The Promise in a Kiss by Stephanie Laurens Read Free Book Online Page B

at her discretion.
    She would still be able to say no.
    She was far too wise to say yes.
    Over the past week she’d spent enough time with him, seen how others reacted to him, to be confident that, regardless of all else, he would ultimately accept her refusal. Despite his reputation, he was not the type of man to force or even pressure a woman to his bed.
    She glanced briefly his way, then looked down to hide her smile. The idea was laughable; he had too much pride and too much arrogant self-assurance to need always to win.
    The thought reminded her of Fabien. Sebastian and he were much alike, yet there were indeed differences.
    A bevy of ladies resplendent in elegant walking gowns hailed them. They stopped to chat. Helena was amused that as the last week had progressed, her acceptance by the female half of the ton had steadily increased. She was still viewed as a too-beautiful outsider by some—primarily the mamas with marriageable daughters to establish—yet many others had proved eager to welcome her into their circles. Contrary to Marjorie’s oft-stated opinion, St. Ives’s squiring of her had helped rather than hindered.
    She chatted with the Ladies Elliot and Frome, then turned to Lady Hitchcock. The group formed and re-formed several times. Eventually Helena turned to find the Countess of Menteith turning her way.
    The countess smiled; Helena had already accepted an invitation for a morning visit. The countess glanced across the group to where Sebastian stood talking with Mrs. Abigail Frith. “I’ll lay odds St. Ives will be driving out to Twickenham tomorrow. You don’t have any engagements planned with him, I hope?”
    Helena blinked. “Pardon?”
    Still smiling at Sebastian, Lady Menteith lowered her voice. “Abigail’s on the board of an orphanage, and the local squire’s threatening to force the magistrate to shut it. The squire claims the boys run wild and thieve. Of course, it isn’t so—he wants to buy the property. And, of course, the vile man has chosen this week to make his push, no doubt hoping to turn the orphans out into the snow while no one’s about to see. St. Ives is Abigail’s—and the orphans’—last hope.”
    Helena followed her gaze to where Sebastian was clearly questioning Mrs. Frith. “Does he often help with things outside his own interests?”
    Lady Menteith laughed softly. “I wouldn’t say it’s outside his interests.” Her hand on Helena’s arm, she lowered her voice still further. “In case you haven’t yet guessed, while he might be the devil in disguise in some respects, St. Ives is a soft touch for any female needing help.”
    Helena looked her puzzlement.
    â€œWell, he’s helping you by introducing you around, lending you his consequence. In a similar vein, half of us here owe him gratitude if not more. He’s been rescuing damsels in distress ever since he came on the town. I should know—I was one of the first.”
    Helena couldn’t resist. “He rescued you?”
    â€œIn a manner of speaking. I fear I was silly and naive in those days—I’d recently married and thought myself well up to snuff. I played deep and thought it fashionable, as indeed it was. But I’ve no head for cards—I ended losing the Menteith diamonds. God only knows what Menteith would have said, and done, had he heard. Luckily, he didn’t—not until I told him years later. At the time, I was deep in despair. St. Ives noticed. He dragged the story out of me, then, the next day, the diamonds were delivered to me with his compliments.”
    â€œHe bought them back for you?”
    â€œNo, he won them back for me, which, considering the blackguard who’d taken them from me, was far, far better.” Lady Menteith squeezed Helena’s arm. “He rarely gives money, unless that’s the only way. To many of us, he’s our white