Free Simply Scandalous by Kate Pearce Page A

opposite his stepmother.
    Helene nodded at Jack. “I understand your grandmother believes she knows me.”
    Despite her conversational tone, Richard noticed that Helene’s hands were twisted tightly together in her lap.
    â€œYes, madame,” Jack answered. “She was held in the Bastille for a while. I understand she met you there.”
    â€œIt is possible, I suppose.” Helene shrugged. “There were many people who came and went.”
    Jack hesitated. “My grandmother was brought in to . . . service the guards’ needs.”
    Helene raised her eyebrows. “You mean she was a whore like me.”
    Philip cleared his throat. “You were scarcely that, my dear.”
    â€œYes, I was a whore, Philip. There is no point in denying it.” Helene sighed. “What was your grandmother’s name?”
    â€œJeanne.”
    â€œAnd what did she look like?”
    Jack looked down at his clasped hands. “She said you might remember her because you saved her from being badly burned. Her face and her hands were still scarred, which is why she was cast out of the Bastille.” His expression twisted. “I suppose after her disfigurement she was no longer of interest to the guards. She always believed her expulsion kept her alive.”
    â€œThat is true, not many women in our circumstances lived very long.” Helene drew in a quick breath. “I do remember a Jeanne. She was a lot older than me and, unfortunately, very popular with the guards.”
    â€œMy grandmother also said to tell you that your friendship made each day bearable, and that she has never forgotten your indomitable spirit.”
    â€œOh . . .” Helene brought her hand up to cover her mouth.
    â€œHelene!” With a soft exclamation, Philip came out from behind his desk and rushed to his wife’s side. When Richard realized Helene was crying, he shot to his feet and offered his chair to his father.
    Philip sat down, wrapped an arm around his wife, and held her close. He offered her his handkerchief, which she took and used to dab at her eyes.
    â€œI’m sorry, madame,” Jack said softly. “I didn’t mean to upset you.”
    â€œI am not upset.” Helene raised her head and looked at Jack. “I am glad you told me about your grandmother. I am delighted that she survived. Does she ever visit England?”
    Jack glanced at Vincent. “I don’t think so, madame. She is rather a recluse. That is why she asked us to convey her message to you instead.”
    â€œAnd I am unlikely to visit France. I am too afraid.” Helene dried her eyes and sat up straight. “Would she allow me to write to her?”
    â€œOf course, madame.”
    â€œThen that is what I shall do.” Helene handed Philip back his handkerchief and smiled into his eyes. “Thank you.”
    Philip touched her cheek. “I love you, Helene.”
    â€œAnd I love you too.”
    Richard saw Christian grimace at such an open declaration of love and wondered if his own face bore the same expression. Neither of them was entirely comfortable with the obvious passion that burned between their respective parents.
    Still holding Philip’s hand, Helene turned back to the twins. “You must visit me here later in the week. I will have a letter ready for you to send to your grandmother.”
    â€œIt will be our pleasure to deliver it, madame.” Jack bowed and then looked at his twin. “It will also be a pleasure to converse with you further, won’t it, Vincent?”
    â€œIndeed.”
    Violet’s voice was lighter and softer than Jack’s. From the corner of his eye, Richard noticed that Christian had sat forward and was staring intently at the two brothers. Inwardly, Richard groaned. Christian was far too experienced not to notice that the younger Lennox twin was not quite what he seemed.
    Philip and Helene stood and everyone else followed suit. Helene