“We shall see. Perhaps I never see him again.”
“Somehow I doubt that. Not after the way he was looking at you, as if you were a sweet cake he wanted to devour.”
“Amelia!” gasped Helen, slapping her friend’s arm in mock horror.
“What, darling? I only speak the truth.”
Amelia downed her drink, rising to ring the bell for more wine.
“Now, tell me, what are you wearing to Lady Caroline’s card party next week? You need to look more entrancing than usual, since you have declared that this will be your last foray at the tables before you retire. Although the thought of you deserting me makes me quite blue.”
“I haven’t decided yet,” smiled Helen. “I wanted to ask if you would come and help me choose some fabrics at the modiste, then perhaps later we could go to the theatre? And, of course, I expect you to visit me when I am settled in Bath.”
Amelia clapped her hands in glee. “Ooh, a shopping trip? Certainly, any excuse to order a new gown. And don’t you worry, my dear, I am looking forward to a holiday. I fully intend to discover all thepleasuresto be found in Bath.”
The two of them dissolved into a fit of giggles.
“You are incorrigible,” gasped Helen, as Amelia waggled her eyebrows suggestively at her.
“You love it, though,” replied her friend with a saucy wink.
CHAPTER FIVE
Helen arrivedat Lady Caroline Lowell’s lavish estate outside London with anticipation. If she did well over the next few nights of play, she could leave this life behind her once and for all.
Or, at least, any future time spent at the tables would be for pleasure only, not for profit.
Helen couldn’t deny that she had found freedom in this life, away from the stifling proprietary of polite society. And, of course, she had never been welcome in such lauded homes as this as a mere wife with little to no connections.
Now, she was invited to some of the most scandalous parties thrown by the ton, attended by the fast set who lived life without a care, except to explore and indulge all the pleasures that life had to offer.
Helen knew she had other options. She could even find herself a protector, if that is what she desired. Or, live like Amelia, flitting from one alliance to another.
But the thought did not appeal to her as much as the draw of independence. She did not want to be cast aside when someone younger, or more alluring came along. The thought brought up too many uncomfortable memories.
Unfortunately, she was somewhat reserved with her affections, and now it was rare for the men she met to make any advances her way, anticipating the rejection she had shown in the past.
Although, Helen had never really been tempted by any of them, to tell the truth.
A pair of startling blue eyes flashed in her memory, as they had stared down at her the other night outside the Palais.
It was impossible to deny, she was attracted to Captain Starling.
If only he hadn’t been so … infuriatingly sure of himself.
Helen suspected she had denied him simply to enjoy the look of surprise on his face.
As she was shown up to her room by one of the many waiting footmen, Helen noticed that some of the guests were already engaged in enjoying the delights on offer. It seemed the wine was flowing freely, and inhibitions were to be left at the door.
Lady Caroline always threw the most scandalous house parties of the season.
Amelia would be arriving soon, and Helen looked forward to seeing her friend’s expression when she saw the finished dress they had chosen together.
It was Helen’s one extravagance, fashion. Never would she wear anything that did not make her feel beautiful again.
The memory of her husband’s tightfistedness surfaced. James had kept Helen on a tight allowance, always criticising her for purchasing a new bonnet or gown. Always deeming her vain, too immodest. Too… everything.
Meanwhile, his second family had seemingly wanted for nothing. The other woman had been dressed in the finest black silks and lace when she appeared in mourning at the solicitor’s office that dreadful day.
