She thought he would not reply, but he halted and considered the toe of his boot for a long moment. When he turned back to face her, he was even more inscrutable than before. “You are right that I chose to join my brother in his revels, and there were elements of such pursuits that were pleasurable, to be sure.” The viscount spoke crisply, his gaze colliding suddenly with hers again, his own so dark that her heart skipped. “But I would not be a man of much merit if I did not regret that the price of those indulgences was the life of my betrothed.”
“Oh! I am sorry.” Helena knew she flushed crimson, for once again she had erred in conversation with this man. His thoughts were hidden, but she suspected he felt deeply about the tragedy.
His betrothed. Had his heart been lost forever with that lady’s demise? Did he feel responsible for her death? Has she been impulsive as Helena was inclined to be? Helena had a thousand questions, none of which she dared to ask in this moment.
The viscount inclined his head slightly in acknowledgement of her sympathies and changed the subject. “If I may be so bold, I had thought to ask Mrs. Jameson to call upon you. She is a dressmaker in Haynesdale Hollow and one, I understand, of considerable skill. Yesterday, Mischief ruined your slipper and since she is as yet one of my dogs, I feel obliged to replace the pair. Mrs. Jameson can ascertain the details from you and send the bill to me.”
“Oh, you need not do that!” Helena was delighted by the prospect of any new garments. Aunt was frugal beyond all, but due to necessity, Helena knew.
“Perhaps not, but I will do as much all the same. I shall return this afternoon for the dog. Good morning, Miss Emerson.” He bowed again and strode to his horse, Mischief bounding after him to the limit of the lead. The puppy then sat down heavily and whimpered as he swung into the saddle. He tipped his hat one last time and rode away, even as Aunt Fanny emerged from the cottage.
Helena looked after him, wondering. Truly, he did have a similar flair to her champion. If he wore a cloak…but no, that could not be possible. The viscount could not possibly grant a woman a kiss of such ferocity that it claimed her, heart and soul. No. He would peck a lady upon her hand, politely.
Perhaps Nicholas’ story of Lord Addersley’s nefarious past was only a tale to increase her interest in him as a suitor.
Yes! Nicholas would readily tease her thus. That was the explanation. The brother might have been a rakehell and a rogue, but never the viscount himself.
“Was that Lord Addersley? He has called again in such short order?” Aunt Fanny’s hopes were more than clear.
“He brought the puppy for a visit, Aunt Fanny. He does not renew his addresses.” Even as she said the words, Helena became aware of a slight disappointment in that.
Her aunt beamed. “Does he not?”
“Indeed, you will be pleased to know, Aunt, that he chastised me for being overly impulsive and reckless.”
“Did he?” Aunt Fanny surveyed her then shook her head. “I suppose you cannot help such inclinations, child, not with your mother as she was.”
Helena straightened for she was never told much about her mother. “I know so little of her,” she began, but Aunt turned with purpose.
“I see no cause to give you more ideas than you already have,” Aunt said grimly then smiled after the departing viscount. “Lord Addersley called, and already. What promise there is in that.” With a delighted smile, Aunt spun and returned to the cottage, leaving Helena alone with the puppy again.
Did the viscount intend to court her yet? Helena was certain he did not, but her aunt’s reaction revealed that not everyone would agree.
For her part, Helena was more interested in knowing when she might see her mysterious savior again.
They wereto be amiable acquaintances.
Joshua was pleased with his progress, incremental as it might be.
Matters might yet be resolved well.
And the lady had erred in the past by trusting a suitor who was unworthy of her confidence. Joshua felt outrage stir that this Mr. Melbourne should have been less than honorable with Miss Emerson, tempting her to leave her family on a flight to Scotland, then failing to ensure her welfare once he learned the truth of her financial circumstance. The man was no more than a base fiend!
Yet Miss Emerson had no regrets, for now she knew.
Joshua had to think about this. It was such an unexpected view. He would have thought she might be disappointed in the true nature of the man she had hoped to wed. He might have expected her to protest against her lover having to concern himself with financial realities instead of the inclination of his heart, thus giving more credit to the man than might be due. He might have expected her to be contrite that she had erred thus.
But Miss Emerson was none of those.
And Joshua could not condemn her, not after her question about his own experiences. He did not regret that year in London. He and Gerald had enjoyed a marvelous time. He had lived more boldly and extravagantly than at any other time in his life. He had taken risks. He had gambled—and often won. He had no desire to return to that life, but he was glad he had experienced it.
How curious to share Miss Emerson’s uncommon view.
He did believe she had need of a protector. The world could be unkind to daring females. But if she had a defender at her side, they two might venture far beyond the experiences of most people. They might savor an audacious life together, each pulling the other back from excess.
He could nigh hear his father turning in his grave in disapproval of such a notion, but what harm was there in giving Miss Emerson a measure of the excitement she craved? What if she encountered a highwayman whose moral code could be trusted?
The potential rewards were not small from his side of the matter. Partaking of highly satisfactory kisses and potentially winning her agreement to his suit were not advantages to be overlooked. He would like nothing better than to safely provide the adventure she sought.
