Page 23

“ L eaving so soon, Your Grace?” Simmons asked as he handed a leather portfolio to Rowan. “The morning post has just arrived.”

Selina paused at the top of the stairs, taking in the unexpected scene below. Footmen scurried about with luggage while Felix lounged against the banister, looking travel-ready in riding clothes. Rowan stood in the center of it all, issuing brisk instructions.

“What’s happening?” she asked, descending the final steps.

Felix straightened, his expression darkening as he turned to Rowan. “You haven’t told her?”

Rowan shot him a warning glance before addressing Selina. “A business matter requires our attention in the country. We should return within a few days.”

“Business in the country,” Selina repeated, unable to keep the skepticism from her voice.

After their encounter in the kitchen, followed by his withdrawal after the dinner party, this sudden departure felt like another carefully calculated retreat.

“A property evaluation,” Felix supplied, earning another sharp look from Rowan. “Quite urgent.”

“I see.” Selina maintained a calm exterior despite the frustration building within her. “I wish you both a safe journey.”

Rowan hesitated, as if expecting something more—a question, perhaps, or an argument. When she offered neither, he nodded stiffly. “We should reach our destination by nightfall.”

“Then you should be on your way.” She turned toward the breakfast room. “Good day, gentlemen.”

As she walked away, she heard Felix mutter something that sounded remarkably like “coward” before the front door closed behind them.

Alone at the breakfast table, Selina stared at her untouched toast, her appetite gone. Another dismissal, another mystery. Would this pattern define their entire marriage? Brief moments of connection followed by walls higher than before?

The thought was intolerable.

“He left without explanation?” Georgiana’s indignation carried clearly despite her effort to keep her voice low. “Again?”

“Business in the country,” Selina confirmed as they strolled through the park, a discreet maid trailing several paces behind. “With Lord Halston in tow.”

“Men and their mysterious business.” Georgiana shook her head. “Though Robert at least tells me where he’s going, even when the details would bore me to tears.”

Spring had transformed the park into a riot of green, pink blossoms drifting from ornamental cherry trees planted along the path. On any other day, Selina would have delighted in the beauty. Today, she barely noticed.

“It’s not the business that troubles me,” she admitted. “It’s the pattern. Every time we move closer, he finds a reason to withdraw.”

“The incident in the kitchen,” Georgiana said softly, referring to the confidence Selina had shared earlier. “And before that, the opera.”

“Precisely.” Selina sighed. “I begin to think he married me solely to prevent my marriage to someone else, with no intention of making it a true union.”

“Then why pursue you physically?” Georgiana asked. “If distance was his goal, he could simply maintain formality.”

“I wish I knew.” Selina adjusted her bonnet against a sudden breeze. “Sometimes I catch him looking at me with such intensity, as if he wants to speak but cannot find the words. Then the moment passes, and he’s distant once more.”

Georgiana squeezed her arm sympathetically. “You deserve better than half measures, my dear. After all he’s put you through, you owe him nothing.”

“And yet.”

“And yet,” Georgiana agreed, understanding the unspoken sentiment. Despite everything, Selina found herself drawn to Rowan, curious about the man beneath the armor, hopeful that what they had shared in brief moments of connection might somehow grow.

“Look there,” Georgiana said suddenly, nodding toward a fashionable shop across the street. “Isn’t that Lord Penderwick?”

Selina followed her gaze to where Matthew stood, shifting awkwardly outside the modiste’s shop. “It is indeed.”

“Shall we greet him? He seems in need of rescue.”

They crossed the street, Matthew’s face brightening with recognition as they approached.

“Your Graces.” He bowed. “What a pleasant surprise.”

“Lord Penderwick,” Selina returned with a smile. “Waiting for your mother?”

“Yes, she’s been selecting new trimmings for an eternity.” He glanced at the shop door with thinly veiled impatience. “I swear she’s examined every ribbon in London twice over.”

“How fares your courtship with Miss Thornfield?” Selina asked. “You seemed quite taken with her at the park.”

Matthew’s face fell. “Alas, she favors Lord Huntley. A more dashing figure than I, with an estate twice the size.”

“Her loss entirely,” Selina said firmly. “Any young lady would be fortunate to secure your attention.”

