Helena had held her hands out in surrender. I’ll go, but please, release Cora. She did nothing wrong.
Lord Prestwick had nodded sharply, and their father complied. Cora ran to toss her arms around Helena’s waist. Don’t go. Please, Helena. Don’t leave me.
“I failed them.” Helena met Sebastian’s serious eyes and burst into tears.
He held her tighter, his embrace a haven from the memories she wanted to forget. He whispered soothing words as her tears came, washing away some of the pain she held inside. He smoothed his hands over her back. Even when her tears subsided, he held her as if she were precious.
His lips caressed her temple. “You didn’t fail them, my love. You were just a child. Your father is to blame. He was a piece of rubbish for wagering you in a card game.”
She gasped and sat up, breaking his hold. “How do you know about that?”
He reached into his jacket and withdrew a handkerchief. She took it and dabbed at her eyes. “Do you recall I said I had a surprise? I’ve found your sister Lavinia. We are on our way to see her now.”
Her heart dropped into her gut. “You found her? Is she well? Where has she been? How did she end up in a brothel?”
“Slow down.” He held up a hand as the carriage rolled to a stop in front of a charming little town house. “You may ask her anything you like. I promise we won’t leave until you are satisfied, but we have arrived.”
“Lavinia is here?” Fear sliced through her and left her trembling. She’d thought once Sebastian found Lavinia she would have time to prepare. They hadn’t seen each other for nine years, and she was struck with the thought that maybe they would have nothing to say to each other. “I—I am uncertain this is a wise plan.”
“Your sister wants to see you, Helena. But if you want to leave, we will.”
She glanced at the town house as the carriage door opened. Lavinia was inside, only several steps away. She shook her head. “I don’t want to leave.”
Sebastian gently took her arm to help her from the bench. “We should move quickly. It’s dark, but we still don’t want to draw attention.”
He guided her to the carriage steps and the footman offered her a hand down.
It was a short walk to the town house’s front door. “But Sebastian.” Helena clutched his arm before he grabbed the knocker.
His brow wrinkled as he turned his dark eyes on her. “What is wrong? I thought you wished to find her.”
She nodded, a scratchiness beginning in her throat. “What if my sister hates me for not trying to find her sooner? Look what happened to her.”
He smoothed a hand over her hair, his eyes glittering from the light of the carriage lamp. “Miss Kendrick doesn’t hate you. She only learned today that you are still alive.”
Helena’s hand fell from his arm and her lips parted. She should have sent word the moment she could, but her sister wouldn’t have gotten it, would she?
The door creaked open and a young woman who looked remarkably like their mother stared back at her.
“Lavinia?”
A large smile broke across the other woman’s face, and she reached for Helena’s hands to draw her across the threshold. “Come inside, Helena. It is me, your sister.”
They hugged, both of them laughing. When Lavinia pulled away, she frowned. “You’ve been crying.”
“She had to endure my company from the other side of town, Miss Kendrick. Can you blame her for crying?” Sebastian winked at Helena.
Lavinia accepted his answer with a brief smile, then invited them to join her for refreshment. The foyer was long and narrow so they had to trail behind Lavinia in a single-file line to a cozy parlor. Hand-painted gold leaves on green graced the walls, and a grand walnut grandfather clock stood sentry at the door. Helena allowed her gaze to travel the room, taking in the plush velvet sofa and thick carpet cushioning her steps. How was it her sister could live in such luxury? Unless… Her stomach turned over. Her sister was a courtesan.
Lavinia gestured toward the sofa. “Edith will bring refreshments in a moment. Won’t you have a seat?”
They moved through the motions of civility as if it gave them an anchor in this unknown sea. Helena and Sebastian sat on the sofa.