Page 96 of Seduced by an Irresistible Lady
Lady Lavinia had told her they would come back to England before the turn of the year to hold the wedding. Helena was happy for her friend, but the situation made hers all the more saddening.
I am damning all I ever felt marriage should stand for, and I am making a choice for future and family. So why does it feel so wrong?
Miss Justina suddenly appeared at her side.
“You have to stop this,” Miss Justina said.
“What?”
“You are always in thought. And I am sure they aren’t thoughts that lighten the heart because you are given to extended bouts of melancholy now.”
Helena shook her head. Even more than Lady Lavinia, Miss Justina knew her best. She had the ability to read her excellently. There was no use lying to her.
“I am not happy.”
Miss Justina chuckled.
“I’d have preferred if you told me something I didn’t know.”
Helena laughed.
“That’s as much as my heavy lips can say.”
“I know Dr Frederick’s absence since we came back has played a big part.”
More than you can imagine.
Helena said nothing.
“I know this subverts everything a woman of stature should stand for, but I could visit him on your behalf, convince him to come to see you,” Miss Justina said.
Helena shook her head. That would be skirting a controversy of astronomical proportions. Miss Justina couldn’t do that, not when she was so close to getting Lord Jeffrey up to scratch.
“No, you cannot do that.”
“Can I ask you one question?” Miss Justina asked.
“You know you can ask me anything, Justina.”
“Why are you with Lord Jeffrey? I do not see one godly character in that man.”
Miss Justina must have been really serious because her face became a hard frown.
“You won’t understand, Justina. It’s the right choice.”
“And Dr Frederick?” Miss Justina asked.
“He’s not here now, is he? He’s not been here for two weeks,” Helena replied.
“So nothing,” Miss Justina said.
“Nothing,” Helena said solemnly even though her heart screamed, “Everything.”
“You will marry Lord Jeffrey?” Miss Justina asked.
Helena looked back to the door behind her. She raised her eyes to the deck above her head. She looked to the compound that surrounded the house.
Those were the things she was struggling to keep.
