Page 109 of The Duke's Jilted Bride

At the glove maker’s, they encountered Lady Winsley examining a display of kid leather.

“Your Grace,” she said, turning with what appeared to be genuine surprise. “How lovely to see you looking so well.”

“Lady Winsley.” Selina managed to make a polite nod. “Good afternoon.”

“And Your Grace, Lady Bingham. What a pleasant coincidence.” Lady Winsley smiled warmly. “Enjoying your shopping trip?”

“Very much,” Isabella said, though there was a cool note in her voice. “The new season’s selection is actually quite good.”

“Isn’t it? I was just choosing gloves for my niece’s wedding. Such a cheerful occasion.” Lady Winsley turned to Selina with a smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. “And how is married life treating you, Your Grace?”

Selina returned the smile, keeping her tone polite. “We’re settling in well, thank you.”

“Give your husband my regards. Such a devoted man. You’re fortunate the two of you found your way back to each other after… everything.”

There was something pointed in her voice. Just a bit too smooth, too measured. Selina looked at her more closely, but Lady Winsley’s expression remained perfectly pleasant.

“I’ll pass along your message,” Selina said, her smile tight.

“Lovely. Well, I won’t keep you. Enjoy the rest of your shopping.” With that, Lady Winsley gathered her parcels and swept off, all elegance and poise.

As soon as she was out of earshot, Isabella muttered, “She gives me chills.”

“She seemed pleasant,” Georgiana offered, though the crease between her brows said otherwise.

“Pleasant as a viper in silk,” Isabella replied. “There’s something calculating about her.”

Selina said nothing, but she had felt it too. Something beneath Lady Winsley’s polite veneer that didn’t quite ring true.

They finished their shopping without any further incident, but Selina’s spirits remained low. On their way back to Georgiana’s, she dreaded another night cooped up inside.

“Would it be possible to take a walk in the park?” she asked as they settled into Georgiana’s carriage. “I find I need more air.”

“Of course,” Georgiana said immediately. “We could all use some exercise.”

“Actually, I was hoping to walk alone. Just for a short while.”

Isabella and Georgiana exchanged concerned glances.

“Selina, that’s not wise,” Isabella said. “London parks aren’t safe for unaccompanied ladies.”

“I’ll take a maid. I simply need some quiet time to think.”

“Are you certain you wouldn’t prefer company?” Georgiana asked gently. “We could walk together. No conversation required.”

Selina appreciated their concern, but the thought of making polite chatter while her heart felt so heavy was unbearable.

“Please. Just this once. I promise I’ll be sensible.”

After some back and forth, they settled on a compromise. Selina would take a short walk in Green Park with Mary, one of Georgiana’s most trusted maids, while Georgiana and Isabella headed home to check on James.

“One hour,” Georgiana said, giving Selina a look. “If you’re not back by five, I’m sending a search party.”

Selina smiled faintly. “One hour.”

The park was quiet, thankfully. Most of London’s fashionable crowd was still out shopping or getting ready for the evening, so the paths were mostly empty. Selina walked slowly, taking in the shifting light and early signs of autumn. Mary followed a few paces behind, keeping a respectful distance.

Leaves were just turning, and the air was cool enough to hint at the change in season. On another day, it might’ve felt peaceful. Today, it just made everything feel heavier.

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