An Innocent Debutante in Hanover Square

Helene yawned and stretched as she woke to see the sun pouring in through the window. They had been out late again the previous evening, but she had asked her maid to wake her so that she would be dressed and ready to join the party driving to Richmond that morning. She threw back the covers and jumped out, feeling a thrill of pleasure. When they met at the Marquis of Hindlesham’s ball, Lady Jersey had told her that she would send an escort for Helene and her mother, to bring them to the picnic.

Helene had not inquired further, but she had an odd, excited sensation in the pit of her stomach as she dressed. Two carriages were being sent to fetch them, because Amelia and Emily had also been invited.

Helene took her time choosing her gown for the day. In the end she decided on a striped green linen. It had a modest neckline with a white, scalloped lace collar, a wide band of white was caught up under her bust and a flounce at the bottom, the skirt slim but with sufficient play to allow her to climb into and out of carriages. She chose a pair of black leather half-boots, because there was bound to be a certain amount of walking and, since it had rained the day before, there might be wet grass and even mud in the park. Her white shoes would be ruined, but these sturdy boots would allow her to enjoy herself without worrying.

Helene was wearing a white stole and a bonnet that tied under her chin with green ribbons when she met the others downstairs. She saw that they had all chosen sensible footwear and smiled, because she was pleased to have made the right choice. When a knock sounded at the door and two gentlemen were admitted, Helene’s heart leaped in her breast. She had guessed right, because Lord Coleridge and Mr Sinclair walked in, greeting the ladies with broad smiles.

‘Lady Jersey has sent us to convey you to the picnic,’ Max said. ‘I am driving my curricle, but Mr Sinclair has his carriage and a splendid team of four.’

‘Miss Royston, Mrs Henderson, would you do me the honour of driving with me?’ Toby said. ‘I see that Miss Henderson is wearing a bonnet that ties under the chin and will do well enough in an open vehicle. Miss Royston, that fetching hat will blow away for there is a slight breeze today. You will do better inside. Miss Barton, will you join us—and I believe you might prefer it, ma’am?’ Toby smiled at Mrs Henderson.

‘Yes, I believe I should.’ Mrs Henderson glanced at her daughter. ‘Helene, will you be all right in the curricle?’

‘Yes, of course, Mama,’ Helene said. She glanced at Emily. ‘Your bonnet will not blow away—would you care to ride with Lord Coleridge?’

‘Perhaps when we return,’ Emily said. ‘You go, Helene. I shall do very well in the carriage.’

‘As you wish,’ Helene said and looked at Lord Coleridge as he stood aside for her to go out of the front door. ‘I prefer riding in an open carriage, sir. It is such a lovely day, even if there is a breeze.’

‘Oh, I think it slight,’ Max said innocently and avoided her honest gaze. ‘But Toby wants to show off his skill with his team. He has not long been a member of the Four-in-Hand—did you remark his waistcoat? He is wearing it in your honour today.’ His mouth quirked with irreverent humour. ‘I must admit I have one rather like it at home, but I do not wear it today.’

‘It is a rather fine waistcoat,’ Helene said, a little amused; in truth, it had looked a little odd. ‘I have heard it said that you are also a member of that club—you did not choose to drive your four today?’

‘I thought a curricle would be nicer. Pray tell me you are pleased with the idea, Miss Henderson—you would not prefer that I had brought Jezra?’

‘Sir! You are bamming me,’ Helene said and shook her head at him. ‘You are a wicked tease. Are you never serious? I do not think you would drive that wretched creature in town.’

‘I fear my credit would not survive it,’ Max said mournfully. ‘I must tell you that Jezra has to date kicked each and every member of my stable at least once. The healthier the wretched creature becomes, the more stubborn it grows. I have decided that it must be sent to the country before my grooms desert me.’

‘I am sure they would not dream of it,’ Helene said and laughed, for he was amusing. She glanced at Jemmy, who was with the horses, steadying them. ‘You are a wicked jokester, sir. Has the donkey really been such a trial to you?’

