Page 96 of The Duke's Jilted Bride

“My father made plenty of mistakes,” he said evenly. “Believing people were disposable was one of the worst. I’ve made it a point not to follow his example.” He looked at Selina then, and the warmth in his expression was unmistakable. “My wife deserves better. And she has it.”

“How quaint, to be so devoted,” Annette said, her smile turning brittle. “Let’s hope the novelty lasts.”

“It will,” Rowan replied without hesitation. “In fact, it only grows stronger. As does my understanding of who’s truly worth my time.”

He glanced past her. “I believe the Duke and Duchess of Emberford have just arrived. Shall we go and pay our respects?”

Without waiting for Annette’s reply, he gently guided Selina away, his hand steady and sure at her back.

“I apologize for that woman,” he murmured once they were out of earshot. “She’s become increasingly bitter since my father’s death.”

“No apology needed.” Selina glanced back to where Annette stood watching them, her expression unreadable. “Though I confess there’s something unsettling about her interest in us.”

“She expected to become the next Duchess of Aldermere,” Rowan explained. “My father had hinted at marriage after her period of mourning for her husband ended. When he died instead, she lost both her protector and her ambitions.”

“And now she watches another woman claim the title she coveted,” Selina mused. “No wonder she seems resentful.”

They joined Georgiana and Robert, the encounter with Lady Winsley temporarily forgotten as they enjoyed the rest of the afternoon in more pleasant company.

When rain clouds threatened the festivities, sending guests scurrying for carriages, Rowan and Selina were among the first to depart.

“Home?” he asked as they settled into their carriage.

Selina shook her head. “Not yet. I’d like to show you something first.”

She gave the driver quiet instructions, then leaned back against the cushions, a small smile playing at her lips as Rowan glanced at her, clearly intrigued. The carriage rolled away from Mayfair, turning toward a quieter, less fashionable part of the city.

“Where are we going?” Rowan asked as the streets grew narrower, the buildings more modest.

“To where I lived after Lord Galerton died,” Selina replied. “Before our marriage.”

Understanding dawned in his eyes as the carriage stopped before a narrow townhouse, its facade respectable but far from the grandeur of their current residence.

“This is where you were when I returned?”

“Yes. Renting two rooms from a widow who needed the income.” Selina gazed at the familiar windows. “I was fortunate. Many widows in my position end up in far worse circumstances.”

Rowan’s hand found hers, his grip tight. “I wish I had known. About your situation, about what you faced alone.”

“How could you? You were fighting your own battles.” She squeezed his fingers. “I wanted you to see it. To understand where I came from, and how grateful I am for where I am now.”

The simple declaration seemed to affect him deeply. He lifted her hand to his lips, pressing a kiss to her knuckles with unexpected reverence.

“You would have managed without me,” he said. “You’re stronger than you know.”

“Perhaps. But I’m glad I didn’t have to.” The honesty of the admission surprised her. “Take me home, Rowan.”

The ride back passed in a quiet, easy silence, her hand resting in his as the carriage moved through the busy streets of London. By the time they reached the townhouse, night had settled over the city, and the first stars were beginning to show in the deepening blue sky.

Simmons met them at the door and informed them dinner would be ready in half an hour. Selina was halfway up the stairs when Rowan caught her hand and gently tugged her in another direction.

“Rowan?” she asked, surprised, but he said nothing as he led her toward his study and closed the door behind them.

“I’ve been thinking about what you said earlier,” he said quietly, stepping close. “About being grateful for where you are now.”

She nodded. “Yes?”

“I want you to know I feel the same.” His hands rose to cradle her face. “I’m grateful for you. For your patience, your kindness, for giving me a second chance I’m not sure I earned.”

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