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“Ruined?” Helen grew light-headed. “But all that a woman has in life is her reputation.” Her heart thumped against her ribs.
“It will not come to that, my dear. We’ll discuss how we are to address the gossip in private once we arrive home.”
“I hope you are right, Aunt.”
Signaling their carriage, Aunt Sarah and Helen alighted and sped off to Curzon Street.
* * *
The moment they entered the hallway, Watson informed the ladies that Mr. Marcellus had been waiting for them to return.
Helen’s chest grew tight. He wasn’t supposed to call until tomorrow. Why had he opted to call upon them today?
She and Aunt Sarah quickly removed their hats and outerwear, placing it in Watson’s outstretched arms.
Do I have time to have Patsy adjust my hair? Should I pinch my cheeks for some added color?
“Please see to a pot of tea and plate of refreshments—”
Watson cleared his throat. “It has all been taken care of, Lady Greenly.”
“Thank you, Watson.” Aunt Sarah breathed a sigh of relief. Watson nodded curtly and excused himself. “After twenty years, the man still manages to surprise me with how efficient he is.”
Helen placed a hand on her stomach and reminded herself to breathe. She nodded to her aunt.
A footman opened the door. Mr. Marcellus stood with his hands placed behind his back, staring out the window. He looked to be lost in his thoughts. She admired his strong jawline and broad chest.
“Mr. Marcellus.” Aunt Sarah entered the room ahead of Helen. “I apologize no one was in to receive you until now.”
“Lady Greenly. Miss Davenport.” He pivoted sharply and bowed in one fluid motion. A stray lock of hair fell dropped in front of his forehead. His navy tailcoat had the effect of making his eyes appear more sapphire than turquoise.
“It is I who must apologize. I’m afraid my call today is more than just a social call.” He ran a hand through his hair. “I’m afraid I bring ill tidings, indeed. I was at my club this morning when I overheard several members near me in deep conversation about a scandal in Hyde Park.”
Glumly, Aunt Sarah poured herself a cup of tea. Helen’s legs grew shaky. She sank into the wingback seat across from her aunt.
“Helen and I were privy to a similar tale during our afternoon shopping sojourn.”
“I fear it grows worse.” Mr. Marcellus clenched his fists. “I have it on good authority that an enemy of mine has made it his personal mission to ensure that I am identified as the man involved in the incident.”
He took several steps to the fireplace and rested his hand upon the mantle. “On the day of the accident, I was seen coming and going from this address. It remains only a matter of time before you will be deduced as the woman in the story. For this, I am deeply sorry.”
Helen opened and closed her mouth. Her world was being ripped apart at the seams. She was bitterly angry. Life as a woman was not fair. If she had been granted a supernatural power like the Greek god Zeus, she would have opted to shoot jolts of electricity out of her body.
If she were a man, she’d be able to shrug off the accident. Nobody would think twice about a gentleman assisting a servant. Why was this happening to her?
John’s face appeared in her mind’s eye. The anger simmered to a low boil. She rubbed the crook of her arm where he had hastily pulled her from harm’s way and risked his own life to save hers.
I am thinking only about myself. I have so much to be grateful for, yet here I am wallowing in self-pity.
“This was to be my last chance at making a match. I was foolish to hope that I might finally come away from London a married woman.” Helen’s lips quivered. “But if this is the price that must be paid for helping John, I’d pay it tenfold.”
Trying to put up a strong front was sapping much of her energy reserves. She suddenly grew weary. Her limbs felt heavy, as if she had aged one hundred years. She held her head in her hands and rubbed her temples.
Mr. Marcellus had taken to silently pacing the back of the room, his brow furrowed.
His actions spoke louder than words. She wouldn’t be shocked if he sought to leave that very moment.
“Do not give up so easily. Your father and my excellent husband will come up with a plan.” Aunt Sarah glanced to the timepiece on the mantle. “They should be arriving home at any moment.”
