Page 5 of The Duke's Jilted Bride

Selina clenched her jaw but forced a smile in return, “Thank you both, ladies.”

“How fortunate you are to secure such a match at your advanced age,” Prudence added. “Twenty-six! Most ladies would have been relegated to spinsterhood by now.”

“Especially with such limited means,” her mother murmured. “Young men these days prefer their brides with substantial dowries.”

Selina clenched her jaw, feeling heat rise to her cheeks. She opened her mouth to respond, but another voice cut through the tension.

“Lady Amesbury, Miss Newton, how delightful to see you both,” said Isabella, Countess of Bingham, as she glided to Selina’s side. “I trust your season has been successful? Though I’ve yet to hear of any offers for you, Miss Newton. How many seasons has it been now? Three?”

Prudence flushed crimson.

“Lady Bingham,” Lady Amesbury said stiffly. “I’m surprised to see you in society in your condition.”

Isabella rested one hand on her rounded belly. “Goodness, Lady Amesbury, you wouldn’t expect me to miss my dearest friend’s engagement? Loyalty and kindness are such important qualities,don’t you agree? Though I understand they may be difficult traits to recognize for those who lack them entirely.”

The ladies exchanged annoyed glances before Lady Amesbury sniffed. “Come, Prudence. I see Lady Jersey has arrived.”

As they walked away, Selina turned to Isabella with gratitude. “Thank you. Their talons were fully extended today.”

“Spiteful cats,” Isabella said, taking Selina’s arm. “Pay them no mind. They’re simply jealous that you’ve secured a decent match while Prudence will remain on the shelf.”

“A decent match,” Selina repeated softly. “Matthew is kind, at least.”

Isabella squeezed her arm. “Kindness is not a small thing, especially in a husband.”

Selina nodded, though they both knew the truth. Her engagement to Matthew Colfield, Viscount Penderwick, was not a love match, but a practical arrangement born of necessity. She needed security, and he needed a wife who could manage a household without interference from his overbearing mother.

“Oh dear!”

Selina and Isabella turned in the direction of the sudden commotion.

They saw Matthew standing by the doorway, his round face flushed with excitement as he gestured to the floor beside him. Two brown and white beagles sat at his feet, their tails thumping against the polished wood.

“May I present Lord Biscuit and Sir Waffles,” Matthew announced proudly to the guests closest to him. “The finest hunting dogs in England! Though they’re far too refined for actual hunting, of course.”

“Oh no,” Selina murmured. “Lady Penderwick specifically asked him not to bring the dogs tonight.”

“Too late now,” Isabella replied with a muffled chuckle.

As if on cue, one of the dogs—Lord Biscuit, judging by the blue ribbon he always had around his neck—spotted a footman carrying a tray of canapés. With a joyful bark, he bounded across the room, his companion following close behind.

“Lord Biscuit! Sir Waffles! Come back here this instant!” Matthew called, hurrying after them.

The dogs ignored him, weaving through the guests with reckless abandon. Sir Waffles knocked into an elderly gentleman, sending him stumbling into a young lady, while Lord Biscuit made a leap for the footman’s tray.

Guests scattered as the beagles continued their rampage. Lord Biscuit knocked the tray from the footman’s hands, sending tinysandwiches flying. Sir Waffles, delighted by this turn of events, gobbled them from the floor.

“Matthew!” Lady Penderwick’s voice cut through the chaos as she stormed into the drawing room. “What is the meaning of this disastrous situation?”

“Mother, I can explain,” Matthew began, his face now scarlet.

“I told you that those creatures were not to attend tonight’s gathering,” she hissed, grabbing Lord Biscuit by the collar. “Take them upstairs immediately!”

“Yes, Mother,” Matthew replied meekly.

Selina watched as her betrothed gathered his beloved pets, murmuring apologies to guests as he led the dogs from the room.

“See how he yields to her every command?” Isabella whispered. “Are you certain this is what you want?”

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