“I’m certain Fergus won’t mind waiting.”
Her loyal Scot crossed his arms and glowered in return, but he didn’t argue. “I will be outside the door, lass. Holler if you be needing me.”
She opened her reticule to retrieve a few coins. “I saw a tavern on the corner as we passed. Perhaps you would like an ale while you wait.”
“I will be outside the door,” he growled before stalking from the shop without taking her money.
Helena sighed. Although she appreciated his protective instincts, there was no danger when she was with family.
She turned back to find Cora’s soured frown gone. “Forgive me for being surly, Helena. You caught me by surprise, but I’m glad you came. Come abovestairs and I will serve you tea.”
Helena followed her sister up the solid staircase, taking note of her surroundings when they entered Cora’s living quarters. The main room above the shop was twice as large as the one they’d shared in their childhood home. It was tidy and filled with light from the tall windows. A ruckus in the other room erupted as soon as the door closed.
“Quiet down,” Cora hollered. “I have a guest.”
“Mama! Mama!” A little girl with curls like Cora’s raced into the room and threw her tiny arms around Cora’s legs. A small boy tottered behind his sister with his thumb in his mouth. His hair was so light and soft-looking, it reminded Helena of down. Her throat grew tight as she looked at her niece and nephew.
“You have children,” she murmured.
Cora wrinkled her nose, a reluctant smile on her face. “Three in almost as many years. Emma, what have I told you about running in the house?” Cora freed herself from the little girl’s arms and patted her head. “Mother White, you are supposed to be watching the children.”
An older woman with graying hair had entered while the children distracted Helena. She held a sleeping baby wrapped in a knitted blanket.
“They move too fast for me, Cora.”
Helena’s sister swung the boy up in her arms when he reached for her with his sweet, chubby hands. “You know what Mr. White says. You must make them mind.”
“I will try harder, my dear.” Cora’s mother-in-law smiled at Helena. “Who is your guest?”
Cora crossed her arms. “None of your concern. Now take Emma and Mathew to the other room so we can talk.”
Helena’s eyes widened at her sister’s disrespect. The woman’s smile fell away and her eyes hardened, but she rounded up the two children and ushered them from the room. It was clear who ruled at the White residence.
“Have a seat.” Helena sat down at the solid dining table while her sister removed her fashionable bonnet, tossed two small logs in the firebox, and placed the kettle on the stovetop.
Helena traced the slight gouges in the wood, nostalgia almost bringing her to tears. They’d had a similar table when they were children. “The children could have stayed. I wouldn’t have minded.”
“We wouldn’t have a chance to talk if they did.” Cora joined her at the table. “What brings you to Clerkenwell? You are the last person I ever expected to see.”
Helena smiled sheepishly. “I am sorry to arrive unannounced, but I am unaware of the proper etiquette for coming back from the dead. I hope I didn’t shock you.”
Cora laughed. “I always suspected the blackguard lied. I knew I would have felt it if you were gone. We were always close, you and I.” She leaned against the carved seatback and tipped her head to the side. “Where is the mighty lord now, and what possessed him to release you from his castle dungeon?”
“How did you know he had a castle?”
“I thought all lords had castles.” Her keen gaze swept over Helena. “He dresses you well. I suppose he is wealthy.”
Helena shifted uncomfortably. She didn’t wish her sister to know how accurate she was about Prestwick’s influence. He had never been unkind to Helena, but she had been his to command. Every decision—what she ate, what she wore, how she arranged her hair, what she read—was dictated by him.
“My husband died a little over a year ago,” she said.