“Precisely.”
They relaxed companionably for a moment, enjoying the wine as Amelia nibbed at a biscuit.
Amelia sighed, reaching out to stroke the long fluffy white fur of the cat that lounged in her lap. “And how close are you to your goal now, dear friend?”
“Close,” admitted Helen, tapping her fingers against the arm of her chair with barely concealed excitement.
“I think you will miss it, you know, the thrill of it all, when you retire,” said Amelia, cocking her head.
“Perhaps, but I suppose I will worry about that when the time comes.”
Amelia sat up, rousing the cat who flounced off across the room with a flick of its tail.
“I worry for you, though. I must admit.”
Helen frowned, setting down her drink. “What do you mean?”
Amelia bit her lip, nibbling it between her teeth. “There are those who are not happy with your run of success. Many powerful people owe you money, my friend, and they are not inclined to lose their fortune to an upstart widow.”
“Why, what have you heard?” asked Helen, leaning forward with a frown.
She shouldn’t be surprised, but still, it was unnerving to think that such talk was circulating at all.
“Nothing really. But the whispers are there. I would not like to see you come to any harm.”
They shared a look of mutual understanding. Amelia had been there when Helen first made her foray into the underbelly of London society. She knew all the horrid details of her husband’s betrayal and had been a great help in introducing Helen to the realities of her newly chosen lifestyle.
“I will speak to my solicitor. He will be more circumspect in collecting on my winnings. But I will not back down,” said Helen, raising her chin determinedly.
Amelia nodded. “And I will speak to Madame, ask her to keep an eye out for you on the floor.”
“Thank you,” said Helen, overcome suddenly with affection for her friend. Never had she met someone so loyal as Amelia.
She rose and joined Amelia on the chase, giving in to the compulsion to wrap her arms around her in a quick hug.
“Gah, enough maudlin thoughts,” said Amelia, squeezing Helen’s hand. “Tell me, who was that divine man I saw making eyes at you all night?”
Helen felt her cheeks heat, avoiding her friend’s eyes. “You noticed that, did you?”
“Of course,” said Amelia with a sly grin. “I have never seen you look so unsettled.”
She gripped Helen’s hand, tugging on it with excitement. “Tell me, did you take him home? Please, tell me you did.”
“No. Well, almost.”
Amelia gasped, her eyes sparkling with scandalised amusement. “No? Good Lord, Helen, you are not a nun. Stop behaving like one.”
“His name is Captain Starling, have you heard of him?” asked Helen, both embarrassed and relieved that the topic had arisen.
Amelia tapped her lip, staring off into the distance. “Hmmm. I have a feeling I have heard that name bandied about before. Captain Colin Starling, if I recall correctly. I will ask around.”
She flashed Helen a knowing look. “Will you say yes, next time he approaches you?”
Helen flushed red, biting her lip. “He was abominably rude… ”
“But, you liked it, you liked him, didn’t you?” said Amelia with a knowing wink.
Helen laughed, she couldn’t help herself. Amelia’s lust for life was contagious.
