She stifled the giggle crawling up her throat at the thought. Terribly inappropriate under the circumstances.
Galway’s breath fanned along Helen’s right cheek, closer than necessary, but certain of his power over her. Her amusement faded in an instant.
“Actions have consequences, Miss Cosgrove,” his voice lowered. “I should hate that for you.”
Doubtful.
He longed for a misstep. Begged for any infraction he might hold over her head. Galway thrived on the power he held over others. The other day he berated a footman for a loose button, smiling from ear to ear as the poor lad shook, terrified he’d be sacked.
Over a bloody button.
She drew in a slow breath and regained her composure. Galway, much like a dog, could sense fear. He didn’t deserve the satisfaction.
The lines around his mouth deepened, lips thinning at her refusal to be ruffled. “Do you understand.” The tip of his finger dug purposefully into the edge of her shoulder, hard enough she winced. “Miss Cosgrove?”
Threats.Again.
She hoped Lowell was so smitten with Cerise, he’d wed her immediately because Helen was exhausted with Galway and his innuendos. The constant intimidation. Three years of suffering under his rule was quite enough. But she’d come this far and must-see things through. Endangering her future by voicing her opinion would not serve her well. Nor kicking him in the shins, which she also wanted to do.
Helen couldn’t possibly despise anyone more than Galway.
“Yes, my lord,” she replied calmly.
“So polite. Modest. Not so much as a hair out of place.” A chuckle came from Galway. “The perfect lady’s companion, aren’t you, Miss Cosgrove?” He leaned closer. “But I suspect there is more to you.”
Good grief. There isn’t.
She wanted to tell Galway that his yellowing teeth reminded her of a lizard. That despite Helen’s best efforts, Cerise was destined to become a harlot in theton.
Biting her lip in order to keep those thoughts from bubbling out, Helen stayed silent. She must. The additional sum promised at the end of this tortuous existence was the only thing that kept Helen from slapping at Galway. She didn’t care if he gave her a bloody reference, because after shepherding his tart of a daughter through another Season, Helen had vowed never to be a chaperone or lady’s companion ever again. Or live beneath another’s thumb, dancing to their tune.
She would have a home, one that no one could take from her. A damned cat. Maybe a dozen.
“I’m pleased we understand each other, Miss Cosgrove. You will report to me directly upon your return from the park. I will await you in my study.”
Helen swayed but quickly dug in her heels. She hadn’t been alone with Galway in months, always choosing to speak to him with a maid or one of the footmen present. Not that any of the staff would dare come to her rescue should Galway make advances, but he would be less inclined to do so if others might witness her refusal. His ego wouldn’t allow it.
“Yes, my lord.”
“Splendid.”
Helen stayed still until Galway retreated, disappearing in the direction of his study. She exhaled softly at the click of his study door. She imagined him settling behind his desk, smiling and congratulating himself at having trapped Helen like some defenseless rabbit. Twiddling his fingers as the villain had done in a play she’d seen once.
Two more deep breaths and Helen walked out to the carriage where Cerise impatiently waited. She could flee with only the clothes on her back, that was how badly she didn’t want to face Galway upon her return. But Helen did not. She wasn’t a coward. Nor rash. Her future gleamed before her, a shiny jewel of an existence that years of careful planning had now put within reach.
But she was, without a doubt, trapped for the time being.
“Why my father has any interest in you, Miss Cosgrove, continues to mystify me.” Cerise observed as Helen climbed inside the carriage. “I find you exceptionally tedious.”
Twit. “Lord Galway’s only interest was in reminding me that our time in the park is limited.”
“Perhaps his interest would wane if you ceased throwing yourself at him.” Cerise tilted her dainty little chin. “I find it disgraceful.”
As if Cerise had the right to pass judgement on anyone given her behavior.
Helen clasped her hands, pasting a bland look on her features, one perfected by living in Galway’s household and didn’t bother to reply. She’d never once encouraged Galway and avoided him as much as possible.
“Can’t even defend yourself, can you?” Cerise made a sound. “My father often…admiresthe stray maid or governess, that much is true.” She fluffed out her skirts. “Undoubtedly, you’ve heard as much from the staff and seek to further your own ambitions. I suppose I shouldn’t blame you given your…. background is of questionable origin. You haven’t many options, after all.”
