As they moved towards the supper room, Emily and Amelia joined them; a sumptuous buffet had been laid out on long tables and waiters were circulating with trays of champagne. Laid out for their delectation were platters of cold meats, chicken, beef, ham, tiny pies and pastries containing both sweet and savoury fillings and a huge variety of relishes, cold peas and soft sweet plums in a syrup.
Helene took a small glass of syllabub and a spoon and followed Amelia and Emily to a table by the window. She glanced back at the buffet table, discovering that an attractive lady, to whom Helene had as yet not been introduced, had detained her mother. Mrs Henderson seemed to be nodding and smiling a great deal, and when she returned to the table she had a slightly dazed expression on her face.
‘Well…’ she said as she put a small plate on the table. ‘You could have knocked me down with a feather. I have just been talking to Lady Jersey. She asked me to bring Helene to a picnic in Richmond she is planning for next Thursday—and she has promised to send us vouchers for Almack’s for the whole of the Season. I was most surprised, for I did not expect it.’
‘I am so glad,’ Amelia said and smiled at Helene. ‘I knew all my friends would invite us to their affairs, but vouchers for Almack’s are not within my gift. I thought it might happen, but that was very swift, Marie. The picnic is an honour, because Sally Jersey does not invite every young lady she meets to her more intimate affairs.’
‘Are you sure she promised us vouchers for Almack’s, Mama?’ Helene said. She bit her lip, because the lady her mama had spoken to at the buffet was one of those she had seen Lord Coleridge conversing with before they entered the supper room. She was almost certain that he had urged the lady to invite them to her picnic and to send them vouchers.
‘Yes, quite certain,’ Mrs Henderson said. ‘She told me that she wished to meet you, Helene—and I am to take you to her after supper. She said that she hoped we would call and take tea with her when she is at home to visitors.
‘I was quite overcome—I was certainly not expecting anything of the kind,’ Mrs Henderson said. ‘Is Lady Jersey a particular friend of yours, Amelia? She said that a particular friend had spoken to her about Helene.’
‘I know Sally Jersey quite well,’ Amelia replied. ‘I am not certain she would call me a particular friend. I wonder…’ She shook her head as Mrs Henderson looked at her. ‘It was just a thought. I shall say nothing for the moment. It is not impossible that you were asked because you are staying with me. I have many good friends in society.’
‘Yes, indeed you do,’ Mrs Henderson agreed. ‘Well, Helene, we have been fortunate, my dear. If Lady Jersey should take a fancy to you, you will be welcomed everywhere.’ Helene did not answer. She felt uncomfortable, certain that she knew exactly who had brought about this tiny miracle. However, she did not think that it would be a good idea to mention her suspicion to her mama.
Chapter Three
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,