‘He be the devil in disguise, miss,’ Jemmy piped up from the back of the carriage, but subsided at a look from his master.

‘I am in the fortunate position that I am the only one not to be kicked, perhaps because I take care to stand well back,’ Max told her. ‘I have heard of an orphanage just outside London. They are in need of a pet for the children, and the donkey would be well cared for. I can vouch for it that they are good people. Jezra may be asked to draw a small cart occasionally, but nothing too heavy. Would such a scheme win your approval?’

‘An orphanage—oh, that is just the thing,’ Helene said, her eyes bright as she turned to look at him. He gave her his hand, helping her into the curricle, and then swung up beside her. ‘How did you come to hear of it? I know Amelia is connected with a home of some kind in London. I am hoping to visit one day. Perhaps I could visit the one you know of at some time in the future? Do you think it would be permitted?’

Jemmy made a sound, as though he intended to say something, but thought better of it. He jumped up at the back of the vehicle.

‘Would you wish to?’ Max asked as he gave his horses the order to walk on. ‘The children are from the poorest of families. They are healthy enough these days, but boisterous. Like Jezra, the better they feel, the worse they behave. They would surround you and beg you to play with them, I fear.’

‘I should like that, sir. I believe it becomes everyone who may do so to take an interest in others less fortunate than themselves. There are many ills in this world, not least the unfairness of inequality and poverty. It cannot be right that there should be such a divide between the richest and the poor,’ Helene said heatedly and then blushed. ‘But perhaps it would be a trouble to you to take me there? I should not have asked. I dare say you are a busy man.’

‘It would be no trouble at all. I visit most weeks when I am in town,’ Max told her. ‘Do you think Mrs Henderson would permit it? Visiting an orphanage is not precisely the reason she brought you to town, I think.’

‘No, perhaps not,’ Helene said and her cheeks heated. He must think her pretentious to speak out on such a subject when she was here for the purpose of enjoying herself and in the hope of contracting a good marriage. ‘I know we have engagements most days for the next week or so, but perhaps at a later date…’

‘Yes, I think one day we might arrange it,’ Max replied. ‘When we know each other a little better, perhaps.’

Helene glanced down at her gloves. She was a little conscious that she had been too familiar and lapsed into silence. Obviously, he took some interest in the orphanage and might think it presumptuous of her to lecture him on the evils of society. It was some minutes before he spoke again, changing the subject.

‘Have you visited Almack’s yet, Miss Henderson?’

‘Our first vouchers are for this Wednesday evening,’ Helene replied, relieved that he had rescued her, for she had not known how to begin a conversation.

‘Shall you go?’

‘Yes, I am certain we shall,’ Helene replied and looked down at her hands. ‘I dare say you find the entertainment a little insipid. I have heard some gentlemen say it does not amuse them.’

‘Indeed, some of my friends visit only when their sisters beg it of them,’ Max said. ‘I have seldom visited in the past, but Sally Jersey has been urging me to do so for an age. I believe I may oblige her this Season.’

‘Oh…’ Helene could not bring herself to glance at him. ‘It will be pleasant if we should meet there, sir.’

She could not help but think that his words had a deeper meaning. Was he suggesting that he would visit Almack’s this Season because she would be there? If so, it would be a special compliment. The thought made her feel warm inside.

No, she must not let herself be carried away! Mama had warned her that he would look much higher for his bride. To allow herself to dream of a future when he might begin to care for her would be foolish. Besides, the gap between them was too wide. Lord Coleridge was rich, titled and accustomed to spending his time amusing himself in society. She had always pictured herself as the wife of a deserving man, perhaps even a missionary who would carry her off to far lands where she would administer to the sick and dying.

