But Helena could not help feeling that there was something amiss about him. Watching him closer still, she observed his movements, his manners, and found them excessive, almost verging on careless.
Her instincts told her that he could not be trusted.
She was contemplating how to take action without hurting Chastity and pushing her sister away when Matteo joined her.
“Where have you been?” She whispered, much has happened during your absence.”
“I know,” he said. “I have been observing from afar.”
She stared at him.
“You have been watching me?”
His reply was a wide grin.
“You and Chastity, and Lord Strong, and Lord Clifton.”
“Oh.” She pouted. “That was very anticlimactic. I had been looking forward to sharing with you the dramatic turn of events.”
Helena knew she was behaving in a most ridiculous way, but she was enjoying being playful with him.
Matteo smiled indulgently.
“By all means, my lady, please share with me all that happened while I was not about.”
Helena giggled, but soon turned serious as she related details that Matteo would have missed.
“I do not have a very good feeling about Lord Clifton, I am sorry to say it, but there it is,” Helena finished.
“I share your sentiments, Helena.” Matteo gestured at the gentleman with his head. “He has no one to vouch for him save his old friend, Lord Harris. But even he has admitted that it had been many years since they had seen each other. I will be more at ease once I find someone who knows Lord Clifton’s character.”
Helena was gratified that they felt the same way. She was surprised at how close his musings were to hers.
How similarly we think.
In fact, their approach to keeping Chastity’s well-being was remarkably similar. When they would plan for an event, their methods and solutions matched very well. She had not really given that much thought until that moment.
Could it be that we might have more in common than I had originally thought?
“You really think him insincere in his intentions towards Chastity?”
“Unless something proves me wrong, I really do think so.”
“Perhaps a talk with Chastity is in order,” Helena said, not looking forward to the act.
“Let her have this night though,” Matteo said, watching a happy Chastity.
He is kind as well, yes. That I had noticed before.
Helena nodded her agreement softly.
When the dance ended. Chastity looked as if she had just returned from Paradise. Her mood remained happy as her next dance partner claimed her.
Matteo and Helena stood quietly together when the strains of the music began to play. The next dance was a waltz.
Matteo’s hand reached for Helena’s reticule, which hung on her wrist. With a playful smile at her, he took out the unmarked dance card from within. Using the small pencil that was attached to it, he wrote down his name on the line beside Waltz.
“I believe this dance is mine, Lady Helena.” Matteo smiled at her, his green eyes twinkling. “Unless you object?”
