Page 30 of The Courtship Trap
“That does sound like Bertram,” she eventually remarked.
Harriet nodded. “My father does not have well-matured morals. He is rather single-minded about maintaining his vanities. A more desirable paramour reflects better on him.”
“It is just that … taking back the gifts and refusing to pay the settlement—” Belinda lifted a trembling hand to fidget with her hair. “Never mind that. Can I offer you some tea?”
“I shall not stay that long.”
Harriet tried to think what to do next. She had assured Evaline that when she met with Belinda, she would know what to say, but she found her mind a blank at this crucial time. “How is it? Here?”
Belinda sighed sadly. “Dull. I used to maintain a household for your father. He visited often, and we went frequently to social events together. Lowe mostly drinks and gambles, while I spend most of my time in these two rooms. Venturing out into the neighborhood is … daunting. I find myself regretting my choices that led me here.”
Harriet thought about how reassuring it was to have Fletcher waiting for her downstairs and nodded in understanding.
“You mentioned you were in service when Father—” Harriet hesitated, trying to find a kinder word than seduced. “—met you. What did you do?”
Belinda smiled. “I was a lady’s maid for two young ladies making their debut. I sometimes accompanied them as a second chaperon.”
“So that is how you met my father.” Then she experienced a flash of inspiration. Harriet was still awestruck how the woman had dressed herself. Even with Evaline’s help, she dreaded dressing in the mornings, or changing her clothes. This was … serendipitous!
“You should take a position as a lady’s maid. Your skills are exemplary.”
Belinda’s eyebrows flew up to meet her hairline in utter amazement at Harriet’s bold declaration. “That is a lovely idea. It would certainly solve my current predicament. The only thing is … who would hire me?”
Harriet lifted her chin, casting her fears aside to reach a decision. It would certainly send a message to her father. She was rejecting his corruption. She was standing on her own two feet. His reign of influence was over. “I would.”
Belinda blinked. “You?”
“Yes. You could be my lady’s maid.”
A brittle laugh escaped Belinda. “Do not mock me.”
“I am not.” Harriet stepped closer. “You would have a respectable position. A roof over your head. Safety. And I will advance you a loan to put legal pressure on my father. You should hold him accountable.”
Belinda’s mouth parted in disbelief. “You are serious.”
“Entirely.”
Belinda shook her head. “I will not take your money.”
“What is this? Pride?” Harriet’s voice sharpened. “Pride did not stop Lowe’s hand, Belinda. Pride will not protect you when you are destitute.”
Belinda turned away, silent.
“We both know my father’s promises were worth less than the paper they were written on,” Harriet pressed. “But you do not have to let him desert you like this. You deserve more than this.”
Belinda’s shoulders rose and fell with a deep breath. “A lady’s maid,” she repeated softly. “After everything.”
“Would it be so terrible?” Harriet asked gently. “You were a lady’s maid before Bertram Hargreaves noticed you. Before he seduced you with his false promises. I am offering you a chance to step back into that role, with dignity. It is just me and Lady Wood, and we are far less demanding than two silly chits coming out for their first Season.”
Belinda turned slowly, searching Harriet’s face. “And you think society would accept it? That I could simply become your maid after all these years?”
Harriet smiled, a flash of the impudent woman she had been when she still ruled London’s ballrooms before eschewing such. But this time for something that mattered. This time to do good. “I am very pleased with my new lady’s maid, Miss Bélise Coupier. Elegant. Discreet. A woman of impeccable taste.”
Belinda stared at her.
“I shall tell them you are French. Parisian, perhaps. Newly arrived in England. Who will question it? Society turns a blind eye when it chooses. Why, Lord Fenwick has his mistress living openly as his children’s governess. Everyone knows it, yet no one speaks of it.”
Belinda’s lips twitched, despite herself. “Bélise Coupier?”
