“Oh, I see,” Helena said softly.
“But in the end, it was meant to teach young gentlemen of their place in society and how to perform it.”
And, indeed, he had learned. The son of a duke with a prosperous duchy, he learned that he held a certain power, and he learned how to wield that power.
“After my three years at Oxford, the Grand Tour followed.”
“You are not making a gentleman’s education sound unfortunate—if that was even your plan to begin with,” Helena smirked at him.
He ignored her and smiled in memory.
“I had my Grand Tour with Peter, of course, and such a time we had! But Peter’s was cut short because of his father’s death. I, on the other hand, continued on with my tutor for another two years.”
“Your parents must have been so proud when you completed your education.”
“Hmm.”
Were his parents proud? It would have been a miracle had they even known about it. Perhaps that was going too far, but Matteo felt it was accurate to say that they probably felt it was his duty to complete his education, it was not considered an extraordinary achievement on his part.
Matteo finished Oxford. Parliament is in session. Matteo completed his Grand Tour. The new irrigation system is installed.
He imagined the news was just part of the numerous reports his father’s steward and secretary submitted to him regularly.
His non-committal reply had Helena looking at him.
“Was it not something to be proud of?” Helena asked with furrowed brows.
“It was part of my parents’ expectations,” Matteo answered, looking away.
At her silence, it was his turn to look at her. There was a look in her eyes that he was not quite sure how to take.
“I do not want your pity, Helena.”
“It is not pity, Matteo.” Again, he felt her squeeze his hand, which she still held. “It is pride, I am proud of you. You took something expected, something that a less intelligent man would have taken as a right, and made it your own.”
Was it his imagination, or did he feel her move closer to him in the carriage seat?
“My Lady Helena! How are you this fine afternoon?”
Mr. Addison, who approached them from the opposite lane, was driving his phaeton and tipped his hat at her. He smiled at Helena.
“Your Grace.” Mr. Addison added in a less cheerful tone.
“I am quite well, thank you, Mr. Addison,” Helena replied, letting go of Matteo’s hand and moving slightly away.
Matteo, noting—and indeed, not liking her actions—took her hand again in his and, while his other hand wound around her waist and gently pulled her closer to him.
The stiffening of Helena’s back indicated her surprise, but she did not pull away again.
Now, why did I do that?
It was useless to think about it now; the deed was done. He only hoped that he did not cause her distress, but for all that, Matteo found that he was not sorry for it.
“And how are you, Mr. Addison? Enjoying your drive?” Matteo asked smoothly.
“Indeed, Your Grace.” Mr. Addison replied. “It is a fine day for a drive.”
“That it is,” Matteo replied with a smile.
