Helena’s words echoed in his mind.
Never meet again.
The pain that had pierced his heart when she said those words was his proof.
I am in love with Helena Ayles.
Well, now he knew that he was not immune to love. He had thought too much of his abilities, and now he would pay the price.
An intermission was announced when the first set of performances was done. Matteo stood up and offered his hand to Helena. When she placed her hand in his, he almost sighed with relief.
“We can greet our friends if you prefer to do so now,” Matteo said in an even tone.
Helena nodded her head without speaking. Indeed, she hardly looked at him.
“I see Lady Chapman, shall we go to her?” Matteo said.
“Yes, let us start there. Thank you.”
They made their rounds among their friends and acquaintances, both of them acting and speaking to other people as they had done on previous occasions.
When the start of the next set was announced, Matteo sighed with relief. It was getting harder and harder to pretend.
Refreshments were served at the end of the performances. Footmen carrying flutes of wine walked about the room, offering the guests.
Matteo, Helena, and Chastity were in a group with Chastity’s friends. Matteo maintained a steady flow of conversation with the group.
“The Austrian Quintet was the best of the performances in my opinion,” Matteo said, smiling. “If my memory serves me well, it is the same family of musicians that I had the pleasure of watching during my Grand Tour.”
“Then they must have multiple generations, for the members of this quintet seem too young to have performed during your Grand Tour, Your Grace,” Chastity said.
“You wound me, Lady Chastity!” Matteo said dramatically. “How old do you think I am?”
Laughter met his question. Matteo glanced quickly in Helena’s direction to see her covering her mouth.
The others gave their opinions on who the best performer was, and the exchange ran on in this easy way. Although Helena contributed to the conversation now and then, not a word was spoken directly to him.
Matteo had to stop himself several times during the event from taking her hand in his. He now realized how the simple act had become quite habitual to him. Holding her hand in his as they milled about, as they talked to others, had become so natural to him that he now had to exert effort to stop himself from doing just that.
Matteo also realized that he missed holding Helena’s hand.
To all the world, Matteo appeared the dutiful fiancée. Always by Helena’s side, offering her drinks, escorting her, assisting her when needed.
When it was time to leave, he escorted Helena and Chastity back to his carriage. The drive to Huntington House was a silent one.Even Chastity, who had been quite lively during the musicale, had become silent and gloomy.
Only when they arrived did any of them speak.
“I shall see you on Friday,” Matteo said as he handed Helena and Chastity down from the carriage.
“On Friday?” Chastity asked, confused. “Will you not be joining us tomorrow at the Kew Gardens and on Wednesday at Lady Lister’s dinner and at Almack’s, Your Grace?”
“I am afraid that I shall not, Lady Chastity.”
“Oh,” Chastity said. She was about to say something else, but Helena spoke over her, leaving Chastity frowning at her sister.
“Thank you, Your Grace,” Helena said, then hastily added, “Would you care to join us for some tea before you leave?”
Matteo studied her for a moment, trying to read beyond her words, but he found that, this time, he could not read her expression.
