“Absolutely mad!”
What kind of man—nay, gentleman—would propose such an arrangement?
“A mad one!”
She stopped in front of her vanity mirror and sat down. She reached behind her and started undoing her braid to give her hands an occupation. Taking her brush, she passed it through her blond hair absent-mindedly.
If people believe us to be courting, there will be no gossip—not the destructive kind, that is. There will be no scandal, and more importantly, it will allow you to keep a closer watch on Chastity’s suitors, since there will be no unwanted advances on yourself. Your only focus will be on Chastity.
I can be of actual help as well, for I will easily recognize every rake in London.
Being connected to you would spare me the endless parade of matchmaking efforts from ambitious mamas. Indeed, I do not need a repeat of the events at Lady Chapman’s ball.
“The proposal is unconventional, but I cannot deny its logic or its usefulness,” she murmured begrudgingly to her reflection.
She knew that gossip would have already formed about Chastity and her dance partners and suitors. If they kept running into Matteo as they had been the past few days—indeed, Helena was convinced that he was running into them, on purpose—thetonwould have contrived new gossip about Chastity associating with him, a renowned rake! There was no saying what kind of damage that could bring to her sister’s prospects.
A false engagement between the duke and her would definitely stop gossip from spreading.
“Am I even considering agreeing to his proposal? What am I to say to Papa and Mama?”
Of course, they need not know the full extent of the arrangement. She had had falling outs with suitors before—and although a broken engagement would be a weightier thing—it was something that she believed she could manage, especially as she was already considered a spinster.
She could and would manage her parents and convince them to give her a reward as she would see her sisters wed. But for now, the more important thing was to give her full effort for Chastity.
She looked at herself incredulously in the mirror. Helena considered herself a most sensible woman, able to see things in a most matter-of-fact and practical way. And yet here she was thinking over Matteo Castor’s proposal of a fake engagement.
“Because thereissome merit to it. Even more thansome.”
She shook her head in reluctant acknowledgement, somehow already knowing that she would agree to it.
“But not without some conditions, if you please!”
There must be rules, and she must be the one to set them. She must think them through properly.
Helena stood up, took the candle from her bedside table, and brought it to her desk. Pen and parchment ready, she started writing a note to Matteo Castor asking him to call the next day.
Matteo was halfway to finishing his breakfast when his butler handed him the sealed piece of parchment. He knew at once that it was from Helena.
“Thank you, Mr. Bordley.”
Taking one last drink from his teacup, he stood up and went directly to his study, leaving his breakfast. He did not want anyone, not maids or footmen, not even the dependable Mr. Bordley, around when he read the letter.
He secured the lock on the door and hastily broke the seal. He ignored the sudden racing of his heart. Unfolding the note, Matteo focused on the elegant hand.
Your Grace,
If you would be so kind as to call at Huntington House this morning, I would be very much grateful. The hour before noon would be ideal.
There are things that must be discussed.
Yours, etc.,
H. A.
Matteo smiled broadly. He felt his shoulders relax as he dropped into the wingback chair behind his desk.
“Of course, there are things that she wishes to discuss.” Matteo grinned to himself. “She would hardly be Helena if she did not.”
