. “You must see that she cannot stay at a coaching inn, either alone or under the protection of a gentleman.” She fixed Mr. Galveston with a hard look. “If you would be of service to the lady, this is the best way.”
“Of course!” he said, clearly flustered. “Of course. It is just as you say, Mrs. Dawlish. I will stop at her chaperone’s family home in Haynesdale and endeavor to contact Miss Emerson’s family there. Captain Emerson is very close friends with the duke, I understand.”
“Then I shall rely upon you to do so,” Mrs. D. said with resolve. She claimed Helena’s bag. “Come along, my dear. I believe you were wanting a chamberpot.”
“Yes, indeed.”
“And thence for home. You will find comfort at Dawlish Cottage. Flora will undoubtedly be glad of your company. She is so curious about events in town.”
“Thank you, Mrs. D.”
