“I beg your pardon? I have never heard of such an ailment, let alone in the young ladies of theton.”
Helena rolled her eyes at him.
“I decided to let her have a respite and take a rest until tomorrow. The drive this afternoon and the visit to the theater tomorrow night are more for us than for her anyway.”
It was true, when they had been laying down the plans for their social calendar as an engaged couple, they had added the two activities more as a display, to add to the illusion of authenticity to their betrothal.
“What you are saying is that Lady Chastity is tired?”
“Yes, merely that.”
“Well, in that case, there is really no reason why you cannot join me for a drive.”
The way Matteo stated it, not as a question, but as a fact, took Helena by surprise. She looked at him, puzzled.
“You still want to go?”
“Yes, why should we not?” Matteo leaned back casually against the chair. “I have already planned my day, and it is not very pleasant to suddenly find that I have nothing to do.”
“Well…”
“I have the greatest fondness and admiration for your sisters, but would you rather spend the rest of the day with them or with a handsome, charming duke?”
Again, Helena found herself rolling her eyes at him.
But she, at the same time, could not help but think, would she be such a bad sister if she chose an afternoon with him? Realizing the absurdity of her thoughts, Helena laughed silently at herself. She did want to be outdoors, and she was honest enough to admit to herself that she did, indeed, want to be in his company that day.
“Same time?” she asked.
Matteo grinned.
“If you can be ready in half an hour, I can return with the carriage directly.”
Chapter Sixteen
True to his word, Matteo’s landau stopped in front of Huntington House to await Helena in less than half an hour.
“Please make sure that Chastity gets my note, Sally,” Helena instructed her lady’s maid. “And make sure that she has enough rest. Tell Faith and Grace to leave her alone if she so desires.”
“Yes, my lady.”
“Thank you, Sally.”
“My lady,” Mr. Keble bowed. “His Grace is at the door waiting for you.”
“Thank you, Mr. Keble.”
Helena walked out the front door and was greeted by Matteo. For a moment, her breath caught in her throat.
Standing by his landau, framed by the spring sunlight, he presented a striking figure in his finely cut garments. His dark blue riding coat fitted him perfectly, his cravat styled simply, his buckskin breeches tucked into Hessian boots. His brown hair, which was still slightly longer than what the current fashion dictated, was swept from his forehead by a gentle breeze. The smile he sent her brightened his green eyes and weakened her knees.
She had prided herself on her immunity to his good looks; indeed, he was easily the most handsome gentleman of theton, but she had considered herself above those females who had fawned over and simpered after him. Yet here she was now, speechless at the sight he presented.
But Helena also knew that had she not gotten to know him better, she would not have found him nearly half so appealing. So perhaps it was more than the good looks that had drawn her to him so.
Matteo studied her appreciatively.
“You are looking lovely today, Helena,” Matteo said as he kissed her hand.
