Page 51 of The Duke's Jilted Bride

Sensing her reluctance to discuss her marriage further, Georgiana obliged with tales of country life. As she spoke, Beatrice grew restless, squirming in Selina’s hold.

“I believe someone wants to explore,” Georgiana observed. “Martha, please bring her toy basket.”

The maid produced a small basket containing wooden blocks and a cloth doll. She set them on the carpet before the sofa, and Selina lowered Beatrice to the floor, where she immediately began stacking the blocks with surprising dexterity.

“She’s quite clever,” Selina remarked, sitting down on the carpet to help.

“She takes after her father,” Georgiana said fondly. “Robert insists on reading to her every night, though I doubt she understands a word of his economic treatises.”

Selina laughed, passing Beatrice another block. The child grinned, revealing four tiny teeth.

“She likes you,” Georgiana observed. “You have a natural way with children.”

“Do I?” Selina felt an unexpected warmth at the compliment. “I’ve had little experience with them.”

“Perhaps you’ll have your own soon enough.” Georgiana’s tone was casual, but her eyes were watchful.

The gossip had reached her friend, too, it seemed. “Those rumors are entirely false,” Selina said quietly. “The Duke and I have not… that is, our marriage remains unconsummated.”

“Oh.” Georgiana’s cheeks colored slightly. “I didn’t mean to pry.”

“It’s all right.” Selina helped Beatrice rebuild her tower after an enthusiastic demolition. “But perhaps you could mention the truth if you hear the speculation? I would hate for Robert to think I married in desperation.”

“Of course.” Georgiana reached down to stroke her daughter’s hair. “Though I confess I’m puzzled. If the Duke required a wife, surely he would want an heir as well?”

The question struck uncomfortably close to Selina’s own confusion about Rowan’s behavior. His rejection on theirwedding night, followed by that passionate kiss at the opera, left her utterly baffled about his intentions.

“I’m sure he does, eventually,” she hedged. “But there are… complications in his life at present. Business matters that occupy his attention.”

“Men and their business,” Georgiana sighed. “Robert becomes positively obsessed when a new shipping venture presents itself. I swear he forgot to eat for two days during the negotiations with the East India Company.”

Their conversation turned to lighter topics as the afternoon progressed. By the time Georgiana rose to leave, promising to send a carriage at seven for dinner, Selina felt lighter than she had in weeks.

“Martha, please take Beatrice downstairs for a moment,” Georgiana instructed the maid once the child had been disentangled from Selina’s skirts. “I need a private word with Her Grace.”

When they were alone, Georgiana took Selina’s hands in hers. “I meant what I said before. If you’re unhappy, if this marriage is not what you hoped, Robert and I will help however we can.”

Tears pricked at Selina’s eyes, though she couldn’t have said whether from gratitude for the offer or sadness that her friend had seen through her brave facade.

“Thank you,” she managed. “But truly, I’m all right. The Duke is… complicated, but not cruel. And I’ve learned to make my way with far less kindness than he’s shown me.”

Georgiana squeezed her hands. “You deserve happiness, Selina. Not just security or the absence of cruelty, but true joy. Don’t forget that.”

The words lingered with Selina long after her friend had departed.

At seven precisely, Selina ascended the steps of the Emberford townhouse alone. Rowan had not returned from whatever mysterious business occupied his days, leaving her to invent an excuse for his absence.

“Your Grace,” the Emberford butler greeted her with a formal bow. “The Duke and Duchess await you in the drawing room.”

Robert Woodmore, Duke of Emberford, rose as she entered. He was a tall man with shrewd eyes and an unexpectedly boyish smile.

“Duchess,” he said, taking her hand. “How delightful to see you again.”

“Your Grace,” Selina replied with a curtsy. “Thank you for your kind invitation.”

“Where is your husband?” Georgiana asked, coming forward to embrace her.

“A last-minute business matter,” Selina explained smoothly. “He sends his sincere regrets.”

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