“Such a lovely ball, Helena. I am so proud of you,” said the Earl as he kissed Helena’s cheeks.

Happiness was too small a word to describe the elatedness inside Helena at that point in time. After weeks of planning for the fundraiser ball, it was finally being hosted. It was one of Helena’s many dreams and she was beginning to accomplish them one by one. Everyone she cared for were in attendance. Georgina, her husband, her brother, James and her parents were in attendance.

The past few weeks had been better than ever, although there were some trying moments, Helena had managed to persevere. Her brother had been imprisoned, she finally had been able to tell her father the truth about her brother.

The Earl had not taken the news well. He had broken down in tears upon hearing that his son had been poisoning him. It took time, but her father slowly accepted that Allan was irredeemable. He was consumed by hate that was built by pent up emotions for years. This was seen evidently when the Earl had gone to visit him. Helena had refused to go. But the Earl came home with more acceptance. Allan had refused to see him.

Helena sighed. It seemed like such a long year, but she was happy that the evil in their life was gone and now everyone could move on.

Helena looked around her. The ball was indeed a success. With Georgina’s advise and coaching, Helena was a good host. A lot of funds had been raised for the children at the local orphanage and more were being raised. Helena was happy that she would be able to help those children.

“I must retire early, my dear. I apologize that I cannot stay for long,” the Earl said.

Helena nodded. She did want him to go home. She had not even been in support of him coming. He was still recuperating. Her father was a lot better now, but he had begun to walk with a cane to support himself as he was not yet strong enough. Helena did not want anything that would make him have a relapse which was why after the Earl confessed that he was tired and wanted to go home, she insisted that he did.

“Yes. Yes. You must leave now, Father. Let me walk you outside,” Helena said.

The Earl smiled. “No. Do not leave your ball, my dear.”

“Tis nearly over.” She smiled.

“A good host must not leave, my dear. I shall find my way to my carriage.” He kissed her again and headed off. Helena’s smile did not fade as she watched her father walk away.

“I presume that a dance has been saved for me?” someone whispered by her. Helena looked to her side while her cheeks turned crimson. It was her husband. It seemed that he was no longer busy with helping her convince a few gentlemen to aid in raising funds.

Jeremy had been very supportive of Helena in all aspects. He had aided her in planning for the ball, insisting that the floorboards be cleaned and even helping her choose the perfect decorations. And when the fund raising was needed, he went about convincing a few gentlemen. Helena could not have asked for any other way to show love than through support. Jeremy had let her into his life and showered her with love in the past weeks. He kept no secrets from her anymore and was not abashed to share his pain with her. He even took her to his parent’s grave, where he had reconciled with his mother, after years of anger towards her. Helena had insisted that he let go and remember the important things about his mother — that she loved him regardless of whatever mistake she may have made.

Helena was happier than ever when she was with Jeremy. That was what love felt like. A life that had seemed so unreachable before was now the life she lived. It was truly amazing. And there was more. She had made a wonderful discovery that morning. She intended to share the news with her husband when they were alone. When the ball was over. She could not wait.

“I’m afraid I shan’t be able to dance with you, Your Grace, as I am already spoken for,” Helena teased, looking straight ahead.

Jeremy hummed, placing both his hands behind him. “Is that so? And who may this intended be.”

“You do not know him.”

“Oh, I suppose the only solution to this shall be to elope with you, Your Grace.”

They exchanged gazes when he said that and together, they chuckled. It was truly fascinating how Jeremy understood her with not much effort. He truly was her soul mate.

He let out his hand. “Dance with me, Helena.”

Helena blushed. She could never refuse such an offer. She placed her hand in his and together they walked across the ballroom, to the center and began to dance. Their hands intertwined and they moved together as though they were the only ones in the ballroom. Jeremy’s regard towards her was acute, so much that she could feel herself blushing.

“You are aware that I love you,” he whispered right before he twirled her.

“You tell me every day, my love,” she responded.

Jeremy pulled her back into his arms. “Because I always want you to know.”

The dance came to an end soon enough. Helena curtsied while Jeremy bowed. The crowd applauded them. The rest of the night went by rapidly. One moment, Helena was appreciating the guests for attending the ball and supporting the little children, and the next, people were leaving.

The night was long and fruitful. She had accomplished something. At least one dream of hers had become a reality. Her second would, soon enough. Jeremy had promised to send her writing to the theatre when he was done reading. She had brought it from Bellingham Estate a few days ago, after much pleading from Jeremy. He dedicated his time to reading it and he loved it.

“This must be acted out at the theatre, Helena. This is such a wonderful story,” he had said.

Helena was grateful for Jeremy, truly.

Later that night, when Jeremy and Helena retired to their bedchamber, Helena finally had the time to tell Jeremy about her discovery earlier in the day.

“I propose that you seat,” she insisted, giggling.

Jeremy narrowed his eyes at her but took a seat. “Helena, you frighten me. What is it you wish to share?”

Helena smiled. She could not wait for his reaction when she finally said what she had to say. She walked close to him and stood before him, between his legs. She rested her hands on his shoulders and looked into his eyes. She was unable to control her smile as she revealed to him. “I am with child.”

Everything paused. Jeremy’s eyes widened but he was stock-still. Helena’s heart pounded. She waited for him to say something. Anything. But instead of saying anything, Jeremy wrapped his arms around Helena’s waist and pulled her close to him. He bent his head and kissed her stomach through her cotton dress.

“My beautiful daughter,” he whispered.

Helena had not known that she had been holding her breath. She began to giggle uncontrollably as Jeremy kept kissing her stomach. He was just as thrilled as she was about the news. He looked up all of a sudden, his eyes bright and a grin directed at her.

“This is the happiest day of my life, my love.” He was full of glee.

Helena could not be in any better place. Jeremy was her home. And she knew that with this child she was to birth, she would make a good family with Jeremy. This was her greatest dream, to have a family of her own. One filled with love and high spirits. That dream was coming to pass. It was no secret that with Jeremy, she would achieve so much and more.

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