Helena began to chuckle, but checked herself.
“Matteo, people are beginning to ask for a date for the wedding.”
“Yes, I gathered as much.”
“What are we to do?”
“The same thing that we have been doing.”
“Yes, but what are we to say?”
“That we are still deciding. Long engagements are not unheard of.”
Helena thought this over in her head. It would have to do for now. They were, after all, still recently engaged. It was perhaps just nervousness on her part that kept her worried over the questions.
She willed a smile.
“Yes, perhaps I can even quote Lady Henderson.” She did her best to imitate the lady’s flirtatious voice and extravagant manner. “Those are the most ideal, it gives both parties time to truly know their potential spouse, if they will suit or not.”
Matteo chuckled. “Come, let us go back to the box.” He handed their empty cups to a passing footman.
“Where is Chastity and Lord Clifton?” Helena asked, her eyes moving around the refreshment room. She started to move forward when Matteo stopped her.
“There,” he pointed. “By the refreshment table. They seemed to have gone for a second drink.”
“Oh.” Helena relaxed.
“But let us go,” Matteo said. “I shall escort you back to my box.”
They had not walked a few yards when another group stopped them for greetings. They were detained for another few minutes before they were able to reach Chastity and Lord Clifton.
“Come, Helena, let us walk back to Matteo’s box,” Helena told her sister.
“Must we go back now? There are still some minutes left in the intermission,” Chastity replied.
“If you would like, I can escort Lady Chastity back to your box, Your Grace, my Lady Helena.” Lord Clifton offered, with a smile at Helena.
“No, that is quite unnecessary,” Matteo replied quickly. “We can wait. And where is your friend’s box, Lord Clifton?”
“Ah, I am with Lord Luther in his box.” Lord Clifton said quickly.
“Ah,” Matteo replied, “And how is the view from there?”
“Oh, quite lovely. Indeed, lovely.” He turned and watched the other guests start walking back to their seats. “But do let us start walking toward the boxes.”
Everyone nodded. Helena and Matteo walked behind Chastity and Lord Clifton.
“He is lying,” Matteo whispered to Helena.
“What do you mean? How is he lying?” Her eyebrows raised in question.
“Lord Luther’s box has the absolute worst view among all the boxes. That is why it came so cheap.”
Helena’s eyebrows rose in alarm.
“I do not think he has been in that box at all.”
“Are you suggesting that he did not come to watch the performance?”