The drive to Richmond was so pleasant! Helene thought that this picnic must be one of the most enjoyable events she had attended since she had come to town. The company was select, and she was made to feel very much a part of things. For a while Lady Jersey kept her at her side, talking to her and asking a great deal of questions about her life and her opinions on almost everything. However, after everyone had eaten, the company began to stroll about the park, though some of the older ladies made themselves comfortable in the shade of the trees.

‘Would you like to walk, Miss Barton—Miss Henderson?’ Toby asked. ‘Or do you prefer to rest in the shade?’

‘I should like to walk,’ Emily said and Helene got to her feet at once. ‘We shall join you, sir.’

‘Thank you, sir. It is such a lovely day.’

Toby offered his arm to Emily. Lord Coleridge had come to join them. He offered his arm to Helene. Another lady, Miss Trevor, and her brother joined them and the six set off to walk about the park.

‘This is a beautiful place,’ Helene said, feeling that she needed to say something. ‘I like to walk by the river—do you admire water, sir?’

‘At home I have a lake, but no river, I am afraid,’ Max replied. ‘I am at this moment in the process of adding a little waterfall. I think there is nothing so pleasant on a warm day as the sound of water tumbling over rocks. Since we do not have a natural feature, I have decided to install one.’

‘Oh, how lovely,’ Helene cried. She was about to say that she would love to see it, but held the words back. They were much too forward and would sound as if she was angling for an invitation to his estate, which would be terrible. It was bad enough that she had asked him to take her to the orphanage earlier. ‘I have never been to the sea—have you?’

‘Yes, many times, and over it when I was with Wellington in Spain and France. My estate is not far from the sea, it is situated in Norfolk, but a few miles from the coast.’

‘Oh, yes, of course. You must be fond of the sea,’ Helene said. ‘I think someone told me you were given a medal for your service in the last war?’

‘A mere bauble,’ Max said modestly. ‘I rode dispatch missions, nothing more. I have also been to Brighton. You must know that the Regent has a house there and is in the process of refurbishing it. I believe it is something exotic and strange—or will be by the time he has finished it.’

‘Oh, yes, someone was saying that it is a little odd,’ Helene replied. ‘Does it resemble an Eastern pavilion or some such thing?’

‘Some such thing would probably describe it best,’ Max said and chuckled. ‘Perhaps your mama will take you to Brighton for some sea air when the Season is done. Many people will go down in June or July, you know.’

‘I do not think it,’ Helene said and turned away, for she could not confess that they could not afford such trips. Her eyes were for some reason drawn to a stand of trees. Something had caught her notice, a splash of colour amongst the trees. She did not know why it had taken her attention, but she continued to look at the trees and then she saw the man plainly. He was wearing a dark blue coat, a black hat pulled low over his face, hiding it. Something about him caused Helene to feel a sliver of ice at the nape of her neck. She watched as he brought his arm up, a gasp of surprise on her lips as she saw that he was holding a pistol, the sunlight glinting on the long barrel. It took her a few seconds longer to realise that the pistol and the man’s intense gaze was pointed in their direction—not at her, but the man by her side. ‘Sir!’ she cried and gave Max an almighty push, sending him staggering sidewards. So startled was he that for a moment he fell to one knee, and the crack of a pistol was an instant later, the ball passing so close that Helene felt the whistle of it as it passed between them. ‘Over there…’ She pointed in the direction of the trees. The man in the blue coat had turned and was running away. ‘I saw him. He was going to shoot you.’

‘Good grief! She is right, Max,’ Toby came to him hurriedly. ‘I’m not carrying a weapon or I would go after him. Damn it! I never thought I should need it today, though my groom has one.’ He glanced towards the carriages, but they were too far away. No one had even heard the shot. ‘It would be no good—he’ll be long gone before we could fetch it and follow.’

‘No, let the fellow go,’ Max said in a harsh voice. ‘Thankfully, he missed. We could not risk a shooting match, there are ladies present.’ He gave Toby a look deep with meaning. ‘It would be too much of a risk.’