“And again, so many times in the mirror hanging inside the Blue Room,” Helena said, laughing. “But I will say that he was a very amiable gentleman.”
“Yes, he was,” Chastity replied. “He asked if he might call again today.”
Faith and Grace squealed at this and had the older two sisters laughing.
“And Lord Strong?” Grace demanded.
Chastity’s telltale blush spoke volumes.
“Of course he shall,” Faith answered for her. “Heis Chastity’s favorite.”
“That does not mean that he prefers me over other ladies.”
Oh, my dear Chastity. If you had seen the look he gave the other two gentlemen who came calling at the same time he did.Helena’s fingers stole to her lips to repress the smile that formed at the memory.
After breakfast, Helena, Faith, and Grace went to the sitting room. Chastity went back to her chambers to discuss gowns and accessories with Sally.
They spent the next hour each engrossed in their own quiet occupation, until their butler entered the room to announce the first of the callers.
The afternoon proceeded much as the previous one had. Helena stayed with Chastity as she entertained her gentlemen callers, while Faith and Grace disappeared into the private living quarters of Huntington House.
One by one, Helena checked the names of the gentlemen in her list. So far, the ones that had returned for a second call were Lord Fleetwood, Lord Algate, and Sir Abington. But she knew from Chastity’s frequent looks to the sitting room door, that she awaited one particular caller.
“Where is the viscount?” Helena muttered under her breath as she and Chastity sat in the sitting room alone for the first time that day, since they started receiving callers.
“What is that, Helena?”
“Nothing, dearest. Just thinking of my tasks for the day.”
Mr. Keble entered and gave a small cough.
“Lord Strong, Viscount Dunsmoor.”
Charity’s cheeks instantly turned pink. She gave Helena a look that was somewhere between excited and nervous.
Bless your heart, my dear sister.
Helena could not help but feel that she was watching her sister’s future unfold before her eyes. She had looked after her—indeed, Faith and Grace as well—since they were little things, so that seeing her entering courtship brought bittersweet feelings.
“Lord Strong,” Helena curtsied.
“I bid you a good afternoon, Lady Helena, Lady Chastity.”
“I hope your trip here was enjoyable.”
“It was uneventful, at the very least.”
What a serious young man.
Helena imagined the gravity of taking on a viscounty and an entire estate at the age of three and twenty. That was two years ago, and now at five and twenty, he appeared to have adjusted well. But his serious mien spoke of his experiences. She could not help but think that Chastity’s cheerfulness would do him good.
“Her Grace, the Duchess of Icedale.” Mr. Keble announced, his chest puffed out. “Lady Mary Thorscroft, Lady Claire Thorsncroft.”
Helena smiled to herself; she knew how gratified Mr. Keble was to announce such illustrious titles as Celine and Dahlia now had. Especially as they had always been regular callers at Huntington House.
“Really, Mr. Keble,” Helena had said the first time he announced Celine using her married title. He had stood so importantly, his head held very high, that Helena had to hold back a laugh. “It is just Celine. You have announced her for years!”
Dahlia entered the sitting room, a warm smile on her face.
