Page 81 of The Duke's Jilted Bride

Before Selina could come up with a response that wouldn’t land her in trouble, she was saved by Georgiana and Isabella pushing through the crowd.

“There you are, Selina,” Georgiana said, linking arms with her. “We’ve been searching all over.”

“Lady Winsley.” Isabella offered a polite nod, her smile cool. “Always a pleasure. You won’t mind if we steal our friend away?”

“Not at all.” Lady Winsley’s smile tightened. “We were just reminiscing about the late Duke. Such a remarkable man.”

“How lucky for everyone that his son takes after someone else,” Isabella said with a sweet smile. “Good evening, Lady Winsley.”

She slipped her arm through Selina’s and steered her away, Georgiana falling in step behind them.

Once they reached a quieter spot, Selina let out a long breath.

“Thank you for the rescue. That woman makes my skin crawl.”

“She was watching you and your husband during your dance,” Georgiana said. “What was that about, by the way? The two of you looked ready to devour each other.”

Heat rose to Selina’s cheeks. “It was just a waltz.”

“Just a waltz?” Isabella arched a brow. “Darling, I’ve been married six years. I know the look of a hungry husband.”

Selina bit her lip. “Well, um, perhaps he was hungry because we skipped dinner.” But her pulse betrayed her, quickening at the memory of Rowan’s gaze, the warmth of his hand as he pulled her in just a bit too close. “We didn’t talk very much.”

“Some of the best conversations don’t need words,” Georgiana murmured. “Half the ballroom was watching you, you know.”

“They were curious, that’s all. We haven’t exactly been out and about since the wedding.”

Isabella and Georgiana traded a look. “If you say so,” Isabella said, her voice all too indulgent.

“Your Grace!” Matthew’s voice interrupted their conversation as he approached, his face flushed with excitement. “I followed your advice. I asked Miss Thornton to dance. Twice!”

“Lord Penderwick,” Georgiana greeted him. “We saw your first dance. You handled yourself admirably.”

“Definitely,” Selina agreed, grateful for the change of subject. “No stepped-on toes, no collisions with other couples. A triumph.”

“And you discussed astronomy?” Isabella prompted.

“Yes, though not excessively.” Matthew beamed. “We spoke of music, her favorite walks in the park, even a bit about poetry. She seemed genuinely interested.”

“Of course she was,” Selina said. “You’re an excellent conversationalist when you forget to be nervous.”

“Speaking of Miss Thornton,” Isabella nodded discreetly toward the refreshment table, “she appears to be watching you even now.”

Matthew turned, catching Miss Thornton’s eye. The young lady quickly looked away, a becoming blush coloring her cheeks.

“Should I ask her for another dance?” he asked.

“Not yet,” Isabella advised. “Let her wonder what you’re discussing with three beautiful women. A touch of jealousy can be most effective.”

“In fact,” she continued with a mischievous smile, “you should dance with someone else. Someone she’s already seen you converse with. Someone like…” She tapped her fan thoughtfully against her palm, then pointed it at Selina. “Her Grace would be perfect.”

Matthew blinked. “Her Grace? But our history?—”

“History is precisely that, mere history. Now, you are friends and your prior engagement was publicly dissolved,” Georgiana finished smoothly. “There’s no harm in a single dance.”

Selina hesitated, her gaze automatically seeking Rowan. She spotted him across the room with Felix, deep in conversation. Would he notice? Would he care?

“What do you say, Your Grace?” Matthew asked, his expression hopeful. “For the sake of my courtship?”

---