“I am sorry, Helena.” She said, not able to look her older sister in the eye. “I do not know what has come over me.”
Helena smoothed her sister’s hair.
“It is quite all right. The season is starting to take its toll on you, I imagine. It can be quite taxing for young ladies, really,” she said kindly.
“Yes, I believe you are right, dear Helena.”
Helena kissed Chastity on the forehead.
“I shall ask Sally to prepare you a bath. That will make you feel better, I daresay.”
“Yes, that sounds wonderful. Thank you.”
Helena left Chastity’s chambers and bid Sally to attend to her. She walked into her own chambers and sat on a chair, her elbows resting on her desk.
Her mind went back to the encounter just a few minutes ago. For a moment there, she saw the same fire of rebellion that had lit Chastity’s eyes a few years ago. That Chastity had gone, leaving only an agreeable spirit. Or so she thought. The past year had proven that; indeed, she had left that phase behind and had matured into the Chastity that she now was.
Helena nodded her head.
I am right. She is just taxed by all that is happening now. She just needs a quiet moment. Perhaps we can skip our engagements for this afternoon and tomorrow.
Helena’s rapid, angry breathing slowed, and she lowered her head in relief at her solution. Yes, that was what they needed, a break from the season. A short rest, that was all.
Matteo read the note from Helena again as his valet flitted about him, adjusting the new waistcoat and cravat that he was to wear for that afternoon’s drive with Helena and Chastity.
Matteo,
My apologies, Chastity and I will not be able to accompany you this afternoon and tomorrow to the theater. We shall, however, be ready for Lady Chapman’s dinner party the following day.
Helena
“Davis,” Matteo said, folding the piece of parchment again. “It seems that I shall not be going for that drive this afternoon.”
“Shall you be staying in instead, Your Grace?” his valet replied with his usual calm.
“I haven’t quite decided yet. I shall let you know and ring for you.”
“Very good, Your Grace.”
Since Matteo was yet unsure of what his plans for the afternoon would be, he donned his banyan as he finished his cup of tea.
Walking to his window, he cast his gaze in the direction of Huntington House. Although he could not directly view it from his window, he knew its location. Indeed, it was but mere minutes’ walk from his own residence.
Taking a sip of his tea, he wondered what made Helena cancel their drive for that afternoon. It was very unlike her. With her determined nature, every event that they had planned had pushed through until this drive.
“And it is the activity that actually requires the least effort.” He mumbled to himself.
Matteo went to his desk and took out his writing implements.
Whyever not?
-M
Helena could not help but be amused at the brevity of Matteo’s message.
“Mr. Keble, who delivered this?” Helena asked as she held the reply Matteo sent her.
“I believe it was one of His Grace’s footmen, my lady.”
