But he found that he must pursue it; he must pursue her.
“I am not entirely sure what I want from you, Lady Helena. So I shall let you decide what to bestow on me.”
It would be another slap perhaps, but Matteo was determined to try. An intensity in him would not let him be silent.
He put ink on paper.
“My lady.” Mr. Keble waited by the sitting room door.
Helena looked up from the letter she was writing and gave him her attention,
“A Penny Post messenger is waiting to hand you a missive,” the butler continued.
Surprised—and very curious, Helena stood up at once.
“Thank you, Mr. Keble. I shall see to it myself.”
She opened the front door where, indeed, the messenger stood patiently waiting for her.
“Lady Helena Ayles?”
“Yes.”
He handed her a sealed letter. When Helena started to reach into her purse to pay him, he stopped her.
“It has already been paid by the sender, m’lady.”
“Oh. Well, thank you.”
The messenger tipped his hat and went on his way.
She turned the letter over and looked at the wax seal perfectly intact.
Her heart leapt. She was very familiar with this particular coat of arms. As a young lady of theton, she was expected to know the coat of arms of all the illustrious families; those of the ducal families were especially paid attention to.
This is the Duke of Valen’s coat of arms. Why would Matteo Castor be writing to me?
Aside from the fact that it was highly inappropriate, she could not imagine what he had to say to her that required it to be in the form of a letter.She hurried back to the sitting room.
Beyond curious, Helena, tore the seal open and unfolded the letter.
My Dear Lady Helena,
I am writing to give you an option. If you ever want to continue our arguments, please send word. I will be happy to meet with you in any location of your choosing. Perhaps there is something that we may both find desirable.
Know that, of course, all steps will be taken to ensure discretion.
I remain, your humble servant,
M.C.
Helena hid the letter so hastily behind her as if a crowd of people descended upon her to steal it. Very aware that her face turned red, she quickly went to the door and closed it.
Carefully, she read the letter again. The second reading, however, did not lessen the shock and annoyance she felt.
Matteo Castor dared write her such a letter!
She was greatly annoyed, incredulous and, yet, flattered as well.
