“You saw me but half an hour ago, Your Grace,” she chuckled.
“True, but that does not change the fact that youarelooking lovely.”
So are you.
She shook her head and chuckled at him in reply.
He assisted her in climbing the landau, then climbed in after her. When they were seated securely, Matteo instructed the coachman to proceed to Hyde Park.
“Shall we drive to Rotten Row first and then on to Ladies’ Mile?” he asked Helena.
“Yes, there will be more ladies about later on, so better to take the more sedate route later as well.”
Matteo looked at her from head to foot again, then smiled, seeming to be satisfied about something.
“What?” Helena asked, smiling herself despite being suspicious.
“Oh, nothing really.”
“Tell me.”
“It is unimportant.”
“Matteo.”
He chuckled.
“Your attire appears to match mine, Helena.”
Quickly looking down at her habit, she realized that, indeed, it was the exact same shade of blue as his jacket.
“Did you ask Sally again?—”
“If you recall, my dear lady, I was already dressed when I called on you earlier today.”
Helena frowned, realizing that he was right. Was it a coincidence thatshechose the same color when Sally had asked her to pick between the two garments she presented her with?
Or perhaps I unconsciously chose the color to match Matteo.
Helena swallowed. That would mean that—no. It meant nothing. It was a mere coincidence. That was all. Pausing, she considered her thoughts. And what was wrong in deciding to match him? Did Matteo not choose to match her at the Woodacre ball? That meant nothing as well; it was just part of the charade that they were playing. That was all. But to have done it unconsciously…
I must stop! I am overthinking again.
She took a breath to regain the easy feeling of the afternoon. She pushed all thoughts that were, at that moment, unnecessaryfrom her mind and let herself relax. Being out without having to watch and chaperone Chastity was a rare happening, so she would make the most out of this afternoon.
She knew that Matteo still observed her and waited for a reaction from his observation, so she smiled and shrugged her shoulders lightly.
With the hood of the landau pulled down, Matteo and Helena could feel the full bloom of spring around them. The fresh leaves of the silver birch, rowan, and willow, the scent of the hyacinths, and the bright colors of the daffodils and crocuses made the drive more delightful for the sights and colors they produced.
Beside him, Matteo watched Helena lean out and reach toward a low-hanging branch of willow. Her gloved fingers ran through the leaves, a tender smile on her face.
“We have willow trees lining the drive in Beecham Park.”
“Your family’s country estate?”
“Yes. Whenever I drive by in the barouche, I always reach for the dangling branches.” She paused for a moment, then added, “They look like tears.”
“What do?”
