Page 86 of Seduced by an Irresistible Lady

When Helena got home, she became even angrier at the turn of the day. She recognised Lord Jeffrey’s coach instantly.

“Damn this deuced day, could it get ever worse?” Helena swore.

Mister Booth who had driven her to Wellington and back with the curricle looked to her. Helena looked back at him. She wasn’t happy and didn’t bother to smile. She dared him with her eyes, dared him to speak about her latest outburst. Mister Booth turned forward without as much as a peep. The curricle had hardly stopped when Helena alighted and went into the garden.

I’m not sure I’m ready to see Lord Jeffrey just yet.

Helena walked quickly to the bench in the garden and sat down. She took a deep breath, an attempt to get her emotions under control. Yesterday had been just as annoying until Dr Frederick touched her with his hands. Helena squeezed her thighs together. The pleasure had run over just as she got home.

She remembered how Dr Frederick kissed her lip before she opened the door of the coach and walked into her gate. Her cherry still ached with the throbbing of dull pleasure. Helena wished Dr Frederick was here once again. Even without his touching her, his words and presence were balm enough. Lord Jeffrey’s stern eyes and sharp tongue would only irk her more. There was a sudden crunching of leaves.

Someone was coming.

Helena looked up, readying herself for Lord Jeffrey’s presence. The lacy edge of the petticoat calmed Helena’s frayed nerves. It was Miss Justina.

“I assumed you’d come in,” Miss Justina said, walking to stand in front of her mistress.

“I assumed so also, till I came into the compound.”

Miss Justina smiled. Helena looked at her maid.

Her smile speaks a thousand words. She understands me.

Helena wondered what she would do if Miss Justina suddenly had to leave too. Her entire world might just come crashing down.

“For how long has he been here?” Helena asked.

Miss Justina sat down beside her and extended a book to her. Helena collected it and rubbed it between her palms. She looked at the front page. It was the sequel to the book she had been reading before,Priestly Desires. She had started on it two days ago.

“Thank you,” she said.

Reading would soothe her. Miss Justina knew that.

“About an hour, I’d have to warn you that he’s made good friends with your parents. He brought exotic fish today. The Baroness was ecstatic,” Miss Justina said.

Helena shook her head. Lord Jeffrey was worming his way into her parents’ hearts.

For a man, you want – need to marry, is that really a bad thing?

Helena didn’t know what was bad anymore. She did know her father being removed as the Baron was definitely bad. And that as a gauge was good enough.

“Did he ask of me?”

“Not from me, I made sure I stayed far away from him. One of the stewards came to ask me of your whereabouts, but I said I didn’t know,” Miss Justina replied, smiling.

Helena slapped her maid playfully on the arm and smiled back. Miss Justina was there when the rider told her of Lady Lavinia’s imminent departure. She knew where she was. She just wanted to spite Lord Jeffrey.

Helena opened the book as Miss Justina stood up.

“I’ll be back,” Miss Justina said as she walked away.

Helena opened the book and tried to read, but the rigour of the long ride from Wellington took its toll. Helena closed the book and laid her head on the bench before closing her eyes. It must have only been a moment before a tap on her shoulder woke her up.

“Why do you sleep out in the open and in such an unladylike position?” a harsh voice said.

It was Miss Justina, with Lord Jeffrey beside her. Helena sat up. She felt anger, pure anger at Lord Jeffrey.

Why would he wake her up just to chastise her?