“You are supposed to be the adult, Uncle,” Helena reminded him.
“I only respect those I deem friends,” Gibbs’ tone was dark. Helena waved a hand at him, urging him to be quiet as the butler opened the door, and the Moores stepped in.
The Duke of Bridstone led the way with his brother at his shoulder. Behind the two of them was the Dowager Duchess, and on her arm walked an elderly man. Another couple that Helena had not seen before followed.
“Your Grace, Lord Robert.” Benjamin completed his hosting duties well enough, bowing to them in turn and greeting them. “You are… most welcome.” He struggled with the words enough that Helena and Julia exchanged tired looks.
“Thank you,” the Duke of Bridstone accepted the pleasantry. “May I introduce the members of my family you have not yet met? Here is my great-uncle, Lord Isaac Moore.” He gestured to the older man with a crooked back who could not stand straight and clutched to a cane that tapped at the marble floor, restlessly. “This is my aunt, Lady Laura Moore, and my cousin, Percival, Lord Sheylough.”
Helena’s eyes flicked to the younger man, Lord Sheylough, who she had seen many times at events with the Duke. They all bowed and curtsied in turn. When Benjamin said nothing, Helena cleared her throat pointedly.
“Yes, you are all welcome,” he said, jumping to life in conversation. “Well, we have prepared a good dinner tonight, for the families to get to know each other, and…” He flicked a quick look at Helena and Julia. “And to start over on a better foot.”
“A wise idea indeed. Thank you,” the Duke of Bridstone said.
Helena could have sworn he looked her way, but it could have been in her imagination. Ever since they had been to the modiste’s the day before, she kept feeling as if those handsome eyes were upon her.
Maybe I just wish they were.
In the next moment, she chastised herself for such wanton feelings.
“If you would follow us all this way,” Anna said coolly, stepping forward and gesturing to a set of double doors. “Dinner will be served at any moment.” She and Benjamin led the path through the hallway, followed by Gibbs and Kitty walking together.
The Duke of Bridstone went to follow, but young Matthew ran forward, and Helena could not grab his shoulder in time to stop him, fearing he was up to some mischief. She hastened forward, chasing after him instead.
“Matthew!”
The boy pushed out his foot and tripped the Duke of Bridstone.
“Oh, my goodness!” the Dowager Duchess of Bridstone declared, having seen it all.
“What? What happened?” The elderly Lord Isaac flicked his head back and forth, his old failing eyes meaning he struggled to see what happened.
The Duke of Bridstone tottered on his feet and nearly fell over, but Helena rushed into the way. Before the Duke could fall, she caught him, her hands reaching out to take his arm. His other hand latched onto the bottom banister around the stairs. He slowly stood though he didn’t shake Helena off his arm just yet.
“I’m so sorry,” Helena said in a rush. “My brother, he is rather mischievous. Matthew?” She called ahead to her brother, but Matthew giggled and followed their parents into the dining room, disappearing through the double doors. “I’m sorry,” Helena whispered again.
“I see he has the same venom in him his parents have.” The Duke stood straight, released his arm from her hold and adjusted his jacket and waistcoat, laying them flat.
“Not everyone in this family is the same way, may I remind you.” Helena glanced back at their siblings. Lord Robert and Julia were standing together, talking with eagerness to one another. Lord Sheylough had gone to join them, eager to be introduced to Julia. “My brother is a child, that is all. He acts out when he should not.”
“Well, I can understand that.” Despite the Duke’s words, his tone was dark. Helena was just beginning to think this evening was going to be a complete disaster when he offered his arm to her. She blinked at him, staring in wonder. “Allow me to escort you to dinner? If we are going to make these families friends again, then we must appear to be friends too, must we not?”
Slowly, she slid her hand through his arm, trying not to think of the way it made her breathing labored. She could have sworn his own breathing hitched, but he said nothing as he walked forward, escorting her with his family walking behind.
“What is it? What’s happening?” Lord Isaac asked restlessly.
“Our son is being gallant; that is all,” the Dowager Duchess assured him.
Gallant indeed.
Helena hung her head forward a little, ashamed that her thoughts went off on a wild tangent, thinking of the Duke’s rakish ways and all the ladies he had charmed in his time. If he was as gallant as this, charming with ease, then she could regrettably see why those ladies had their heads turned.
In the dining room, there was a feeling of surprise. Gibbs and Kitty in particular stared at Helena as the Duke showed her to her chair. The family sat down in a rush, and Lord Isaac, a hungry fellow, tried to eat at once, but the Dowager Duchess held him back.
“Well, shall we toast the affair?” Benjamin said and stood at the head of the table. “To my daughter and her betrothed, Lord Robert.” He spoke loudly, for his own hearing was growing more and more impaired these days.
Helena hurried to grab the wine glass beside her, ready to raise it. The Duke of Bridstone had sat beside her, and they both reached for the same glass. When she pulled back, he pushed the glass hurriedly into her hands and reached for a second, offering a smile to smooth over the awkwardness.
