“I sent you a message,” Miss Kendrick hissed as soon as they cleared the doorway. “Why are you here?”
“You never ask me to stay away. I was concerned something might be wrong with Gracie or Edith. I thought you might need a doctor.”
She sighed. “Gus, when are you going to accept I’m capable of taking care of my family?”
“But you don’t have to anymore. I want to take care of you. I have asked you—”
“Stop. I refuse to have this conversation now.”
Sebastian felt a measure of pity for the man. He couldn’t imagine how difficult it must be to want to care for someone who wouldn’t allow it. He eased away from the door in an attempt to provide the marquess and Miss Kendrick privacy, but he couldn’t escape overhearing them.
“You cannot tell anyone about Helena. If anyone knows she was here…”
“Lavinia, you know me better than that. I would never do anything to hurt you or your family. I love you.”
There was a long pause. Sebastian pretended interest in a nearby painting, expecting the couple to return and not wanting them to realize he was privy to their conversation.
“I know you would never hurt us, my love. You are the kindest man I have ever known.” Miss Kendrick’s voice assumed a teasing tone. “Although your kindness doesn’t extend to side tables andtea services.”
They laughed softly together.
“I will send replacements tomorrow. Forgive me for behaving like an animal this evening, but the thought of you with another man…”
“I would never. I swear it upon my mother’s grave. You must know I love you too, August.”
Sebastian’s cravat had become too tight and he tugged to loosen it. Over the last day, he had come to acknowledge his love for Helena, but until he overheard St. Ambrose and Miss Kendrick speaking of their problems, Sebastian had not realized loving another person did not guarantee a happy outcome. Helena had made it clear she was content living as an independent woman, which did not bode well for a future together. Dizziness drove him to join her and her youngest sister around the low table.
Too many sensations swirled inside him—in his head, gut, and chest. He sipped his brandy, preferring to observe rather than participate in their conversation as he tried to sort the unfamiliar feelings.
Gracie blinked her deep blue eyes at him. “Lord Thorne, are you Helena’s lover?”
Helena gasped. “Heavens, no. How do you even know about such things?”
Sebastian arched his eyebrows as if to say, “Isn’t it obvious?” A courtesan was raising the girl. She would be exposed to situations other young girls wouldn’t, at least none in their circle.
“I don’t know. I am sorry.” Gracie picked at her night rail, avoiding eye contact.
“Oh, Gracie.” Helena patted her knee. “It is all right. You caught me by surprise, but no harm done. Lord Thorne is an acquaintance. He agreed to help find you and Lavinia, and he has fulfilled his promise admirably.”
There was a sinking feeling in the pit of his stomach. He thought of them as more than mere acquaintances. He could understand how their association might be difficult to explain to a young girl, but identifying him as a friend would have been preferable. Helena hadn’t even spared him a warm glance.
The marquess and Miss Kendrick returned with Edith. “It is past your bedtime, young lady,” Miss Kendrick said with a smile. “Say good night.”
Gracie smiled shyly at Helena. “May I hug you?”
“That would make me very happy.” After Gracie collected hugs from Helena and Miss Kendrick, Edith ushered the girl from the parlor.
Silence descended over the room. No one spoke for some time until it began to feel awkward. Finally, Helena cleared her throat. “I will visit Cora and Pearl to make certain they are well-situated, and then I will return to collect Gracie as we agreed upstairs.”
Sebastian held his tongue. Helena was emotional from her reunion and not thinking clearly. She couldn’t bring an unknown girl into her home without stirring up rumors, especially one who shared similar physical traits.