She lifted herself on her toes and placed a soft kiss on his cheek. Smiling shyly at him, she turned and made her way to the door.
Matteo stood, unable to move as he watched her proceed to the door. The sweetness of her unexpected gesture of thanks left him feeling warm all over. His heart beat as if it had just started beating for the first time, as if it had only been brought to life by her action.
A light, chaste kiss on the cheek did more to him than any practiced, artful move ever could.
The Woodacre ball was, so far, the largest ball of the season.
Chastity had danced two dances with gentlemen whom she had taken a turn with before, Lord Fleetwood was one of them.Although she had smiled and been her usual amiable self during his company, Helena could tell that she was simply being polite. Despite her father proclaiming to his daughter that Lord Fleetwood was his choice of suitor for Chastity, Helena had not pushed for the gentleman.
Indeed, the knowledge that Chastity had preferred another gentleman altogether had been a good reason for her not to.
The dance was about to finish, and she prepared to wave at Chastity to call her over, when a gentleman appeared beside her.
“Good evening, Lady Chastity.”
“Why, Lord Strong, good evening to you as well.”
She could not help the slight frown that appeared on her forehead.
“It has been a while since we have seen you.”
If her tone was one of censure, Helena could not help that either. How dare this callow lord raise her sisters’ hopes and then—and then–
Lord Strong bowed and had the grace to look embarrassed.
“My apologies, my lady. I had the most urgent business in my estate that needed my immediate attention.”
“Of course.” She replied, but she knew that her tone was not kind.
Again, Helena could not help it; the recollection of how Chastity had kept watch at every event for him, how she had stood by their drawing room window pretending not to be disappointed when it was another gentleman who came calling was something that made her feel wretched.
“I-I should have sent a note to explain my sudden departure.”
“I am sure there was no need, my lord. You are not beholden to your friends in such a way.”
Lord Strong rubbed his forehead in apparent distress.
“Please, allow me to explain.”
Helena inclined her head and remained silent.
“Mr. Worthing, my steward, was in an accident, and sadly, he passed.”
“My condolences, my lord, that is sad news indeed.”
Lord Strong bowed his head at her words.
“He had been steward to the estate during my grandfather’s time. He should have been retired, but my father’s suddenpassing left no opportunity for that.” The gentleman looked away, as if surprised that he had said so much to her already. “It-it was difficult for me to proceed after he was gone. I am still learning, you see.”
Suddenly feeling ashamed, Helena spoke with a soft voice, hoping to atone for her unkindness.
“I am extremely sorry to hear that, my Lord. Losing a valued member of your staff is a very hard thing to experience, especially one who has been with your family for so long. If there is anything that I can do to help, you must let me know.”
Lord Strong looked at her in a hopeful way.
“Perhaps you can explain to Lady Chastity the reason for my absence?”
Helena smiled kindly at him.
