Darlington was a lanky man who tended to say the most uncouth things. There was no guile to him, but he appeared more clueless than anything. Despite this quirk, he was a good man and treated Helena very well.
Darlington tipped his head. “Rushcliffe.” He paused. “I must admit I find it rather odd to address you as such.”
“It has been difficult to come to terms with,” Greydon admitted.
Helena placed a hand on his sleeve. “I have no doubt you will do far more good with your title than Phineas ever would have.”
“I hope that is the case.”
Darlington interjected, “With your title comes a great responsibility.”
“Do not remind me, or my father,” Greydon said. “He has been relentless trying to get me familiar with the accounts.”
Helena lowered her hand to her side. “That doesn’t sound at all like our father,” she remarked with a knowing look.
Darlington gave her a baffled look. “That sounds precisely like your father.”
“I know, but I was being facetious,” Helena said.
With a chuckle, Darlington remarked, “I should have known. You have quite the quick wit, my dear.”
Helena smiled at her husband. “I am glad that you find me so amusing.”
Darlington reached for her hand and brought it up to his lips. “You are the only person who never fails to make me smile.”
Greydon felt a twinge of jealousy at how much his sister and Darlington loved one another. They both seemed to radiate happiness. He hoped one day that he could convince Enid to love him as much as he did her. He knew it would be difficult, but it would be worth it in the end.
Helena turned her attention towards Greydon. “How is your suit going with Lady Enid?”
“I offered for her, but she turned me down,” Greydon replied.
Her brow lifted. “She turnedyoudown?” she asked incredulously. “Did she give a reason as to why that was?”
“Enid is worried that associating with me would tarnish our reputation.”
“She isn’t wrong,” Helena stated.
Darlington glanced between them. “Was Lady Enid the one who eloped and her husband recently died?”
Helena nodded. “That is the one.”
“You must stay away from her,” Darlington counseled as he placed a hand on Greydon’s shoulder. “Women like that do not deserve a second chance.”
“Women like her?” Helena repeated. “What do you mean by that?”
Darlington blinked. “What if she killed her husband?” he asked. “Does anyone know how he died?”
“I doubt that Lady Enid killed her husband,” Helena pressed. “She is far too kindhearted for that.”
“I am just saying that there are plenty of respectable women that would love to marry you,” Darlington said. “If you are looking to marry, my cousin would be a good choice.”
An image of Darlington’s cousin came to his mind. She looked just like Darlington in a dress and she wore these round spectacles that hid most of her face. She would probably be the last person he would ever consider for a bride. But he couldn’t very well admit that to Darlington.
“Thank you for that kind offer, but I intend to marry Lady Enid,” Greydon said.
“But she turned you down,” Darlington pointed out. “I can promise you that my cousin would be overjoyed with an offer from you. And she is quite good at needlework. If you need anything mended, she can do it quickly.”
“I shall keep that in mind.”
