Heat washed over her as she realized how blasé she sounded. “I did not mean to imply tonight was not lovely.” She pressed her palm to her brow and silently cursed her inability to say the appropriate thing. “I should go before someone wonders what I have been doing all this time. What if Olive hears I disappeared during the first act?”
A smile spread across his face, and he playfully chucked her on the chin. “Chin up, wench. Perhaps no one noticed we disappeared at the same time.”
She rolled her eyes. “I am certain someone noticed.” Lady Lovelace, perhaps? The idea gave her a burst of satisfaction, although she would never gloat as the widow had with her. Well, perhaps a little.
“Deny until your last breath. If no one finds us together, there is no proof.” He kissed her once more before sending her back inside the theatre with a promise to arrange an escort home for her and Eve. The door closed behind her and she was alone in the corridor. She took a deep breath in an attempt to restore her calm, then hurried toward the retiring room, suddenly recalling the location. Once she was composed, she made her way back to the theatre box. Lord Ellis spared a quick glance, but didn’t make any comment.
Helena tried to settle and enjoy the singers, but her senses were overwhelmed with memories of Sebastian’s lips on hers. His hand caressing her breast. His mouth playing over her skin. He hadn’t asked to come to her town house tonight and she regretted not inviting him.
Several moments later an usher appeared at the entrance to the box and summoned Lord Ellis. They spoke softly in the corridor, then the earl resumed his seat and whispered something to his wife. Since they both appeared unalarmed and returned to watching the performance, Helena soon forgot about it.
Sixteen
At intermission, Eve swiveled in her seat and frowned. “Where is Sebastian?”
“He was called away on a matter,” Lord Ellis said. “Lady Ellis and I will be happy to see you and Lady Prestwick home.”
Sebastian’s sister met Helena’s gaze and slowly shook her head. “I don’t understand what matter would call him away in the middle of the opera.”
Helena shrugged as heat crept into her cheeks. Admitting he had left to do her bidding at a brothel had a bad ring to it.
As the group made their way to the grand saloon to mingle during the break, the dowager duchess stopped to speak with an acquaintance, leaving Eve and Helena alone with Lord and Lady Ellis. Lady Ellis nudged her husband. “Tell us what happened today. And leave out no details.”
His brow furrowed. “I thought you despised fighting. You said it is for heathens.”
“It is, but I still want to hear about it.” Lady Ellis directed the next to Eve and Helena. “Anthony refused to say anything about the duel all day, except that Lord Thorne was the victor.”
“And that is all you need to know, darling.” His blue eyes twinkled in the candlelight and radiated affection for his wife. “If you will excuse me, I will retrieve drinks for everyone.”
“You will need help carrying the glasses,” Eve said. “Allow me.”
Lady Ellis sighed as the earl and Eve walked away. “And to think I love that impossible man.” She turned her exotic, expressive eyes on Helena, and Helena tried not to fidget under her intense stare. “He likes you very much.”
Helena started. “Lord Ellis?”
The countess laughed and hot tingles invaded Helena’s body. Lady Ellis meant Sebastian. Helena’s mistake made her feel foolish.
Lady Ellis’s merriment faded and her eyes shone with compassion. “Forgive me, Lady Prestwick. I didn’t mean to make you think I was laughing at you. It has been awhile since I’ve been a regular member of Society. I am hopelessly out of practice on how to converse with others. Either I laugh about my blunders or I might cry.”
Helena’s heart went out to the young woman. “I find you charming, madam. No need to shed tears on my account.”
“You are very kind. I see Sebastian has chosen well.” She leaned close, her sculpted brows lifted in question. “You will make him happy, won’t you? I wouldn’t like to see him suffer again. I feel so very bad for how things progressed between us. I should have refused his offer from the start.”