“Kind of you to say, but my chances seem slim. Mother insists I need a title-hungry heiress willing to overlook my… modest bearing.” He attempted a smile that didn’t reach his eyes.

“Nonsense,” Georgiana interjected. “You need a lady who values kindness and intelligence over superficial matters.”

“Indeed,” Selina agreed. “Why not join us for tea? There’s a lovely shop just down the street.”

Matthew brightened, then hesitated. “I should wait for Mother. She’ll want to join us.”

Georgiana exchanged a glance with Selina. “Your devotion to Lady Penderwick is admirable,” she said gently. “But you are a grown man with your own title. Surely you can take tea without requiring her presence?”

“I…” Matthew looked conflicted. “She worries, you see.”

“About two respectable ladies inviting you for tea?” Selina raised an eyebrow. “How scandalous.”

A smile tugged at Matthew’s lips. “When you put it that way, it does sound rather silly.”

The shop door opened, revealing Lady Penderwick laden with wrapped packages. She stopped short upon seeing Selina and Georgiana, her expression souring.

“Your Grace,” she said to Georgiana with a stiff nod, barely acknowledging Selina. “Matthew, take these parcels. The carriage should be waiting.”

“Mother,” Matthew straightened imperceptibly. “The Duchesses have invited me to join them for tea. I’ve accepted.”

Lady Penderwick’s eyes narrowed. “How kind. I shall accompany you, of course.”

“That won’t be necessary,” Matthew replied, his voice firmer than Selina had ever heard it. “In fact, I believe you mentioned the new draperies being delivered this afternoon. Someone should be present to supervise their installation.”

“The housekeeper can manage,” Lady Penderwick began.

“The blue shade you selected for the drawing room was quite specific,” Matthew countered with surprising authority. “I would hate for there to be a mistake in your absence.”

Lady Penderwick appeared momentarily speechless.

“I shall return in time for dinner,” Matthew continued, offering his arm to Selina. “Ladies, shall we?”

As they walked away, Selina couldn’t resist glancing back. Lady Penderwick stood frozen, her packages clutched to her chest, watching her son’s retreating figure with an expression of utter disbelief.

“I believe you’ve rendered your mother speechless,” Georgiana remarked once they were out of earshot. “Quite an accomplishment.”

Matthew gave a slightly hysterical laugh. “Lord help me when I return home. She’ll have the physician examining me for brain fever.”

“Or perhaps she’ll recognize that her son has become a man capable of making his own decisions,” Selina suggested.

“Unlikely,” Matthew sighed. “But it felt rather good, I must admit.”

The tea shop occupied a charming corner building, its wide windows overlooking the busy street. Small tables draped in white linen filled the intimate space, and the scent of fresh-baked scones mingled with the delicate aroma of brewing tea.

As they settled at a table near the window, Matthew appeared more relaxed than Selina had ever seen him, his usual nervous manner diminishing with each moment away from his mother’s watchful eye.

“This feels rather daring,” Matthew said with a small laugh. “Mother will surely quiz me about every word spoken here.”

“Then we must give you something worthwhile to report,” Georgiana replied, signaling the serving girl. “Tell us about your current prospects. Is there anyone who has caught your eye?”

Matthew’s cheeks colored slightly. “There is a Miss Pemberton. She’s the daughter of Sir John Pemberton, newly arrived from Bath.”

“Ah, I’ve seen her at the Merriweathers’ musicale,” Georgiana said. “Pretty creature with dark hair and a lovely singing voice.”

“Yes,” Matthew agreed eagerly. “She was quite kind when we spoke, though I fear I made a poor impression. I couldn’t think of anything clever to say.”

“Cleverness is overrated,” Selina advised, though her thoughts drifted to Rowan’s sharp wit during their early correspondence. “Sincerity means far more to most ladies.”

“But how does one approach her without appearing presumptuous?” Matthew asked. “Mother insists I should wait for a formal introduction at a ball.”

Georgiana poured the tea that had just arrived, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “Your mother’s advice would have been sound thirty years ago. These days, a chance encounter in Hyde Park or at a exhibition provides perfectly acceptable opportunities for conversation.”

