Lady Trueman’s garden party, everyone knew, was held for her niece, Miss Emily Fernshaw. Having already successfully married off her own two daughters, Lady Trueman took it upon herself to find her late sister’s daughter a suitable husband.
And so, every eligible gentleman was invited to attend.
“I am surprised that Lady Trueman invited us,” Helena whispered as they walked towards Chastity, each carrying a glass of punch in their hands.
“And why should she not?” Matteo asked. “You are neighbors and in good terms, are you not?”
“Well, yes, but I know for a fact as well that she is trying to marry off her niece, Miss Fernshaw. Therefore, in the eyes of mamas—or in this case, aunt— every marriageable lady is a rival.”
“Surely you exaggerate.”
“This is the way of the marriage mart, Matteo.”
The look of comical fear on his face had Helena laughing.
“I think it is precisely because we are neighbors that we were invited. It would have been extremely rude had she not sent us an invitation.”
Matteo shook his head.
“What do you think our world would be like had everyone just said exactly what they thought?” He gestured at the various ladies and gentlemen they passed. “If we all just acted as we wished, so much time would be saved.”
If we all just acted as we wished. Helena sighed inwardly.
“What a world that would indeed be.” She smiled indulgently. “But, alas, I fear our society is not prepared for that just as yet.”
“But would you like that freedom, Helena?”
Freedom.
Helena was not sure if Matteo’s question was headed towards something, but she found that she was afraid to answer it. Shewas thinking of a way to evade answering when a real reason presented itself.
“Who is that gentleman that Chastity is speaking to?”
They had left her sister in the quiet company of Lord Algate a few moments ago to get some refreshments. Now, as they headed back to her, they found that another gentleman had joined their party.
“Ah. Lord Clifton, Baron Mayford. He is recently returned from the colonies.” Matteo said, looking at the gentleman.
“Lord Algate seems to have introduced them. What do you know of him, Matteo?
“Not very much, I am afraid. Only that he has recently joined London society. He returned from the West Indies about three months ago, I believe. Before he came to London, he spent a month in his country estate. He was nominated by his childhood friend, Lord Harris, for membership in my club, and so I know a little of him. Voting is set for a fortnight from tomorrow. I have never met the man personally; we have never been introduced.”
Helena studied him as they approached the group. From his appearance, he presented the typical male member of the nobility. He was dressed in the latest fashion; his bearing was that of a gentleman’s. His complexion was tanner than the average Englishman due to, Helena assumed, his time in the West Indies. And he was handsome; this she noticed as he turned to face her and Matteo.
“Helena, Your Grace.” Chasity smiled at their return.
The two gentlemen beside her bowed.
“A new acquaintance, Lady Chastity?”
“Oh, yes. Lord Algate introduced us,” Chastity said. “Helena, Your Grace, this is Lord Clifton, Baron Mayford. Lord Clifton, my sister, Lady Helena Ayles, and her betrothed, His Grace, the Duke of Valen.”
“At your service, my lady.” Lord Clifton bowed again. Then, turning to Matteo, he continued. “Your Grace, if I am fortunate, we shall be members of the same club very soon.”
“I wish you the best in the voting.”
“Thank you, Your Grace.”
They stood talking about London life for a few more minutes until Lady Chapman called out to Helena and Chastity. Happy to see her, the sisters together with Matteo excused themselves from the other two gentlemen and went to join their mother’s friend.
