Chapter 25

Helena, accompanying Bryan up the wide staircase to the first floor, had never seen such a beautiful house. The decorations were ornately gold, the lavish furniture obviously genuinely antique. Huge paintings hung on the walls, and a crystal chandelier was suspended from the high ceiling above them.

She followed Bryan as he threw open tall doors that led into what was obviously the drawing room. The domed ceiling of this room held Helena's attention, painted with cherubs and maidens, with more ornate gold filigree work and yet another crystal chandelier also suspended above them.

Having grown up in Whitelemon Hall she was, of course, used to big houses, but the Smith palace was in a class completely on its own; it was unbelievably magnificent in its opulence.

She gave a choked laugh. ‘Emma told me it was beautiful, but I had no idea…’

‘Come and look at the view,’ Bryan encouraged huskily as he opened the doors out onto the b