Page 82 of The Duke's Jilted Bride

“Well, when you put it that way,” Selina smiled, extending her hand. “How can I refuse?”

As Matthew led her onto the floor, Selina felt a twinge of guilt. Not for dancing with him—as Georgiana had correctly noted, there was no real impropriety there—but for the small, petty part of her that hoped Rowan would see and feel something, anything, in response.

The orchestra struck up a country dance, less intimate than the waltz but still requiring partners to join hands at intervals. Matthew proved a competent if unexceptional dancer, guiding her through the figures with careful attention.

“Miss Thornton is still watching,” he whispered as they came together in the pattern.

“Good,” Selina replied. “Remember to smile as if we’re having a marvelous conversation.”

Matthew obediently produced a toothy smile that made him look slightly manic. Selina bit back a laugh.

“Perhaps a bit more natural,” she suggested. “As if I’d just said something mildly amusing, not as if I’d announced you’d won a fortune.”

His smile adjusted, exposing less of his teeth. “Is this better?”

“Much.”

They separated again as the dance required, then rejoined moments later.

“I’m grateful for your help,” Matthew said sincerely. “You’ve been extraordinarily kind, considering…”

“Ancient history,” Selina assured him. “I harbor no ill feelings, Lord Penderwick.”

“Nor I. And please, call me Matthew. No one’s listening,” He guided her through a turn. “But… Still, I suspect your husband might not share our charitable perspective.”

“What makes you say that?”

“The way he’s currently looking at me suggests he’s contemplating murder.”

Selina’s steps faltered slightly. “Is he watching?”

“Indeed. With an expression that would curdle milk. Over your left shoulder, near the second column.”

She waited until the steps of the dance turned her just enough to glance toward Rowan without drawing attention.

Sure enough, he stood stiffly at the edge of the crowd, watching them with a look that could curdle wine. Even from across the room, the heat of his stare made her skin prickle.

“Maybe this wasn’t the best idea,” Matthew said under his breath as they came together again.

“Nonsense,” Selina replied, trying to keep her voice light, though her heart was racing. “We’re not doing anything wrong. And look—Miss Thornton has edged closer to the dance floor.”

That caught his attention enough that he missed a step, then gave her a sheepish grin. “Do you think she’s actually interested?”

“I think a young lady doesn’t watch a gentleman’s every move unless she finds him worth watching.” She twirled neatly beneath his arm, her tone teasing but pointed. “Focus on her, not on my husband. This dance is for your benefit, after all.”

Matthew nodded, his attention shifting to Miss Thornton. But Selina found her own awareness remained fixed on Rowan, feeling the weight of his gaze like a physical touch as she moved through the patterns of the dance.

A traitorous part of her thrilled at his reaction. If he could feel jealousy, maybe he could feel other things too.

Rowan did not move. His eyes were still locked on her, his expression tight with something that looked like anger but also possession. And something else. Something she couldn’t quite name.

Their eyes met, and the moment that passed between them felt more intimate than the entire dance. She felt it like a spark hanging in the air, waiting.

She just didn’t know if it would pull them closer… or push them even further apart.

CHAPTER 28

“She moves well, doesn’t she?” Felix said, taking a sip of champagne as he watched the couples weave through the country dance. “The Duchess and Lord Penderwick certainly look the part.”

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