In Bed with a Rogue

With Miss Thorne’s mother and Olive admiring Olive’s prized orchids in the conservatory, Helena was allowed a moment alone with Miss Thorne. Helena sank against the seatback, realizing she was no longer dreading the afternoon ahead.

Her companion beamed, her rich brown eyes alight. “I don’t know how I can ever repay your kindness, Lady Prestwick. I still think I am dreaming and any moment I will wake in my bedchamber.”

Helena returned her smile. “Please, call me Helena. You’ve no need to repay me. I am honored to sponsor you.”

Yesterday when Helena had called on her husband’s cousin and requested her assistance in reintroducing Miss Thorne to the ton, Olive had brightened considerably. With Lord Eldridge remaining at the gentlemen’s club most of the time, Olive often seemed at a loss with how to fill her time. She had clapped her hands and declared with much enthusiasm that she loved taking on a project.

Miss Thorne is not a project, Helena had said with a disapproving purse of her lips, but Olive hadn’t paid her any notice. Instead, she had launched into a long list of actions that must be taken at once. First Helena was ordered to send a message to Lady Thorne expressing her wish to act as Miss Thorne’s sponsor, which received a gracious reply in a matter of hours. Then Olive invited Lady Thorne and her daughter to tea and informed them she had secured an appointment with the most sought after modiste in Town through Lady Norwick.

It is my mission to see that young woman’s name on every guest list from now until the Season’s end, Olive had promised. Perhaps she will even receive an invitation to the country. Everyone who is anyone of importance retires North for hunting.

Helena had been surprised by this revelation. Wickie hadn’t discussed life in England often, but he had led her to believe ladies’ activities were less adventurous.

Do ladies hunt?

It depends on whether she has landed a buck during the Season, Olive had responded with a smirk.

Helena smiled with fondness at the baron’s sister.

“If I am to use your Christian name,” Miss Thorne said, “you must call me Eve.” Her hand fluttered to her chest. “And a personal recommendation from Lady Norwick? I never once thought Madame Girard would allow me an appointment.”

Helena’s heart warmed as a dreamy expression crossed the woman’s lovely face. Perhaps someday Helena would be able to put that same dreamy look on her own sister’s face.

“Lady Eldridge is responsible for the recommendation to Madame Girard. She knows Lady Norwick from their involvement with the Mayfair Ladies Charitable Society.”

The Countess of Norwick was a generous benefactor of the charity and apparently one of the modiste’s favorite patrons, since she had been able to secure an appointment for Eve. Rumor had it ladies waited months to see Madame Girard.

“I must send a letter around to the countess to thank her,” Eve said. “I am overwhelmed by everyone’s kindness. Thank you again for sponsoring me. I can’t imagine the reason you would choose me, but I am so very grateful.”

Helena smiled and sipped her tea as Eve launched into tales of her foray into Society two years earlier. She suspected the young woman wished to warn her of the huge undertaking it would be to act as her sponsor, but Helena was unconcerned. Even if Lord Thorne withdrew his promise to help her, she couldn’t stomach the thought of disappointing his sister.

She eased the saucer and cup onto her lap as Eve began to describe her first waltz.

“Sebastian made the poor man sign my dance card. Of course, that is what friends do for each other. They dance with younger sisters so the brothers don’t have to do it themselves.” She laughed, obviously reliving that evening, and Helena couldn’t resist joining in. “Lord Ellis watched his feet the entire time and was counting under his breath. It is a wonder he didn’t dance us into the wall.”

Helena sobered. “I had no idea your brother and Lord Ellis had been friends.”

“I’m not certain friends is the correct term. They were always challenging each other to the most ridiculous contests, but Bastian seemed to like the earl well enough before…” Miss Thorne’s gaze strayed to the mantel and she sipped her tea.