Loving Helen by Michele Paige Holmes Page B

but Lord Sutherland now occupied her mind and heart. As he should.
    Helen felt happy for Grace, yet she could not deny that a part of her felt sad at this change and knowing that their life together would never be as it was before. I cannot stay here. This is not my place.
    But what was?
    Her heart yearned for the warm hearth of the house that sat but a mile or so up the road. She wished she were there with Christopher and Mr. Preston now and that she could be there tomorrow morning to witness Beth’s delight when she first saw the dollhouse, to share Christmas with the little girl she had come to love. And her father.
    It seemed that Grace was not the only one who had changed.
     

 
    “Well done,” Lady Sutherland said, clapping as Lord Sutherland and Grace returned to the side of the hall following their waltz.
    “It was lovely,” Helen agreed. “Though I could never dance like that.”
    “Nor should you,” Grace said, with a sideways glance at Lord Sutherland.
    He answered with a wicked grin. “If you will excuse me a moment, ladies, I must greet our latest arrivals.” He bowed and turned away just as Mr. Preston entered the ballroom.
    Helen’s heart leaped at the sight of him. He came! Has it been but one day since we parted? It seemed much longer than that; Lord Sutherland’s estate seemed so far away from the cozy world she’d inhabited.
    She watched as Mr. Preston scanned the room and stopped when he’d spotted her. Or Grace? Without hesitation, he began making his way over to them. For a moment Helen worried that he did not know the extent of Grace’s affection for Lord Sutherland. Then she remembered that it was Mr. Preston who had spied them kissing at the crossroad. Surely he must know of their feelings for one another. Helen felt a surge of hope as Mr. Preston continued walking toward her.
    Instead of going to greet other guests Lord Sutherland stayed at Grace’s side. He moved closer and placed his hand at her elbow. “Are you thirsty after our dance? Would you like some refreshment?”
    “Mr. Preston!” Helen exclaimed as he arrived at their group. She rose to greet him.
    “Good evening, Miss Helen.” Mr. Preston bowed, then turned to Grace.
    “Hello, Grace.”
    “Miss Thatcher to you,” Lord Sutherland snarled, stepping forward.
    Mr. Preston called her by her Christian name. Helen felt as if she’d been struck.
    Beside her, Grace held a restraining hand upon Lord Sutherland’s arm as she sent a pleading look to Mr. Preston.
    “My apologies,” Mr. Preston said. “Miss Thatcher, Lord Sutherland. Lady Sutherland.”
    Lady Sutherland did not return his greeting, and Helen felt the sting of rebuke as if it had been directed at her.
    “It was good of you to invite me,” Mr. Preston said to Lord Sutherland. “It is good to be here again.” He glanced round the room before returning his look to them. “Miss Thatcher, may I request the pleasure of your company for the next set?”
    Yes. Helen smiled timidly, still frightened by the prospect of actually dancing, but at the same time thrilled that he had asked.
    But it was to Grace that Mr. Preston held out his hand, stepping in front of Lord Sutherland to reach her.
    “I — of course,” Grace said, taking his hand and allowing him to lead her away.
    Lord Sutherland watched them go, looking as stunned and stung as Helen felt. “Would you care to dance?” he asked her in somber tone.
    Helen shrank, neither wishing to offend nor to dance with him.
    “I do not bite, you know,” he said.
    “No, thank you, sir — milord,” Helen corrected. “I am not a very good dancer.”
    Lord Sutherland gave a curt nod. “Excuse me, Mother,” he said, and left them, presumably in search of a more willing lady.
    Helen watched as Mr. Preston led Grace to the center of the floor. Lord Sutherland found a partner and joined their set, and the dance was begun. In contrast to the waltz, the mood of this dance was fraught with tension. Anyone with