Page 114 of The Matrimonial Advertisement

“The only thing I can do at this juncture,” Lord Wolverton answered at last. “I’ll lend her my countenance.”

“And how exactly do you propose to do that?”

“To start, I’ll accompany her to call on Castleton this afternoon.”

Helena’s mouth fell open in disbelief. “Now?”

Lord Wolverton nodded. “The sooner he’s dealt with the better.”

“I agree,” Justin said.

A swell of panic clogged Helena’s throat. She couldn’t formulate the words to object to their scheme. She’d always known she must eventually confront Uncle Edward, but she’d never thought—never expected—it would be quite so soon.

“My carriage is below,” Lord Wolverton said. “We can leave within the half hour.”

Justin regarded her in silence for a moment.

Helena met his eyes. She knew then that he was leaving the final decision up to her. He believed she was strong enough to deal with her uncle, but he’d never force her to do anything against her will. He’d stand by her and support her whatever she decided.

It was that support—that unflinching loyalty—that finally loosened her tongue. “Very well, then,” she said. “Let’s pay a visit to Grosvenor Square.”

1 “The Position of a Lunatic.” The London Times (London, England), 19 August 1858. See Author Notes.

“I still don’t think this is a good idea,” Justin said.

Lord Wolverton’s black-lacquered carriage stopped in front of the Earl of Castleton’s residence in Grosvenor Square. All Helena need do was get out and climb the steps to the door.

She sat beside Justin, temporarily immobilized. “Probably not,” she acknowledged. “But I feel I must do it.”

“I’ll go with you.”

“No.” She took his gloved hand, pressing it for a moment in both of hers. “I must go in alone.”

She’d made the decision immediately after departing Half Moon Street. She wouldn’t cower behind Justin or Lord Wolverton like some manner of frightened creature. She’d face her uncle once and for all. She’d show him that he hadn’t broken her.

“Foolishness,” Lord Wolverton muttered from his seat across from them in the carriage. “You’ve no need to see him alone. He’s your husband’s problem now. And mine.”

“I must,” she said again. “It’s a matter of dignity. Of self-respect.”

Lord Wolverton harrumphed. He couldn’t comprehend why it was so important for her to confront her uncle by herself.

But Justin could. He knew what it meant to face one’s fears.

She held tight to his hand as one minute passed. And then another.

“Have you changed your mind?” he asked.

“No, no. I only need a moment to gather my courage.” She inhaled a steadying breath. “I’m ready now.”

Justin climbed out of the carriage and assisted her down to the curb. “I’ll be here. If you’re not back within twenty minutes, I’m coming to the door.”

She nodded and, at last, released his hand. Their arrival had been remarked. The door to the house was already being opened by the earl’s elderly butler, Netherby. At the sight of Helena, his usually bland expression brightened infinitesimally.

“My lady,” he said, bowing.

“Netherby.” She walked into the front hall, her gaze drifting over the familiar surroundings. “I trust you and the rest of the staff are well?”

Netherby glanced at the carriage before shutting the door. The Earl of Wolverton’s crest was easily recognizable. “We have been making do in your absence, my lady. Might I inquire as to whether you will be returning to us?”