“Yes, it is why you agreed to do this in the first place,” Matteo replied in much the same tone.
“We must be very careful. Our activities as an engaged couple must be planned around her own activities.”
Again, Matteo nodded.
“We must avoid any unnecessary events.”
“My lady, I am afraid that you describe most of the Season’s activities.” He replied in a wry voice.
Helena ignored him and continued.
“We must do everything we can to ensure that there is no gossip and that Chastity’s reputation is kept spotless.”
“Of course.”
She cleared her voice again. Matteo could see a faint blush on her cheeks. When she spoke, she could not look him directly in the eye.
“You must be… You must remain unattached, that is, you must not associate with…” Helena looked distressed.
Matteo, hiding his amusement, took pity on her.
“I shall leave my rakish ways so long as our arrangement stands, this I give you my word as a gentleman,” he said solemnly.
In fact, there was no need for Helena’s request, for he had not been in his rakish ways, as she would call it, for quite some time now. Perhaps it was ennui, or perhaps simple weariness of London society, but there was a restlessness in him that avoided female companionship. Until now, until this particular female.
“Thank you,” Helana said just as solemnly. “And I, for my part, will make sure that the scheming mamas will understand that you are off the marriage mart.”
Matteo had a sudden vision of Helena fending off said scheming mamas away from him using a stick. He stifled a chuckle.
“Well, I think that mostly covers everything.”
“Yes.”
They looked at each other for a long moment. Matteo felt that something else needed to be said, but did not know what.
“If you will allow me the use of your pen and parchment, I shall write the earl a note now.”
“Oh, yes, of course.” Helena stood up. “Come to the sitting room, if you please, Your Grace.”
“A while ago you were calling me Matteo.”
Helena smiled somewhat shyly at him.
“Matteo.”
She led him to the empty sitting room and on to the small writing table that occupied one corner of the room. She took out her writing things and moved away to give him privacy.
Matteo made short work of the task and directly handed her the letter.
“I will take my leave for now,” he said, rising. “I shall see you tomorrow, unless your father has a reason to decline my call.”
Helena shook her head.
“My father will not decline a direct request from a duke.”
Matteo thought he heard resentment in her tone, but he could not be sure.
“Until then, Helena.”
