Page 63 of The Duke's Jilted Bride

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.

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