Matteo cursed. What was he still doing watching her from the window? He bolted from the study and went to the front door. He was swinging the door open as Helena was reaching for the knocker.
They stared at each other in silence. Helena’s chest was heaving from the efforts; her hair had, by now, come completely undone from its chignon. Her cheeks were flushed, her eyes bright from her run. And, Matteo confirmed with a full heart that she was wearing the gown she had worn at the Woodacre Spring Ball.
Helena’s eyes roamed his face, swept over his form. When she saw his attire, tears welled up in her eyes. Matteo was wearing the silvery blue waistcoat that he had worn to match her gown, the same gown that she now wore.
Helena sobbed, and Matteo caught her as she tumbled towards him.
“Matteo,” she said in between sobs.
“Hush, my love, hush now,” Matteo murmured against her hair.
“What did you call me?” Helena turned to look directly at him.
Matteo smiled at her.
“You heard me perfectly, Helena.”
Suddenly realizing that they stood in view of the entire street, Matteo pulled her inside. The footman who had followed her had slunk back against the side of the door, trying his best to be properly inconspicuous.
Matteo gestured for him to come inside. He led Helena to his study, now finding it funny that it was the only room in his entire house that she had ever been to.
“Would you like a drink?” He asked her, feeling suddenly awkward.
“If you have some water, please.”
Matteo poured her a glass of water from the jug that he had just recently arranged with the decanters.
Helena drank gratefully.
Matteo took the glass from her when she was done and pulled her toward the sofa that faced the gardens. Without saying anything, Matteo took out his handkerchief and gently wiped ather temples. He lifted her hair and wiped the back of her neck as well.
Her small intake of breath affected Matteo’s own breathing.
“There,” he said, “more comfortable?”
Helena nodded.
“Yes, thank you.”
Helena took a deep breath.
“Matteo.”
“Yes.”
“I-I am here because, well, to tell you that the wedding to Chastity has been called off. I am so sorry about how everything turned out, I deeply apologize for I have been of great trouble to you.”
Helena covered her face hastily, then continued in a quiet voice.
“I promise that my whole family and I will stay out of your life for good.”
Matteo was quiet; when he spoke, it was with a thick voice.
“Are you?”
“Am I what?” Helena asked.
“Sorry to tell me.”
