Chapter 4 #2
They spent the next hour each engrossed in their own quiet occupation, until their butler entered the room to announce the first of the callers.
The afternoon proceeded much as the previous one had. Helena stayed with Chastity as she entertained her gentlemen callers, while Faith and Grace disappeared into the private living quarters of Huntington House.
One by one, Helena checked the names of the gentlemen in her list. So far, the ones that had returned for a second call were Lord Fleetwood, Lord Algate, and Sir Abington. But she knew from Chastity’s frequent looks to the sitting room door, that she awaited one particular caller.
“Where is the viscount?” Helena muttered under her breath as she and Chastity sat in the sitting room alone for the first time that day, since they started receiving callers.
“What is that, Helena?”
“Nothing, dearest. Just thinking of my tasks for the day.”
Mr. Keble entered and gave a small cough.
“Lord Strong, Viscount Dunsmoor.”
Charity’s cheeks instantly turned pink. She gave Helena a look that was somewhere between excited and nervous.
Bless your heart, my dear sister.
Helena could not help but feel that she was watching her sister’s future unfold before her eyes. She had looked after her—indeed, Faith and Grace as well—since they were little things, so that seeing her entering courtship brought bittersweet feelings.
“Lord Strong,” Helena curtsied.
“I bid you a good afternoon, Lady Helena, Lady Chastity.”
“I hope your trip here was enjoyable.”
“It was uneventful, at the very least.”
What a serious young man.
Helena imagined the gravity of taking on a viscounty and an entire estate at the age of three and twenty.
That was two years ago, and now at five and twenty, he appeared to have adjusted well.
But his serious mien spoke of his experiences.
She could not help but think that Chastity’s cheerfulness would do him good.
“Her Grace, the Duchess of Icedale.” Mr. Keble announced, his chest puffed out. “Lady Mary Thorscroft, Lady Claire Thorsncroft.”
Helena smiled to herself; she knew how gratified Mr. Keble was to announce such illustrious titles as Celine and Dahlia now had. Especially as they had always been regular callers at Huntington House.
“Really, Mr. Keble,” Helena had said the first time he announced Celine using her married title. He had stood so importantly, his head held very high, that Helena had to hold back a laugh. “It is just Celine. You have announced her for years!”
Dahlia entered the sitting room, a warm smile on her face.
“Dahlia, what a pleasant surprise!”
“But where are Mary and Claire?” Grace asked, looking behind her friend. “Chasity will be very eager to see them. Chastity said that they were not able to spend as much time as they had wanted to together at Lady Chapman’s ball.”
“Grace, do invite our guest to have a seat first before you interrogate her.” Helena chuckled.
“Dahlia, how big your belly has grown,” Faith said with wide eyes.
Laughing, Dahlia sat next to Helena.
“It shall get bigger than this, I’m afraid, Faith. I am just in the middle of carrying.”
“Is it heavy?” Grace asked, moving nearer. “May I touch it?”
“Yes, you may,” Dahlia said with a soft smile. “And yes, there is some added weight, but not so heavy yet. I imagine that in two months’ time, it shall be quite a load.”
“Let our guest catch her breath first,” Helena said, laughing.
“I am fine, really.” Dahlia grinned at all of them, “But where is Chasity?”
Their questions were answered as the sound of feminine chatter echoed into the sitting room.
“Ah. I see that they have seen each other already.” Helena said.
The three young ladies appeared in the doorway.
“Dahlia,” Chastity smiled. “I am so glad that you, Mary, and Claire have called. I have much to tell, as we saw so little of each other during the ball.”
“We could hardly speak to you the other night for all the gentlemen who were all vying for your time.” Claire teased.
“Oh, that,” Chasity said, blushing.
“And how many callers have you had after the ball?” Mary continued her sister’s teasing.
“I did not exactly count them,” Chastity replied, still embarrassed.
“Six,” Grace said.
“How long did you stay on that top stair, Grace?” Helena said to everyone’s laughter.
“Well, one thing is for sure.” Dahlia continued when they quieted down. “Your first ball out in society is a success!”
Helena rang for tea. The younger ladies banded together and talked more about the ball. Helena and Dalia, sitting next to each other, spoke in calmer tones.
