Page 80 of The Duke's Jilted Bride

Rowan stood still for a moment, watching her disappear into the crowd. A curious emptiness settled in his chest, one he hadn’t expected.

“You look like a man in need of a drink,” came Felix’s voice from just behind him.

Rowan turned to find his friend holding two glasses of champagne.

“I thought you weren’t attending tonight,” he said, accepting the offered glass.

“Changed my mind. Society gossip can be quite enlightening.” Felix nodded toward where Selina now stood with the Duchess of Emberford. “You two made quite a picture on the dance floor. Half the room was watching.”

“Let them watch.”

“Oh, they will. And they’ll wonder why the Duke of Aldermere looks at his wife like a starving man eyes a feast, yet keeps his distance.”

Rowan shot him a warning glance. “Not now, Felix.”

“If not now, when?” Felix persisted. “Every day you delay telling her the truth, you build another brick in the wall between you.”

“We’ve talked about this. Until I know who orchestrated my abduction, she’s safer ignorant.”

“Is she?” Felix’s usually merry face turned serious. “Or is she more vulnerable because you don’t trust her?”

The thought sent a chill through Rowan. He hadn’t considered that possibility—that his silence might actually put Selina at greater risk. If whoever had arranged his disappearance decided she was a vulnerability to exploit…

“I need to investigate Plymouth,” he said, changing the subject. “Latham is the key to identifying Edward Bentern.”

Felix sighed, recognizing the deflection. “I’ll continue making inquiries here. Though I maintain your wife deserves to know what’s happening.”

“When it’s resolved,” Rowan promised. “Not before.”

Whatever happened in Plymouth, whatever name lay behind Edward Bentern, he would need to decide when this was over. Continue keeping Selina at a distance, or risk letting her see the broken man beneath the ducal title.

Neither option seemed likely to end well.

CHAPTER 27

“Your Grace, you look absolutely enchanting this evening! That shade of blue is most becoming,” Lady Winsley appeared at Selina’s side as she moved through the crowded ballroom.

Selina masked her surprise with a polite smile. “Lady Winsley. Thank you for the compliment.”

“I’ve been hoping for a moment to speak with you.” Lady Winsley’s eyes sparkled with manufactured warmth. “We had so little chance to become acquainted at our last meeting.”

“Indeed.” Selina glanced around, hoping to spot a friendly face that might provide escape.

The ballroom had filled quickly, and Selina found it harder to pick her friends out among the swirl of silk and sparkle.

“Marriage suits you,” Lady Winsley said, her eyes flicking over Selina in a way that was more sizing-up than compliment. “Though I expect life with His Grace takes some getting used to.”

“Every marriage requires adjustment, I suppose.”

“Particularly one that occurred so hastily after his return.” Lady Winsley leaned closer, her voice dropping conspiratorially. “One wonders what prompted such urgency. He was never a man given to impulsive decisions.”

“I wouldn’t know,” Selina replied coolly. “Our acquaintance before marriage was conducted through correspondence.”

“How unusual. And now? Has he opened his heart to you? Shared his deepest thoughts?” Lady Winsley’s smile held a predatory edge. “You know… he was always such a reserved child. So difficult to reach beneath that cold exterior.”

“My relationship with my husband is private, Lady Winsley.” Selina kept her tone light despite her growing irritation. “Though your concern is touching.”

“Not concern, my dear. Interest.” Lady Winsley toyed with her fan. “I knew his father so well, you see. The men in their family have always fascinated me with their complexities.”

---