Page 13

“I am looking for a bride, yes. But I am not—I am not looking for an actual wife.” Magnus kept his voice especially quiet.

“I require a woman who might be a mother to Kitty. Charlotte has too much on her plate, despite what she might say, and it would be best if Kitty had undivided attention after everything that she’s been going through with her birth mother.

I fear that poor woman won’t make it longer than a few months. ”

“Oh, Magnus. I understand, and I know that you and your sister have done a great deal for them. It is a sorrowful future ahead of the young girl, to be certain, but you are right. A home, a mother, it could be exactly what she needs to prosper.”

Selina put a hand on his shoulder, offering Magnus a soothing glance. She also knew that the prospect of being a steward over a child she did not have to bear was a more appealing fate than finding herself wed to a man looking for much more.

“In fact,” she began, taking a moment to sip at her wine to steady her nerves, “the Duke of Soulden has set forth a requirement that I marry myself. In a rather short time frame, I might add.”

Magnus’s eyes flicked to hers, and she could see the understanding in his gaze. He was calculating the same outcome as she was, aware that this might be the best way for both of them to get out of their rather prickly situations.

“I see.” He nodded at her, squinting his eyes.

The breath of possibility surrounded them, and Selina allowed herself to smile genuinely, without any performance. This could be it. She might finally have the?—

“Your Grace, how lovely to see you.”

Selina’s thoughts faltered as Magnus spoke over her shoulder, and she squeezed her lips together, refusing to turn around.

The blasted man had an incredible way of interrupting things, and she honestly could not believe that he’d stumbled into their conversation right when Selina was about to propose the arrangement with Magnus.

“Evening.” The weight of the Duke’s presence forced Selina to turn around, and she was met with a stern glare. “Selina.”

Magnus coughed slightly again, clearly struck by the fact that the man before them insisted on using Selina’s name as opposed to her title even though they were obviously not on friendly terms. Selina did her best to put on a smile, ignoring the irritation that flared through her.

“Your Grace.” She ducked her head. “I was just having an important conversation with the Duke?—”

“About what, I wonder?” the man cut in, rudely interjecting himself into a private discussion.

Selina didn’t respond to his inquiry, instead glaring across at the Duke as she clenched her jaw. Magnus adjusted on his feet near her, stepping closer so that he might put a bit of distance between Selina and the source of her foul mood on her behalf.

“It appears that so much is to be discussed with the impending arrival of the Blackfords’ new child.

I am thrilled for them.” He tilted his head at the Duke, gesturing with his wine glass.

“And another grand change. How abrupt it must have been for the Dowager’s family, her young sisters, to be met with yourself, Your Grace. ”

The look that Magnus gave the Duke was nothing short of scathing dislike, and Selina rolled her lips between her teeth to keep herself from laughing at the display. Still, the Duke glared at Magnus, the harsh intensity of his verdant stare like a blade of emerald directed at his opponent.

“Perhaps it is best if you keep your thoughts to your own household.”

Magnus stepped forward, challenge in his eyes, and the Duke met it sneer for sneer. They were going to tear each other apart like wild dogs fighting over a scrap of meat. It was utterly ridiculous.

“Excuse me? This is to be a civil party. Your tone is hardly necessary. Unless you wish to take these words to a more physical level?”

Oh God, no. Magnus, do not challenge him to a duel!

“I assure you, Sir, you would lose in that arena. But far be it from me to interfere with your plans to give your physician something to do all evening.”

They were getting closer to each other now, invading the other’s space. Selina would not see her dear friend’s event, the last before she went away for the birth of her child, interrupted by a pair of hooligans making fools of themselves.

“Your Grace.” Selina stepped between them, putting her back to the Duke as she faced her friend. “Magnus. Please. There is no need to resort to violence. This is to be a celebration of new life. Surely, we should not tarnish that with such barbarism?”

Glaring over her shoulder, Magnus didn’t blink as he refused to back down. Still, after a moment, he stepped back, adjusting his jacket before lowering his stare to her.

“I would be happy to discuss matters further with you, Selina. Please send word when you might be available to meet.”

With that, Magnus spun on his heel, rushing away from the situation and likely returning all the way home if Selina knew him like she thought. She sighed, her head hanging, and then turned to eye the Duke.

He met her stare without flinching or apologizing for making such a scene.

Selina would not jeopardize Amelia’s happiness, but she would not stay a moment longer, enduring the boil that was the man standing before her.

And so, in quick fashion, she left the man to stand there, saying her goodbyes before she headed straight to the coach, waiting for them outside.