They had anticipated that their arriving together would cause understandable curiosity, especially since the Duke of Valen did not usually attend morning musicales. But the fact that he had now attendedtwosocial events that were considered marriage mart venues was too delicious a speculation for the gossips to pass.
Helena heard the words even as she felt the stares.
“Perhaps the duke is finally ready to settle down and leave his wild ways.”
“She is from an outstanding family; in her sixth season, I think.”
But it was not until they were greeted by Lady Robertson, a friend of Helena’s mother, that talk truly began to spread about them.
“Your Grace.” Lady Robertson curtsied to Matteo and then addressed Helena. “My dear,” she greeted her in her usual bored manner. “I believe that congratulations are in order, for your mother tells me that you have just been engaged to the duke.”
Helena reinforced herself with a breath. She could see that her mother was still quick to communicate with her circle of friends.
“Thank you, Lady Robertson. It is a very recent occurrence.”
“It is a very good match for you, my dear. I see that the time you spent not hurrying has paid off.”
Then, to Matteo, she continued.
“Of course, it is a very good match for you as well, Your Grace. Though very unexpected, if I may say so myself.”
Matteo smiled his charming smile at Lady Robertson and acknowledged her words with a bow.
“Alas, one never knows when Cupid will strike.”
Helena elbowed him as discreetly as she could. His smile remained intact.
“I find that I have reached that point in my life when I feel ready to settle down. And seeing my dear Helena made me realize that she?—”
Another discreet jab at his side.
“—is the correct partner for me.”
He glanced just as discreetly at Helena with a mischievous look.
That encounter seemed to have triggered others to give in to their curiosity and openly approach Helena and Matteo. Greetings, congratulations, and more questions were launched at them.
Matteo bore it all with his usual charm and ease. Helena noticed how many times he answered various questions when she had seemed to have difficulty in forming replies. Although she was constantly worried that he would overact and be overly romantic—as he had seemed to be doing during their conversation with Lady Robertsaon—he had not.
When the signal was given that the musicale was about to start, Helena heaved a sigh of relief.
Chastity, who had been mostly polite but mostly silent during the encounters, was now approached by Lord Fleetwood. After exchanging pleasantries with their party, he turned to Chastity.
“Will you do me the honor of sitting next to me during the performance, Lady Chastity?”
“I would be delighted to, my lord.”
“This way, my lady. I have reserved those seats for us.”
“Thank you, my lord.” Chastity smiled. Then, turning to Helena and Matteo, she added. “I shall look for you after the performance.”
Helena nodded.
“Is Fleetwood pressing his suit on Lady Chastity?”
“He has come to call on her quite regularly since they were introduced at Lady Chapman’s ball.” Helena looked at Matteo. “Why? Is there anything bad about him?”
“No, the man is as he appears, a little on the foppish side, but he isn’t a bad fellow altogether.” Matteo watched Chastity and Lord Fleetwood take their seats. “Does Lady Chastity show any inclination towards him?”
