“I believe I knew they were invited today, but I had forgotten. My wife, Eliza, did comment that she saw the coach pass. I supposed Lady Haynesdale sent it for them.”
Hargood shrugged, then waited, his manner expectant.
Nicholas was content to explain. “Bramble Cottage was in the grant to me, and I offered it to my aunt, who has been my sister’s guardian for most of her life.” he continued, wagering that Hargood had a keen interest in Helena and her situation. “She was Viscountess of Hexham, but when her husband passed, the estate was entailed and the title fell to a nephew. My aunt resided in London for some time but wished to move to the country. The timing of Haynesdale’s gift to me was most opportune.”
Hargood betrayed no emotion. “It must be a pleasure to have your family so close.”
“Sometimes it is,” Nicholas ceded with a smile. “Though I do not doubt that there will be days I wish one side or the other to be a little less readily accessible.”
“I was delighted to meet your sister.” This was said with a resolve that confirmed Nicholas’ suspicions.
“Helena can be very charming.”
Hargood cleared his throat. “Having inherited the title, I feel it is my obligation to take a wife and ensure the future of Addersley.”
“Of course.” How strange to hear this man who had once run so wild sounding precisely like his father. Of course, the revels had been only for a year, and in Gerald’s company—likely at Gerald’s instigation. But could there be anyone so opposite in temperament to Helena?
Hargood looked Nicholas in the eye. “And I wondered at your sister’s situation.”
“Helena has no attachments at this time.” Nicholas could not discern whether Hargood was relieved or not, but the other man’s manner prompted his warning. “But I am not certain how happy you might make each other.”
“But surely Miss Emerson will be content with financial security and a sensible match.”
Nicholas laughed. “I suspect that financial security is the last detail that would concern Helena, if she was left to make her match herself.”
Hargood frowned, looking into the distance as if he reconsidered his choice. “She did confess her fascination for highwaymen.” He looked at Nicholas, as if inviting that man to challenge the assertion which he seemed to find incomprehensible.
Nicholas could not.
“That would be Helena,” he agreed easily. “She is often enamored of how matters appear, at the expense of overlooking how they are,” Nicholas admitted. “She was, for example, recently courted by a Mr. Ethan Melbourne, who cultivated her affection solely because he thought her an heiress.”
“A prudent man might have verified such a detail, if it was key to his suit.”
“True enough, but Melbourne did not. He was well-attired and well-mannered, as well as handsome and persistent. He persuaded Helena to leave London in his company.”
Hargood’s brows rose. “Alone?”
“And unwed, but mercifully in a public carriage. They did not reach Gretna Green before Mr. Melbourne realized his error—my sister has no dowry—and as a result, Helena found his charm diminished both markedly and quickly.”
“Has she been cast into disrepute?”
Nicholas thought he could guess the other man’s view of that, but Hargood sounded more curious than disapproving. “No, thekindly wife of a solicitor riding in that coach with her own daughter took note of the situation. With Helena’s surety that I would pursue her, she took my sister under her protection. I retrieved her from that lady’s household and returned her home safely.”
“Ah.” Hargood nodded. “I did think her impulsive.”
“She is.”
“Though she is yet young.”
Nicholas was not convinced his sister would abandon such tendencies as she aged, but neither did he wish to discourage Hargood. “I would hope her inclinations might change in time, but I am by no means confident of it,” he felt obliged to say. Hargood ignored this, as Nicholas had anticipated. “There is nothing that would give me greater happiness than to see Helena betrothed to a suitable gentleman who will treat her well.”
Hargood straightened and spoke with precision. “I would be honored to be that man. In terms of practical considerations, I have twenty-five thousand pounds a year, as well as the house here and the one in London.”
It was more than sufficient to see Helena kept and Nicholas did not hide his admiration. “I would welcome your success, Hargood.” Nicholas felt the need offer one last warning. “You should know that my sister has a fanciful conviction that she might wed the Duke of Haynesdale. My aunt has told me of it.”
“I wondered,” Hargood mused and Nicholas could only wonder what his sister had said. “Is there an understanding?”
Nicholas shook his head. “None. I am not certain Haynesdale has noticed her at all. I think it a harmless affectation on Helena’s behalf, for Haynesdale has no inclination to wed anyone by my understanding. I mention it only as you will have to overcome the appeal of that prospect.”
