Page 87 of Stolen By the Duke of Ice
“What did you say?”
“Absolutely nothing, My Lady,” Matteo said with a charming smile.
He cleared his throat and spoke to Helena in a curiously loud voice, “Lady Helena, perhaps I could lift you up, so you may reach the top of the tree without toppling it over.”
“What? Certainly no—oh!”
“It would be the most convenient way.”
“That would, indeed, be most convenient,” Helena spoke in a tone that matched Matteo’s, “but I am too tall; it might be too difficult for Your Grace to lift me that high.”
“Yes, you might indeed be too heavy.”
Peter and Dahlia both watched their friends, a mixture of laughter and confusion on their faces.
“Peter, perhaps you can lift Dahlia instead?” Matteo suggested.
“Yes, she is such a tiny thing that it would be much easier for you, Your Grace,” Helena added.
Dahlia and Peter looked at each other, unsure as to what to do.
“Shall we… try it?” Peter asked Dahlia tentatively.
He watched her as she considered her options. Finally making up her mind, she pointed a finger at him.
“If you drop me…”
Peter laughed aloud.
Ye of little faith.
“On my word as a gentleman, I shall not.”
“Very well,” she sighed. “This all happened because of me anyway. If someone were to get injured, it should be me.”
“I shall not drop you!” Peter laughed again.
Choosing the next flower, Dahlia prepared to be lifted as Peter took off his coat.
“Forgive my informal dress, ladies.”
Helena nodded.
When they were ready, Peter bent down and wrapped his arms around Dahlia’s knees. Lifting her up in a single motion, he sat her upon his right shoulder, wrapping his forearm across the front of her thighs. To keep her steady, his left arm went over her knees.
At Dahlia’s gasp, he steadied his stance.
“I have got you, Dahlia.”
“Oh my, so this is what it feels to be tall!”
She placed the flower on the tree, smiling nervously as she did so.
“Well done!” Helena said. Then turning to Matteo, she gave him a flower.
“Why thank you, My Lady. No one has ever given me flowers before.”
Helena gave him a look.
