“Have you the list, Helena?” her father asked, looking up from his papers for the first time since Helena entered his study.
“Yes, Papa. Here it is.”
She went to her father’s desk and handed a pristine piece of parchment with the four names written on it. Her father read the names, pausing at each one.
“The Fleetwoods of Hampshire?”
“Yes, Papa.”
The earl nodded his approval.
“Algate, Abington, Strong. Quite opinionated for one so young and new in Parliament.”
“Lord Strong seems very serious about his duties and responsibilities,” Helena said.
“He would do better if he listened to those with more experience than himself first; he can form his opinions when he has understood matters better,” the earl added with a slight frown.
Helena deemed it better not to add anything to her father’s opinion on Lord Strong. She waited until her father was done with his study of Chastity’s suitors.
“Does Chastity favor one over the other?”
Helena tried to be as nonchalant as possible.
“She seems to prefer Lord Strong.”
Helena did not know what to make of her father’s replying grunt.
“We shall see if Chastity receives a proposal from any of them, but I am leaning towards Fleetwood.”
“Yes, father.” Inwardly, Helena deflated but was not very much surprised.
“Helena.”
Helena, who had been preparing to leave and thinking what to tell Chastity, resumed her position in front of the earl’s desk.
“Yes, father?”
“This is good work,” he gestured towards the list. “These gentlemen hail from good families. Their own persons, I hope to hear, have passed muster?”
“Yes, father.”
“Excellent.”
Edmund Ayles stood from behind his desk and went to Helena. He laid a hand on his eldest daughter’s shoulder.
“I have not forgotten our promise to you. Your mother and I fully intend to keep our end of the agreement so long as you do your part. Which I can see that you are.”
“Thank you, father. I take our agreement very seriously.”
“As you should, it is your future.”
“Pray tell, Helena,” her mother called to her. Turning, Helena looked at her mother. “You have not changed your mind about marriage?”
“No, mother, I have not.”
“You are still sure of your decision not to enter matrimony?”
“Yes. A townhouse of my own, a staff of my own, a carriage, a monthly allowance. Independence. My wishes have not changed, Mama.”
