Forgotten him? How could one forget such a–an insufferable man!”
Matteo Castor, Duke of Valen, bowed to her. His dark brown hair, slightly longer than what was fashionable, framed adecidedly handsome face, which now held a ghost of a smile. Belatedly, Helena curtsied in reply.
He looked exactly as he had the last time they met in Icedale Castle, when Dahlia, one of Helena’s two closest friends, had invited her and Chastity for a short stay.
“I have not forgotten who you are, Your Grace. I was merely concentrating on the ball.”
“Ah, yes, a ball such as this requires immense concentration.”
Helena looked sharply at him; his green eyes were dancing. He was laughing at her as he had many times during their short visit to their friends.
But even before they had met at Icedale Castle, Helena had known of the Duke of Valen’s reputation. He was, simply put, a rake.
The exact kind of man that I must protect my sisters from.
When Dahlia had invited her and Chastity for a visit to her new home the previous winter, Helena had readily agreed to the visit, for she had missed her friend. And the truth was that Chastity had been troublesome at the time. Helena felt that a change in surroundings might do her good. It proved to be an excellent decision since Peter’s younger twin sisters, close to Chastity’s age, had influenced her for the better.
But she was told too late that another guest would be there. Matteo Castor had, from the first day of their meeting, irritated Helena. His confidence and flirtatious manner grated at her.
“Indeed, it does, Your Grace.” She lifted a brow. “One wrong move, one wrong choice, and a lady may find herself in less than pleasant or proper company. For us ladies, it is, indeed, more work. Perhaps ifcertaingentlemen did not frequent such balls, then we shall have a better time of it as well.”
He clutched at his heart with both hands, his expression mimicking pain. Chastity, who stood slightly behind Helena, giggled.
“Lady Chastity,” Matteo bowed again. “I see that you are in excellent health. As I see that your sister’s sharp wit remains intact.” Matteo flashed Helena a brilliant smile. “But perhaps it somewhat hinders her from enjoying the evening?”
“And I see that your condescending ins–”
“Helena,” Chastity elbowed her sister. “It has been a most pleasant evening for both of us, Your Grace.”
“Itwasa pleasant evening,” Helena said stiffly. “Your Grace, perhaps you are wanted somewhere else? Being a duke must make you very sought after.”
“I believe I shall stay here, thank you.” He smiled at Chastity. “And how have you been finding your first season so far, LadyChastity? I recall last we met that you were very excited to be coming out soon. I hope that London society has met with your expectations?”
“This is but my first ball, Your Grace,” Chastity smiled. “So far, I have been having a wonderful time. I have danced every dance so far.”
“I am not surprised to hear that. But I do hope that you have one left for this old friend?” Matteo said with a twinkle in his eye. “We must reminisce about the fun times we had with Dahlia and the Ladies Mary and Claire. They are here, you know.”
Oh no, you shall not!
“I am afraid that will not be possible since Chastity’s dance card is full, Your Grace.” Helena interrupted them.
“But—” Chastity turned to her sister only to be silenced by Helena’s pointed look.
“Chastity has no dances to spare; it is most unfortunate, Your Grace.”
Matteo crossed his arms over his chest. He smiled indulgently and replied in a droll voice.
“Then perhaps Lady Chastity should write down the name of her partner for the last dance.”
He gestured towards Chastity’s dance card, which hung from her wrist, clearly showing a blank space beside the last dance.
Helena felt heat rise to her face, but she glared at Matteo in defiance.
“Allow me to speculate. Lady Chastity has neglected to write down her partner’s name?” He raised an eyebrow, challenging Helena.
Helena considered her words, for she knew that she had no other recourse but to tell the truth. Despite her still flushed face, she squared her shoulders and lifted her chin.
“No, you are absolutely right, Your Grace. Chastity still has one dance left, but I will not have her dance with the likes of you.”