“And how fares the pregnant lady?” Helena asked her friend. She placed her hand lightly on the swell of Dahlia’s stomach. “Are you nervous, dear Dahlia?
“I am now doing exceptionally well. I am just so glad to have passed the previous months. To just be able to walk without feeling dizzy again is a wonderful thing. And I never thought that I would say it, but I am glad to have Peter not hovering over me every minute of the day.”
“He was quite concerned, you know,” said Helena.
“I know,” Dahlia replied, smiling softly, “but I am feeling all right. As for the nervousness, yes, I admit I am. What woman would not be considering what I will be facing in a few months?” But I try not to think about it, after all, it will bring us such joy.”
“I imagine you are correct,” said Helena. She reached out to hold her friend’s hand. “I am very happy for you.”
Dahlia’s smile was wistful. Watching her, Helena was very glad that her friend found her happiness, for Dahlia deserved it all.
But at the same time, an awareness of something lacking in her life entered Helena’s heart.
Would she ever be that happy? That content?
Sighing inwardly, she shook the feeling off.
She had much better use for her energies than feeling sorry for herself.
“You must tell me all the news,” said Dahlia. “How many suitors does Chastity have? An actual number, if you please.”
Helena chuckled. She checked to see if her sister was listening, convinced that Chastity was most engrossed in her own conversation with the others, Helena continued.
“The number may vary from three to four. I am still not certain if Lord Algate is courting, for he barely speaks a word when he is here, but all four gentlemen came calling again earlier today.”
“Three suitors after one ball! We could only dream of such during our first season.” Dahlia laughed. “And how does Chasity feel about it all? I imagine she is quite excited.”
“Yes, she is, she has turned into a romantic this last year. So different from how she used to be, and I thank heaven every day for that change,” Helena said, looking heavenward. “Imagine what I would have to go through had she still been her old self.”
“I dread to think,” laughed Dahlia. “And your parents? Have they met Chastity’s suitors yet?”
“Mama and Papa asked me about them just this morning,” Helena’s face turned serious. “They said that once they are confirmed to be courting, they will go over the names again. I imagine they will want to meet the ones who will propose, but aside from that, they have let me deal with all of it.”
“You know, Helena,” Dahlia said, looking thoughtful.
“It occurred to me that I did not see you dance, not one dance at the ball. I know we have always been wallflowers, but I also know that you were asked to dance the other night and that you declined. Indeed, Lady Chapman told me that she wished you had accepted at least one dance.”
“Oh, you know how it is, Dahlia,” Helena said. “I must focus on Chastity.”
“Of course, but that does not mean that you should forget yourself, dear Helena.”
Helena stayed silent, not knowing how to answer Dahlia, for, indeed, what she was doing for Chastity was also for herself. For her own freedom and stability.
Once you have secured good marriages for your sisters, then you shall have your independence. Her father’s voice echoed in her mind.
“I am looking after myself as well, I promise. But if you are referring to marriage or even romance, well, I must say that perhaps my time has passed.”
As if to bring chaos to the order of her life, an image of Matteo entered her mind, unbidden.
I do hope we meet again soon. I would welcome another argument with you, my lady.
She fought the blush that threatened to appear in her cheeks.
Or if you prefer hiding…
How completely inappropriate! And yet… She would never admit it, but Helena wanted to know what Matteo would have said had she not slapped him.
He was the most infuriating, most arrogant, most presumptuous man she ever had the misfortune to meet.
She and her sisters should avoid him at any cost! How could Dahlia stand him?
Without realizing it, Helena’s brows furrowed into a frown. She saw Dahlia studying her.
“I am not so sure, Helena,” Dahlia said, considering her friend. “There is something different about you since Lady Chapman’s ball. You look restless, somewhat distracted.”
“I am sure I do not understand your meaning, Dahlia.”
“Hmm.” Dahlia was still watching her.
Unnerved, Helena looked away just as the door opened to Mr. Keble and a footman carrying the tea things.
“Ah, wonderful. The tea has arrived.”
Dahlia smiled at her, but Helena knew the look her friend gave her.
You have a secret, Helena.
Helena gulped.