Helena smiled, though Chastity had already turned away from her. She made her way back to where Matteo was standing.
“I apologize, but Chastity is not yet ready to leave.”
“I thought as much.”
“Thank you. I hope it will not be too much trouble for you to stay longer.”
“Not at all.”
The entire exchange was done in such a polite manner that it seemed to Helena that they were not far from being strangers. This stung her much more than she expected, for however it was that Matteo saw her, she knew that he had become an important person in her life. And for the life of her, she could not accept his politeness.
Perhaps it was her pride again, but she wanted even a small acknowledgment from him that she also meant something to him.
“Your Grace.” Helena sighed. “Matteo.”
“Yes?”
“I-I just wanted to express my gratitude for all your assistance with Chastity. I…”
Matteo remained silent, waiting for her to continue.
“I cannot… I do not know how…” Helena clasped her hands tightly together. At Matteo’s continued silence, she closed her eyes.
“Helena.” She felt him take her clasped hands into his, his familiar warmth permeating her skin. He continued.
“I must tell you?—”
Loud whispers in the crowd interrupted Matteo. The conversation around them was mounting.
“…it is a scandal!”
“… what shameful behavior!”
“… in the alcove…”
Helena and Matteo both looked around them, trying to understand what the rising commotion was all about.
A feeling of trepidation shot through Helena’s heart. She looked swiftly towards Chastity’s location.
“She is not there!” she hissed.
Helena grasped Matteo’s arm.
“Matteo, do you see Helena?”
But Matteo was already moving away in a brisk walk. With her heart pounding, Helena followed him.
“…Lady Chastity Ayles!” an older woman proclaimed in horror.
“…Lord Clifton, I knew he was no good!”
Helena felt her knees weaken; it was only through sheer will that she managed to follow Matteo through the crowd—a crowd that, by now, also watched their every move. As she felt panic surge within her, a warm hand suddenly grasped hers. Matteo, quickly looking back, had reached for her hand even as he led her on to find her sister.
In a matter of seconds, they reached the alcove. There was no mistaking which one, for a group of people already stood surrounding it.
Matteo and Helena made their way through the crowd and parted it. Helena gave a cry when she saw her sister. Hands covering her face, Chastity’s shoulders shook with sobs.
“… caught kissing…”
