An Exquisite Marriage Read Online Free PDF Page B

and Helene became very conscious of the room’s cold seeping through her skin. “I’m sorry,” she said. “It’s a ridiculous question, and you are a stranger to me. I should not have asked . . .”
    â€œNo, no,” Miss Sewell cut her off. “I am just deciding how to frame my answer. And I want to be sure I understand you correctly. You do not just want greater acceptance for yourself and your friends. You want a triumph?”
    â€œYes,” Helene said. “That is it exactly.”
    Miss Sewell blew out a long sigh. “I admit I have been observing you and your friends with interest over the course of the evening.”
    â€œI had noticed it.” In fact, Madelene had nearly fainted at the thought of being watched by a lady novelist.
    â€œIf it was anyone else who asked this question, I would suggest to them that they be content with a modest success, or reformation. But my instinct tells me, Lady Helene, that you might just be able to run the entire race.”
    â€œYour instinct and the natural history of the London starling?”
    â€œJust so.” Miss Sewell laughed, but she quickly fell silent again. When she spoke again, her voice was very soft and entirely serious. “Some time ago, Lady Helene, I was offered the opportunity to transform my own life. I refused the chance, because I was afraid.”
    Helene knew she was staring. This was a woman who defied the world’s opinion by simply existing. What could possibly frighten her?
    And why was Helene suddenly thinking of Lord Windford again?
    â€œTherefore,” Miss Sewell went on, “you may believe me when I say to you that if you do not try, it will be much worse than if you try and fail, because you will always be wondering, and yearning, after what might have been.”
    â€œThank you,” said Helene.
    Miss Sewell inclined her head. “I do hope, Lady Helene, whatever you decide, you will let me know how the game plays out, and . . .” She paused. “And although I am a stranger, I hope that if there is anything I can do to help, you will remember me.”
    â€œI believe I can safely promise to do so, Miss Sewell.”
    â€œThen I will leave you to your planning and wish you and your friends the very best of luck.”
    She curtsied again and left the library, closing the door softly behind herself. Helene turned back toward the window and stared out at the starlit snow for a very long time.

II
    Bassett Assembly Rooms
    London, April 1818
    Helene Fitzgerald stood beside the wall and surveyed the crowded ballroom with a feeling of immense satisfaction. Three months had passed since the fateful New Year’s Ball at Windford Park. Three months of planning, of hoping and scheming on the part of herself, Lady Adele, and Madelene Valmeyer, and the woman who was now their friend and chaperone, Miss Deborah Sewell. After three months of anticipation, the sleepless nights and the near brushes with disaster, here they all stood, on the brink of the new London season, and everything was going so perfectly that Helene scarcely dared believe it was happening at all.
    â€œLady Helene, how are you? I trust you are enjoying yourself.” Mrs. Wrexford, whose party this was, glided up to her. “I must compliment you on your dress. It is exquisite.”
    â€œThank you, Mrs. Wrexford. It is one of Lady Adele’s design.”
    Tonight, in the place of her plain gray satin, Helene wore a sparkling silver sheath modeled after a classical Grecian gown. Trimmed in cut glass beads, it was both simple and striking.
    Mrs. Wrexford leaned close and raised her fan to speak confidentially. “You three have become quite the belles of my little ball. Everyone is absolutely buzzing about you.” She waved her hand about the room. As she did, several people nodded in Helene’s direction and smiled. She saw Adele in the middle of a positive crowd of