Page 65 of Seduced by an Irresistible Lady

“So is he looking to settle down soon? He is the next Duke of Beaufort,” Lady Lavinia said.

“Lavinia,” Helena cried, “we have hardly seen each other for a week.”

“A week is enough to make up one’s mind,” Lady Lavinia replied assuredly.

“You have been with Prince Drew more than a week. Have you answered his request? And is he just asking you to leave with him? Or is he asking you to be his wife too?”

Lady Lavinia’s mouth became a tight line.

“I have not given him an answer, Helena, but I plan to tell him yes. I don’t think I could last much without him anymore. And no, he has made no mention of marriage,” Lady Lavinia said.

Helena laughed.

“Are you so love struck?”

“I fear so,” Lady Lavinia said.

She looked from left to right. After confirming that they were alone, she said in a much lowered voice, “I have been sneaking to his chambers in the early morning for the past few days. He’s the first person I see when I wake up.”

Helena opened her eyes wide.

This was news that could easily turn out to be scandalous if discovered. Helena remembered how close Miss Justina had been to catching herself and Dr Frederick. Her heart beat faster, and her throat became dry.

“You have to stop that,” Helena said in a tone far calmer than she felt.

“Yes, I know. And Drew is a perfect gentleman. The first day he saw me at his door, he said nothing. He just opened the door and let me in,” Lady Lavinia said.

“What if one of the stewards sees you? That’ll be news worth a season’s tongue wagging,” Helena said.

Lady Lavinia smiled wryly. She obviously didn’t like the thought of that.

“I am aware of the risk, Helena. It’s just that,” Lady Lavinia sighed before continuing, “he’s leaving in less than a month. I fear I might fall ill.”

Helena laughed.

“So why don’t you follow him? He has requested that you do so.”

Lady Lavinia nodded.

“It would be my first time in Ireland. I just can’t imagine not being here in England. There are so many differences, the food, their customs, even their funny accents.”

“You never complained about his funny accent.”

“I tease him a lot about it, but it doesn’t matter much.”

“I say you should go with him. It would make you really happy,” Helena said.

“It would,” Lady Lavinia confirmed.

“And he’s told my parents too. They have given me permission if I choose to go,” Lady Lavinia continued.

Helena said nothing. If Lady Lavinia left, she’d be left with no close friend except Miss Justina. Life would get incredibly more boring.

“I’d miss you greatly if you leave,” Helena said.

“I would miss you more, Helena. I will come back. It’s just a visit.”

“What if he asks you to marry him?”