Aunt Fanny glared at her nephew. “What happened to change that circumstance?”
“Something dire,” Nicholas said with a shrug. “I am not certain. When I left for the continent with Haynesdale, they were in their revels. Then Gerald appeared at Badajoz, his father having bought him a commission, and that against every expectation.”
“Badajoz,” Eliza repeated softly, watching Nicholas for some hint that his nightmares of that battle might recur.
He smiled at her and she was reassured by the steadiness of his gaze. “I scarce had a chance to speak with him before the battle, and heard later that he was one of the few survivors. Tobe honest, I was consumed with Haynesdale’s care in those early weeks. Evidently, Gerald continued to serve, for he was reported amongst the casualties at Waterloo.” Nicholas finished his meal with a thoughtful frown. “But the change in Joshua occurred years ago.”
“After that incident, whatever it was,” Eliza guessed and he nodded.
“I believe Gerald continued his wastrel ways and that was at least part of why his father bought him that commission. He was always cursed lucky, and undoubtedly, all assumed he would return home, hale and perhaps even chastened.”
“If he died at Waterloo, he came close to it,” Aunt Fanny said.
“Heavens,” Eliza said softly. “His father must have blamed himself terribly.”
“I do not know,” Nicholas said. “There was so much ill will between the father and Gerald, even before my departure. He must have been relieved that Joshua had abandoned that reckless life. There were whispers,” he began, then shook his head. “Even now I should not repeat them. Suffice it to say that Joshua was close to his father after he abandoned his excesses.”
“Reckless,” Helena repeated, staring at her plate. “I cannot imagine the viscount thus.”
“To Aunt’s relief, no doubt,” Nicholas said. “Oh, they were a pair. Joshua could fight and win with any weapon. Whenever one of them was challenged to a duel, I am certain he fought it, for his skill was beyond all else. Knife, sword, fists or pistol, he always won.”
“Oh,” Helena whispered. “I should like to see a duel.”
Aunt Fanny shot her a reproving glance. “I forbid any such occupation or entertainment on your part.”
Nicholas continued. “Gerald had a way with horses, though, in my view, he demanded too much of them. If there was a curricle race, he would be there and he would win—and he wouldaccept the accolades from every lady in attendance. He had a fearsome charm. They both gambled, of course, and one of them was more inclined to win but as they often switched places in those days, I am uncertain who was the better at dice and cards.”
“And Lord Addersley abandoned that life by choice?” Helena asked wistfully.
“Something went awry. A rakehell’s life is a dangerous path, Helena, one fraught with debts and uncertainty. One must evade one’s creditors—and doubtless irate husbands, too. No man successfully lives thus for long.”
“I wish I had known him then,” Helena said with a sigh. “It would be thrilling to be courted by a notorious rogue.”
Eliza shook her head. “Though one could never be certain of his loyalties or his financial situation.”
“You have entertained the attentions of such a man already,” Nicholas reminded his sister. “Did you learn nothing at all from Mr. Melbourne?”
Bright color lit Helena’s cheeks. “You are cruel to remind me.”
“Truly, if Gerald Hargood was not dead, I would lock you in the cellar myself,” Nicholas said, earning a glare from his sister.
“Perhaps a peril has been avoided after all,” Aunt Fanny said. “I had no notion the viscount had such a past.”
“Can a man not repent of his sins?” Nicholas asked.
“I have always believed as much,” Eliza said and their gazes met.
“You might grant the viscount a second chance, Helena,” Nicholas said. “You might find more to him than you have glimpsed so far.”
“I think not,” his sister said, a stubborn tone to her voice.
“You might not have other suitable opportunities,” Eliza warned her but the girl smiled with a confidence Eliza could not explain.
“I believe there is at least one of merit.”
“Who?” Aunt Fanny demanded, but Helena only smiled mysteriously.
“Doubtless you think fondly of whoever aided your return home today,” Nicholas said. “You have not told us about that encounter.”
