Dangerous Decisions by Margaret Kaine Page A

realised that within a very short time his daughter would no longer be part of his everyday life. There would be visits of course, between both houses, but not to see Helena’s lithe figure every day, not to hear her lilting laugh … The Manor was going to seem very empty.
    He turned to glance at Beatrice and saw an unguarded expression on her face. How could he be so unthinking, so unaware? She had come to this house as a thirty-year-old spinster to tend a motherless baby. Had she ever dreamed of being a bride herself? And then there came shuffling of feet as the outdoor staff turned to leave, several of the men touching their forelock to Jacob. Helena spoke for a few moments to the female indoor staff and then soon the hall was clear again.
    Now it was Jacob’s turn to speak. ‘You look absolutely splendid, Helena. I’m so proud of you.’
    Beatrice’s expression had changed to one of triumph as she moved forward to help to raise the train so that her niece could safely return to her bedroom.
    Helena was feeling wonderful in the dress, designed to overlay several silk petticoats to retain warmth. With her shoulders and arms covered with Nottingham lace, she had no fears of January’s inclement weather. Not even a top London dressmaker could have achieved more.

Chapter Twelve
    On the day following New Year’s Day, Nicholas walked up the steps and past the gleaming engraved brass plate into the Wimpole Street consulting rooms and gave a morning greeting to the young woman behind the desk. As he saw her colour rise, Nicholas, as always, felt slightly embarrassed. During his hospital days there had been more than one nurse who had made it plain that she found him attractive. Even with her dark hair so plainly dressed, Miss Barnes was a pretty girl, but at present he had no interest in romance; he was too much involved with his patients and medical research.
    There was only one marriage he was interested in and the ominous date was rapidly approaching. It was still an irritating mystery to Nicholas that after all these months he allowed his thoughts to still linger on a girl who could never have any place in his life. Yet every time he thought of those hazel eyes flecked with gold, at the softness of her mouth as she tentatively smiled at him, he was undone.
    Only seconds later the door opened and Nicholas turned to greet Andrew Haverstock. The portly physician removed his top hat in a flamboyant gesture. ‘May I wish you both health and happiness in this New Year of 1906?’
    â€˜And I extend the same wishes to you, Dr Haverstock.’ Nicholas smiled at the man he now regarded as a friend.
    Miss Barnes took the hat from his outstretched hand. ‘Happy New Year, Dr Haverstock. I trust you had a good Christmas?’
    â€˜Capital, capital.’ He rubbed his hands together and then guided Nicholas into his own domain. ‘Now then, let’s see what this week portends.’
    Nicholas settled himself opposite Andrew, who immediately opened his new 1906 desk diary. ‘Ah, I see there are already some entries.’ He flicked through a few pages and then frowned. ‘Lady Trentley’s name is down for Wednesday week, yet I’m sure I …’ He pressed a bell beneath the rim of the polished walnut desk and within seconds the receptionist came into the room. ‘Miss Barnes, I see there is an appointment made for me on the tenth. Did I not say that I won’t be available on that day?’
    â€˜Oh, I’m sorry, Dr Haverstock, I remember now. I do apologise. I’m afraid I didn’t make a note of it.’
    â€˜I have a wedding to attend.’
    Disconcerted, Nicholas stared at him then dismissed the thought.
    Andrew turned to Nicholas. ‘I wonder – Dr Carstairs, do you think you could deputise for me? That is of course if Lady Trentley is agreeable. I hardly wish to cause her inconvenience.’
    â€˜May I see?’ Nicholas