Page 74 of The Duke's Jilted Bride

Tears pricked at Selina’s eyes. “The honor is mine. Truly.”

A soft knock broke the moment, and the nurse stepped in, carrying a small bundle wrapped in lace and linen. Isabella’s expression shifted instantly, her features glowing as she reached for her daughter.

“Here she is,” she said, voice low with wonder. “Lily Elizabeth Bingham, may I present Her Grace, the Duchess of Aldermere, your godmother.”

Selina leaned forward, her breath catching as she took in the tiny, perfect face. Lily’s eyes were open, a dark blue so vivid it seemed to drink in the light. A soft curl of hair lay against her forehead.

“She’s beautiful,” Selina whispered. “May I hold her?”

Isabella transferred the baby carefully into Selina’s arms. The weight of her, so light yet so substantial, awakened a longing Selina hadn’t realized was there.

A child of her own. A family.

“You look quite natural with her,” Isabella observed.

“She makes it easy.” Selina brushed a finger over the baby’s velvet cheek. “Such a good girl.”

“She saves her lung power for the middle of the night, I assure you.” Isabella watched them with evident pleasure. “Now tell me everything. How goes married life with your mysterious duke?”

Selina kept her eyes on the baby, unwilling to let her friend see her expression. “As well as can be expected.”

“That poorly?” Isabella’s voice sharpened. “What has he done?”

“Nothing, truly. He’s simply…” Selina sighed. “Distant. Secretive. He disappears for days with no explanation. Returns looking exhausted but refuses to discuss where he’s been.”

“Sounds like a complete ogre,” Isabella declared. “A troll. An absolute boar of a man.”

Selina couldn’t help laughing at her friend’s outrage. “He’s not that bad.”

“A tyrant, then. A veritable despot.” Isabella warmed to her theme. “A brooding, mysterious creature who desperately needs a good shaking.”

“Thank you for that assessment,” Selina said, her spirits lifting despite herself. “I’ll be sure to mention your diagnosis next time we speak.”

“Please do. I have several more colorful descriptions should you require them.” Isabella’s expression softened. “In all seriousness, Selina. Are you happy?”

Selina considered the question as Lily’s tiny fingers curled around her thumb. “Not unhappy, precisely. Frustrated. Confused. There are moments when he seems to care deeply, then he retreats behind his walls again.”

“Men can be maddening creatures,” Isabella agreed. “Though they generally have reasons for their behavior, however incomprehensible to us.”

“I wish he would simply talk to me.” Selina reluctantly handed Lily back when she began to fuss. “These constant disappearances, the secrets… how am I to build a marriage on such shaky ground?”

Isabella settled the baby against her shoulder, patting her back gently. “Perhaps what you need is a distraction. Something to draw him out of his shell.”

“Such as?”

“A dinner party. Something small and intimate, with friends.” Isabella’s eyes lit with inspiration. “Why not tomorrow night? David and I are staying in London until next week. We could join you.”

“That might be pleasant,” Selina agreed. “Though I fear Rowan may refuse to attend.”

“Then he’ll miss a delightful evening, and you’ll enjoy yourself regardless.” Isabella shifted Lily to her other shoulder. “Invite the Emberfords as well. And perhaps young Lord Penderwick? David says he’s utterly hopeless with women and could use some guidance.”

Selina raised an eyebrow. “You want me to invite my former suitor to dine with my current husband?”

“Precisely. Nothing breaks the ice quite like awkward social situations.” Isabella grinned. “Say you will. I’ve been desperate for adult conversation that doesn’t revolve around infant digestion.”

“How could I refuse such a compelling argument?” Selina laughed. “Tomorrow night, then. I’ll send the invitations as soon as I return to London.”

Maybe a dinner party was just what she needed. A chance to bring people together. A way to build something real in this strange, uncertain space her marriage had become.

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