Page 71 of Seduced by an Irresistible Lady

“White silk,” her mother said.

Helena nodded.

“A man makes no such gestures without an agenda he wishes to foster. And I think his is all very clear,” the Baron said.

He paused as if expecting a reply from Helena. None was forthcoming, so he continued, “What is your take on him?”

Helena sighed for fear of smiling and giving away her pleasure with how well her plan was progressing. Lord Jeffrey’s long talk with her father must be behind this.

“He is a nice man, although I do not know him very well yet. He is cultured and informed, well schooled and mannered,” Helena replied.

“Is that all you think of him?” the Baron asked.`` `

“Is there a need to think more of him?” Helena asked.

The Baron shook his head.

“He and I got into a long discussion about a lot of things. He is a very sensible young man,” the Baron said.

Helena nodded again. She trusted her father not to divulge what they discussed.

“Do you think him good enough for marriage?” her father asked.

Helena smiled. She had expected the question from the off. She felt nothing for Lord Jeffrey, but he was the answer to their problems.

“He’s a good, eligible bachelor,” Helena replied, refusing to give a definitive answer.

“Fine,” her father replied.

“All is good then. You can go.”

Helena got up and walked out of the waiting room. Her scheme was moving even faster than she expected.

Chapter 15

Hunger Unabated

Friday morning came, and Helena could only think of one thing.

Dr Frederick.

He was to come that week and had not appeared for the first four days. Each time the gate opened, Helena looked outside her window. Every time, it wasn’t Dr Frederick. Her parents had gone out at dawn, on an assignment they hadn’t told Helena about.

Helena woke up feeling a bit uneasy. Her stomach was unsettled; she had cramps. Helena shrugged it off and had a bath then put on a flowing grey dress. She had breakfast along with her sisters after which Helena retired to the library to read. Miss Jacqueline was there with her, but Miss Melanie was, as always, not in the house. Helena didn’t realise she had fallen asleep until Miss Justina shook her awake.

Helena opened her eyes, rubbing with the back of both hands to remove the sleepiness. Her sister was gone, and the room was brighter.

“Is it afternoon already?” Helena asked.

“Yes,” Miss Justina answered.

Helena nodded her head.

“Dr Frederick is here,” Miss Justina said.

Surprise jerked her head up, causing her to look straight into Miss Justina’s eyes.

“Where is he?”