So, Helena has resolved to remain unmarried. Why, I wonder?
He found it hard to believe that she lacked suitors. She was intelligent, beautiful, and interesting. Matteo could name more of her attributes that were commonly attractive to most males—and some attributes thathefound extremely attractive.
I shall have to ask her about this. Quite interesting.
“But that hardly matters now,” the earl interjected. “She has done very well for herself with her acceptance of your hand. It is still fulfilling her duty to our family, though it was not what we had originally expected.”
The mystery grows and grows.
Matteo found himself wanting to read what was in Helena’s mind.
She is indeed a fascinating woman.
“Shall I take that as your approval and blessing to my engagement to your daughter, Lady Helena, my lord?”
“Indeed, you have both my approval and my blessing, Your Grace. Helena could do no better than a duke with a family name both ancient and wealthy.” The earl stood to shake Matteo’s hand, who stood as well.
Matteo knew that title, wealth, and position were the cornerstones of a good match for theton. He should not have been surprised to know that those were the only considerations of Helena’s parents for their approval of his suit, but accepting him without questioning his intentions or plans for the future of their daughter seemed rather cold to him.
Mentally shrugging his shoulders, he could be nothing but satisfied that things were going according to their plans.
“Now you must excuse us, Your Grace.” Lord Huntington said. “Lady Huntington and I must prepare for another engagement.”
“Of course.” Matteo bowed. “I thank you for your time.”
“Your Grace.” Lady Huntington curtsied. “I shall send Helena down shortly.”
“Thank you.”
And without further ceremony, the earl and countess exited the Blue Room, leaving Matteo to himself once again.
It did not take very long this time for the company to join him. Helena, along with all three of her sisters, swept into the room, all wearing varying expressions on their faces.
Chastity had a questioning look, though she smiled easily at him. The other two younger sisters, whom Matteo had not yet been introduced to, were openly studying him. On Helena’s face, however, Matteo could read an expression that was unmistakably relieved.
“Your Grace,” Helena curtsied. Behind her, all three sisters curtsied as well.
“I bid you a pleasant day, Lady Helena.” Matteo bowed and then, turning to her sisters, bowed again. “Ladies.”
“Might I introduce you to my other two sisters?” Helena gestured to them. “Lady Faith Ayles and Lady Grace Ayles.”
“A pleasure, my ladies.”
“Faith and Grace, this is His Grace, the Duke of Valen.”
“Your Grace.” Both curtsied again.
Matteo caught Helena’s eye and raised a brow in question. A question she seemed to have understood, Helena nodded to him and directly addressed her sisters.
“My dears, I have the very good news of informing you that His Grace and I are engaged.”
Was it Matteo’s imagination, or did Helena’s voice sound higher in pitch than it normally was?
“Engaged?” Chastity repeated, clearly surprised.
“Yes, Lady Chastity,” Matteo smiled at her. “I have just secured your father’s blessing and approval of my engagement to your sister.
He went closer to Helena, took her hand, and kissed it. The varying reactions had him holding back laughter.
