Page 46 of The Duke's Jilted Bride

“On the contrary,” Selina said, seizing the opportunity. “I would like to understand your business interests.”

Rowan looked skeptical but began a stilted explanation of his merchant fleet. As he spoke, his posture gradually relaxed, his natural intelligence clear in his simple explanations. Selina asked questions that revealed her own knowledge of finance, gleaned from managing her meager widow’s portion for two years.

“You understand currency exchange rates?” Rowan asked, surprise coloring his voice.

“My situation required financial literacy,” Selina replied with a shrug. “I couldn’t afford to be ignorant of my own affairs.”

Something like respect flickered in Rowan’s eyes before Felix interrupted.

“Hawkins!” he called, waving to a portly gentleman approaching from the opposite direction. “Just the man I wanted to see.”

The gentleman joined them, bowing to Selina with more curiosity than courtesy. “Lord Halston. Your Graces.”

“Your Grace, may I present Mr. Hawkins, a business associate,” Felix said. “Hawkins, Her Grace, the Duchess of Aldermere.”

“A pleasure.” Hawkins turned to the men. “I’ve been meaning to speak with you both about the Liverpool venture. The warehouse lease is nearly completed.”

The conversation quickly turned technical. Selina listened for several minutes before touching Rowan’s arm.

“If you gentlemen will excuse me, I believe I’ll take a turn by the Serpentine.”

Rowan frowned slightly. “Allow me to accompany you.”

“No need to interrupt your business,” she assured him. “I’ll remain in sight.”

Before he could protest, she moved away, following a path that curved toward the lake. The spring afternoon had drawn many visitors to the park’s shores—nursemaids with their charges, young couples strolling arm in arm, ladies pausing to admire the swans.

Selina found a secluded bend in the path that offered a view across the water. She breathed deeply, grateful for a moment’s respite from performance and scrutiny.

Movement on a bench some distance away caught her attention. A young couple sat in conversation, their heads inclined toward each other with the absorption of the new attraction.

A maid stood nearby, maintaining a proper distance while ensuring propriety was observed.

With a start, Selina recognized Matthew. The young woman beside him was pretty, with dark curls peeking from beneath a fashionable bonnet. They looked happy, untroubled, until Selina noticed Lady Penderwick hovering nearby, her lorgnette trained on the couple like a weapon.

Poor Matthew. Even in courtship, he couldn’t escape his mother’s surveillance. The young lady shifted uncomfortably under Lady Penderwick’s scrutiny, her smile dimming.

Before she could reconsider, Selina was moving toward them, summoning her most gracious smile.

“Lady Penderwick! What a delightful surprise.”

The older woman turned, her eyes narrowing. “Your Grace.”

“Such a beautiful afternoon for the park,” Selina continued, undeterred. “I was just admiring the new plantings by the east gate. Have you seen them? The gardeners have created the most charming arrangement.”

Lady Penderwick glanced toward her son, clearly reluctant to move away.

“I would value your opinion on the design,” Selina pressed. “You have such renowned taste in horticulture.”

Vanity won over suspicion. Lady Penderwick allowed herself to be guided a short distance away, though she continued to glance back toward Matthew and his companion.

“What are you playing at?” she hissed once they were out of earshot. “I recognized your interference the moment you appeared.”

“I’m simply making polite conversation,” Selina replied. “Though I wonder why you feel the need to hover so closely over your son. He’s hardly a child.”

“My son’s affairs are none of your concern.” Lady Penderwick’s voice sharpened. “You would do well to keep your distance from my family.”

“Matthew is a grown man,” Selina said quietly. “Capable of managing his own courtship without constant supervision.”

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