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“Indeed.” He smiled. “How do you fare today?”

He wasn’t one to make meaningless conversation, but he needed Lady Riddington to be content enough not to hover, considering the conversation he intended to have with Selina. If his knowledge of Society mamas was correct, a little flattery and interest would have the old woman trusting him with her niece.

“I fare well, Your Grace,” she answered. “It is a fine day to be outside.”

“Indeed. I am grateful for the weather and the clean country air.”

“Oh, truly. I feel I am in much better health than when I came.”

Lady Riddington was radiant with joy at the conversation they were having, and he knew he would get the result he desired if he were to ask.

Selina eyed him warily, causing him to smile wider. She had obviously developed a deep distrust of him, since their conversation the night before hadn’t ended on positive terms.

“Lady Riddington, would you mind terribly if I borrowed Lady Selina for a moment?” he asked with a small smile. “I would like to take a turn about the gardens, but there is no one who I would love to grace my arm more than your lovely niece. Even though she would put the flowers to shame with her beauty, I am sure they won’t mind terribly.”

Selina’s eyes widened, and he was sure he had stunned her with his flattery. She certainly hadn’t expected him to be so charming. She was going to be even more shocked by the conversation they were about to have.

“Oh, Your Grace!” Lady Riddington flushed. “You are most definitely welcome to take her.”

“Aunt Martha—” Selina tried to protest.

“Do not embarrass me again,” her aunt said before walking away.

Richard tried hard to mask his amusement, but Selina’s frown had him smiling from ear to ear.

“Have I offended you?” he asked, knowing full well that he had.

“Why would you say those things to my aunt?” she said, glaring at him.

“I do not believe we are so well acquainted that you would speak so brashly to me,” he teased.

She scoffed, folding her arms.

He offered her his hand with a smile. “You do know that your aunt is watching, and if you do not take my arm, another scolding is sure to come,” he added in a bored tone.

Selina turned to her aunt, and sure enough, the woman was glaring at her. Even from this distance, her eyes didn’t lack heat.

Why couldn’t she see that the Duke of Seymour was the last person she should have considered her niece safe with?

Selina took his arm grudgingly, and he led them at a sedate pace around the garden as he had told her aunt. Her body warmed at the contact, but she suppressed the feeling, not understanding why her body reacted that way to him.

His proximity allowed her to breathe in his scent, a nice sandalwood and spicy blend that tickled her nostrils yet had her breathing deeper. It wasn’t at all unpleasant. Different but not unpleasant.

“What do you want, Your Grace?” she asked. “I thought our business ended last night?”

“Indeed, but I happened to be present while you had that abysmal conversation with Lord Yardley, and I couldn’t help but worry for you.”

“Why?”

“You intend to find a match here, no?” he asked.

“I do, but I fail to see how that is any concern of yours.”

“I think, rather than courtship, you might want to consider trapping a gentleman in scandal.”

She glared at him. “If you think that insulting is the best approach to conversation, I must suggest you find a different companion, Your Grace.”

“I can help you secure a match,” he suggested.