Helen's House by Maggie Sims

Author:Maggie Sims
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Maggie Sims
Published: 2023-10-07T00:00:00+00:00

* * * *

Helen did not sleep that night.

Regina had cradled her in her arms, thanking her between kisses and long soothing caresses down her back. Helen had returned them happily. Sleepy, she was slow to register Regina’s actions when she climbed off the bed, dressed, gave Helen a last kiss, and let herself out to return to her own room.

Helen lay, bereft, alone in rapidly-cooling sheets that still smelled of Regina. She’d only ever been intimate with George, and they’d shared a bed. It had taken her months to sleep through the night after his death. In some ways, she considered sleeping together more vulnerable but also more satisfying than sex itself.

Perhaps not to Regina.

For the rest of the night, she itemized all the risks in their relationship. While she’d never participated in managing the stables, she’d hired Regina. The stablemistress, like everyone else there, essentially worked for her.

She ran through the students’ sponsors, past and present. Their tuition payments were what kept the place running. More importantly, their word of mouth brought in new students. Of course, she had alumnae and other associates quietly recruiting, but that alone would not sustain the costs to run the programs. But if the headmistress herself was in a relationship that, at least on paper, was illegal, there was a bigger risk of alienating would-be sponsors. It wasn’t like she was a Ton member with a lady’s companion who could hide a deeper relationship under the guise of propriety.

Beyond that, it was against the rules of the school. She recalled the discussion.

“What of romantic entanglements between faculty?” a countess had asked in one of the founders’ conversations.

“We are designing this to teach young women to own their own destinies. Shouldn’t we lead by example and allow instructors to do the same?” Helen had responded with her own question.

Her sister, now the headmistress at the London charity school, shook her head. “Managing one’s own life, whether the financial or intimate aspects, could be put in jeopardy if someone with power over one’s performance at the school took advantage.”

“The property is somewhat isolated, with only a village outside its gates and two others more than an hour’s ride away.” Helen voiced her concern with a frown. After all, she’d be responsible for recruiting and retention of all employees. “Staff will feel isolated there if they must worry every friendship is being scrutinized.”

Teresa nodded. “I understand. We need a compromise. Perhaps staff may—” she searched for the word “—comingle—”

The countess snorted.

“—except managers?”

Helen pondered this. “Perhaps only managers and their direct employees are prohibited from—”

“Comingling?” the countess interjected and nearly fell out of her chair laughing.

“Keeping company with each other romantically.” She flapped a hand at the countess with a smile. “Or whatever wording you think best.”

Helen’s lips twisted as she lay in the darkness. That rule definitely applied to Regina and her.

What have I done? Will Regina care if I decline further intimacies?

She almost wished she’d been the scratching of an itch for Regina. It would make things simpler, easier.

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