A Touch of Treason by Vonnie Hughes

Author:Vonnie Hughes [Hughes, Vonnie]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: romance;Regency; Peninsular Wars; 1809; English history
Publisher: The Wild Rose Press
Published: 2022-02-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

The weather remained uncertain, typical of early May. The Yardley daughters and their governess took a hack to Bond Street, to perambulate and be seen, hoping to meet some of their acquaintances and also to observe the fashions and behavior of those around them. They were peering in a shop front when they were hailed by Anna Morris. “Well met, Ariadne! I had hoped to see you. Do say you’ll come to our place to have a chat about Caroline’s party. You too, Miss Marshfield.”

Like the Yardleys, the Misses Morris tended to treat Helena as one of the family. Helena reminded herself again how fortunate she was. She thanked Anna Morris and smiled. “But I know you young ladies will feel much happier without a chaperone to overhear your secrets.”

They laughed, knowing she was teasing them, but relieved all the same that they could chat unguardedly. Helena felt almost a hundred years old, but she knew it was not their intention. She was just sensitive of late.

Having escorted all the young ladies to the Morris home in Chelsea Gardens, Helena returned to Russell Square to find a message awaiting her. It was brief and to the point. Obviously penned by Sir Ivor, she thought amusedly. “Your brother has arrived safely. He is pulled by his journey but is much better than we expected. Come when you wish.”

How like Ivor Stafford! A strange mixture of commands and comfort. No waste of words. She examined the large black signature. It just seemed to be a large “S”. She tucked the note away in her armoire.

Hurrying downstairs to find Mrs. Yardley, she was brought up short to see Mrs. Sowerby in full sail entering the small withdrawing-room. Helena waited quietly for a pause in the conversation and managed to attract her employer’s attention. Under Mrs. Sowerby’s avid gaze she explained where she was going, and that she would meet with Ariadne and Caroline later in the afternoon.

“Oh, my dear, of course you must go straight away to see Sir Robert! Take the carriage. I do hope he feels more the thing shortly. Please give him our kind regards, and I know you’ll remember to thank Sir Ivor prettily. Of course you will,” she added quickly, as Helena did her best to smother the outraged expression on her face.

Did Mrs. Yardley imagine she did not know her manners? If there was a lack of manners around here, it wasn’t from her. Helena felt a hot flush rising beneath her skin.

Scrambling awkwardly to her feet, Mrs. Yardley demanded Stalley to ask Cook for any little tidbits which might tempt the appetite of an invalid. Cook of course declined to deal directly with Stalley, and Helena had to intercede. She chafed to be on her way. So near and yet so far, after all this time. Patience, she reminded herself, but Poppy must have seen the flash of exasperation in her eyes and was uncharacteristically cooperative, even going so far as to make suggestions for Robert’s welfare.

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