Helena glanced sideways at Matteo; she could not help the blush from forming in her cheeks. The memory of their kiss never failed to produce such a reaction from her.
“Alright,” Matteo answered evenly. “Where shall we go?”
If he noted her heated face, he did not show it.
“Perhaps we can just wave at them and proceed somewhere else?” Helena said tentatively. “I fear that I am not up to the task of talking too much this evening.”
Matteo raised both eyebrows but made a small bow in deference to her request.
They smiled and waved at each group as they passed them, making sure to keep a significant distance from them.
“Let us stay by the balcony doors,” Matteo suggested.
Helena looked quickly at him. She should not have been surprised that, even down to the last night of their arrangement, he was still fulfilling his duties to her, he was still looking out for Chastity.
“Yes, I believe that is a good place.”
From the other side of the ballroom, Chastity, who had joined a group of her friends, was in good spirits. She was lively andsmiled often. So far from the mood she was in when she was with Helena.
Helena sighed silently.
“I do not see Lord Clifton about,” Matteo said in a matter-of-fact way. “Neither was he in attendance at the musicale.”
“Yes, I noticed this absence as well.” Helena looked hopeful. “Perhaps he has left London?”
Matteo shook his head.
“There is a summons for him at the club. He is scheduled to make an appearance there in two days’ time.”
“Oh.” With nothing else to say, Helena fell into silence.
They watched the crowd of people dancing and milling about them. Surrounded by constant chatter and music, Helena and Matteo both stood silent.
How can things between us feel so different, so quickly? Was it not just a few days ago when we laughed together? Seemed to be of the same mind about our thoughts and opinions?
Helena stole a look at Matteo. Standing straight and tall, his hands were clasped behind him, his expression unreadable. It was such a far cry from the charming Matteo, Duke of Valen,that thetonnormally saw that, tonight, he may as well have been a different person altogether.
Well, thisiswhat I wanted. People who see us now will certainly know that something is amiss.
She should be glad for he was playing his part according to all her requirements. But she was not. Instead, she was deeply unsatisfied.
“May I have the next dance, Lady Helena?”
Helena and Matteo both turned to find Mr. Addison beside them.
“Oh.” Obviously surprised, Helena blinked fast.
From watching Helena’s reaction, Matteo knew that she had no wish to dance. Indeed, in all the balls that they had attended together, she rarely accepted an offer to dance. And with him, she had danced only once. He knew, of course, that this was mainly because she preferred to keep watch over Chastity.
Knowing that tonight would not be an exception, Matteo answered the other gentleman.
“I am afraid, sir, that Lady Helena’s next dance is spoken for.”
Mr. Addison looked around for the gentleman who would claim her as partner when Matteo turned to Helena, smiled, and bowed, offering his hand.
“Ah. I see.” Mr. Addison bowed, smiling.
“Good evening, Mr. Addison,” Helena said, smiling back at him.
