Free A Home for Helena (The Lady P Chronicles Book 2) by Susana Ellis Page A

remaining roll and asked innocently, “But… isn’t this the same period where the Prince Regent has two wives and a boatload of mistresses?”
    Lady Pendleton’s eyes narrowed. “Royals enjoy a certain latitude in their private behavior. But you can be certain that they would never be seen in public wearing their nightclothes, as I have witnessed in your time.” She aimed her probing brown eyes at Helena. “ You, my dear, are neither royal nor noble. Your manners must be unexceptionable if you are to be accepted in society.”
    Helena sighed. “I don’t understand why we have to waste time with this stuff. I do not wish to find a husband or become a society matron. I just want to find… where I truly belong.”
    Lady Pendleton pursed her lips. “Listen to me well, Helena. It's not a society launch I'm planning—the Season is over and you're too old for it in any case."
    Helena winced.
    "I have agreed to assist you in this endeavor, but there is much you have yet to learn. Once you find your family—supposing we are so fortunate—you won't want to be an embarrassment to them, do you? In this world, the disgrace of one family member is shared by the rest. Would you so easily risk the reputation of the family you wish to find—and perhaps remain with? A sister, perhaps, who is being launched upon the marriage mart will never make a brilliant match if her sister has made herself a laughingstock in society. Is that worth the risk to you?”
    Helena swallowed. She’d always been a loner. It had never occurred to her that her conduct could negatively affect someone else. Particularly not a sister. She’d always wanted a sister.
    “N-No, of course not. But… we can’t be sure my family is aristocratic. Perhaps they are farmers or something. Aren’t the rules different for them?”
    Lady Pendleton narrowed her eyes. "Any respectable family will expect proper behavior. And I should mention that quite often the lower and middle classes are even more rigid." She shrugged. "Of course, if you were stolen from dis reputable family, you may be allowed to do as you wish, but in that case, I would strongly recommend that you return to the future."
    Well, that certainly put me in my place. If I find out my mom's a hooker and my dad's a john, I don't suppose this is the place for me either.
    The conversation lapsed until Izzy returned with a fresh pot of tea and another cup for her mistress. Lady Pendleton dismissed her and poured tea for the two of them. After taking a long sip, she set her cup down, leaned forward, and surveyed Helena intently.
    “I understand your confusion, my dear, since I have done a bit of time-traveling myself, but I know of few others who will. I am your ally. When I correct your behavior, it is only because it is imperative that you learn to fit in with our culture here. You may speak freely with me without fear of causing offense, but in the presence of others, you must promise to do your best to follow my lead.”
    Helena sighed. “I will do my best, Your Ladyship.” What choice did she have? She was darned lucky to have Lady Pendleton in her corner.
    Lady Pendleton smiled. “In the end, you may well find that you cannot commit yourself to remaining here permanently. There is no shame in that. You will have a magnificent adventure to look back on, one that few others will be able to share. I myself pop in and visit other eras occasionally, but my ties are here.” She took another sip of tea. “And with luck, we shall find out the truth about your origins, whatever they might be.”
    An adventure. A real one, not a fantasy one to be found at Disney World. Helena’s spirits rose and she felt focused and ready for adventure.
    Lady Pendleton smiled with satisfaction and stood. “Let us adjourn to my sitting room and I’ll give you a few more pointers before the house retires for the night. I’ll have Debrett’s brought up and we’ll see if we can find a trace of your family there. And