Page 116 of The Matrimonial Advertisement

“You’re a vindictive harpy,” he said. “But at what price? You’ve ruined yourself as well. Or are you too stupid to realize it yet? Marrying some bastard ex-soldier from the back of beyond. Spewing private family business to an infernal newspaperman. If I didn’t think you mad before, I know it now beyond all doubt.”

Helena’s voice lowered with sudden fierceness. “That ex-soldier is the finest gentleman I have ever known. You’re not fit to polish his boots. As for myself—you may think of me what you will. You have no power over me any longer.”

Uncle Edward eyed her warily as she removed her hands from his desk.

“I shall be going to the bank next,” she informed him. “I will direct them to cut off your access to my accounts. Naturally, they may continue to apply to me for funds for the servants’ wages and pensions, but from this day forward, the bank shall pay them directly. I no longer trust you to behave as a man with honor and I’ll not have any of the Castleton servants suffer for your greed.”

Her uncle began to sputter again, but she did not regard him.

“Now,” she said briskly, “you may bring me my jewels. And see that you don’t dawdle. My husband is not a patient man. It wouldn’t take much provocation for him to serve you as he served Mr. Glyde.”

Mere minutes later, Helena emerged from the house in Grosvenor Square, a footman at her heels carrying a large inlaid box. The day seemed brighter and the air fresher. The weight that had been on her shoulders these many months was lifted. Gone. When she saw Justin standing beside the carriage, her face lit with a smile broader than any she’d ever given him.

“It’s over,” she said breathlessly. “I’m free.”

Justin smiled back at her as he handed her up into the carriage. It was a strange, bittersweet smile. It didn’t quite reach his eyes. “Are you?”

“Well, I shall be after we visit the bank. Unless… Do you suppose I should take Mr. Finchley along with me for that?”

“You have his letter. I daresay all that legal jargon he uses in it will be enough to make the bankers do your bidding.”

Lord Wolverton leaned forward in his seat. “You appear unscathed.”

“I’m perfectly well,” she assured him.

“And Castleton?”

“He’s leaving London. He intends to retire to Hampshire for the foreseeable future.”

Lord Wolverton moved to disembark from the carriage. “I’ll see that he does so.” When she opened her mouth to protest, he forestalled her with an upraised hand. “I’ll hear no objections. You’ve done what your conscience requires and so must I.”

“Shall we wait for you?” Justin asked.

“No need. John Coachman will return for me.”

Helena watched as Lord Wolverton ascended the steps to the house. Netherby promptly opened the door for him. Try as she might, she could muster no pity for her uncle. He deserved society’s censure. And if that censure was to be administered in the form of a rebuke by Lord Wolverton, so much the better.

Justin climbed into the carriage beside her.

The footman followed him to the door, still holding the large box in his arms. “Where shall I put this, my lady?”

“Give it to me,” Helena said. It was heavy. Almost too heavy for her to lift. “Thank you, James. Take care of yourself, won’t you?”

He bowed, his cheeks reddening. “Yes, my lady.”

“Another conquest?” Justin asked as the carriage started forward.

“Hardly. His mother is housekeeper at our estate in Hampshire. I’ve known him since he was a boy.” She positioned the box more comfortably on her lap. “Look, Justin.” She opened the lid.

Justin stared at the contents of the box. “Good God,” he said under his breath. “I thought you were only collecting your jewels, not the entire family collection.”

“Don’t be silly. The entire collection belongs to the earldom. But these…these are mine.” She reached in, withdrawing a sparkling brooch. The diamond at its center was as large as a quail’s egg. “Some were presents from my father and brother, but most of them I inherited from my mother. She was an earl’s daughter herself, you know.”

“Of course she was,” Justin said.

Helena glanced up from perusing her jewelry. “Is everything all right?”

“Fine. A slight headache, merely.”