“Truly?” Matthew looked hopeful. “But what would I say?”

“Comment on something genuine,” Selina suggested, remembering how starved she’d been for authentic conversation during her first marriage. “Perhaps mention a book you’ve both read, or ask her opinion on a painting if you meet at a gallery.”

“And for heaven’s sake, don’t let your mother hover nearby,” Georgiana added. “Nothing frightens away a potential bride faster than an overprotective mother-in-law.”

Matthew groaned. “She means well, but she has rather firm opinions about what makes up a suitable match.”

“Most mothers do,” Selina said diplomatically. “But you must remember that you’ll be the one married to this lady, not your mother.”

“Listen to whatever advice she offers,” Georgiana suggested, stirring sugar into her tea. “Then do precisely what feels right to you. A little independence will serve you well.”

“You make it sound so simple,” Matthew sighed. “Yet whenever I attempt to assert myself, she reminds me of all the times I’ve made poor decisions.”

“We all make poor decisions,” Selina said, thinking of her own rushed acceptance of the elderly Earl of Galerton’s proposal. “It’s how we learn.”

“Exactly,” Georgiana agreed. “And regarding Miss Pemberton specifically, I happen to know she enjoys morning rides in Hyde Park. Her groom mentioned it to my footman.”

Matthew’s face brightened. “I’m an accomplished rider. Perhaps a chance encounter…”

“Would be perfectly natural,” Selina finished. “Just don’t make it obvious that you’re lying in wait for her.”

As they continued discussing strategy, Selina found herself wondering what it would be like if Rowan had courted her properly.

Would he have sought her out for morning rides? Engaged her in discussions about books and art? The thought sent an unexpected pang through her chest.

“Your Grace?” Matthew’s voice drew her from her reverie. “Are you quite well?”

“Yes, forgive me.” Selina forced a smile. “I was merely thinking how fortunate Miss Pemberton would be to gain such a thoughtful suitor.”

“You’re very kind,” Matthew said, his cheeks flushing. “Though I fear I’m not nearly as dashing as some gentlemen. Lord Huntley, for instance…”

“Nonsense,” Georgiana interrupted. “Lord Huntley may have a handsome face, but I’ve heard he’s dreadfully boring in conversation. All he discusses is his hounds and hunting.”

“Whereas you,” Selina added, “well, you might be equally fond of Lord Biscuit and Sir Waffles, but at least you’re capable of discussing other matters as well. That makes you far more appealing to a lady of intelligence.”

Matthew sat slightly straighter, bolstered by their encouragement. “I do enjoy reading. And I’ve recently begun studying astronomy.”

“Perfect topics for conversation,” Georgiana declared. “Ladies appreciate a man with intellectual pursuits.”

“Though perhaps avoid overwhelming her with technical details,” Selina advised with a smile. “At least not during your first conversation.”

They spent the next half hour coaching Matthew on various scenarios, from proper compliments to graceful exits if conversation lagged.

Selina found herself enjoying the role of advisor, even as she couldn’t help but compare this sweet, earnest courtship planning to her own sterile arrangement with Rowan.

“I should return before Mother sends a search party,” Matthew finally said, checking his pocket watch. “This has been… invaluable. Truly.”

“Remember,” Georgiana said as they prepared to leave, “confidence is your greatest asset. Believe in your own worth.”

“And perhaps,” Selina added gently, “consider telling your mother you’ll be taking morning rides alone. For the exercise.”

Matthew’s eyes lit with understanding. “For the exercise. Of course.”

As they parted ways outside the tea shop, Matthew clasping both ladies’ hands with genuine gratitude, Selina caught Georgiana watching her with concern.

“You grew rather quiet during tea,” her friend observed once Matthew had gone.

“Did I?” Selina attempted lightness. “I suppose I was focused on poor Matthew’s situation.”

“Hmm.” Georgiana’s expression suggested she wasn’t fooled. “It must be difficult, advising on courtship when your own began so unconventionally.”

Selina’s laugh held little humor. “Began and ended, it seems. We’ve moved directly to cold politeness without any of the pleasant middle ground.”

“Perhaps that will change,” Georgiana said softly. “Sometimes love grows in unexpected ways.”