Page 28 of His Ruined Duchess

A strange development with the Duke. I have learned more about his past before accepting his title, and he has actually come to me seeking aid in understanding the etiquette of the upper class. He confounds me if I am quite honest. I have now heard it from rumor and his lips that he is not appreciative of ton and seeks to hold himself above the men within the aristocracy.

And yet, he has asked me to educate him so that he might behave more appropriately at the upcoming events of the Season and beyond. He has said that it is to further his goal of marrying us all off, and I have to admit that I did imply he should do as much when I scolded him the other evening.

It does sit oddly with me, though. The man is boorish and has no tact whatsoever, but he has seen those flaws, as I pointed them out to him, and decided to act on adjusting them. I never would have predicted it.

From his backstory, I know that he did not wish to be a man of marriage or title. While he remains unwed, the lack of a direct heir to Easton has forced him into a life within the upper class.Ihave pushed him into it because I did not produce that heir. And still, the man has asked for my help.

I continue to be utterly confounded.

I do hope you are well, Ethel. I miss you terribly, and while it is lovely to have Myra here, it would be that much better if you, too, were nearby, filling me in on your latest read.

Please write back to me, Ethel. I worry more and more with each unreturned letter. I know that we have teased each other in the past, but I do hope you know that I care about you deeply. There… there is so much that I wish to tell you to your face, not in a letter.

However, since I am unsure if I will ever see you again, I will tell you this. The Duke has discovered that I am indeed a virgin. I did not sleep with Easton. I did not even kiss the man. He was kind, and we grew close, but that was the extent of it. I am terrified of what it might be like if I am forced to find a husband who will not be as lenient about fulfilling my wifely duties.

You now know my greatest secret and are among only three other living people who know. I have told Charlotte and her sister-in-law, Rose, and the Duke figured me out.

Please come home.

Your friend,

Selina

Chapter Twelve

“Please greet me, as the lady of the house, then you may progress to the master, and I will then introduce you to each of the guests in attendance.”

Hugh, as Selina had come to think of him now, fought back the roll of his eyes, but he succeeded only partly. She eyed him, raising her brows to continue. This demonstration of proper table etiquette at a party was starting for the fifth time at least. They’d practiced for the past two days, and he was beginning to understand, but he was very resistant.

“There is no one else here, S—” She narrowed her eyes at him, and Hugh sighed. “Your Grace.”

With a smile, she nodded. “I am aware, Your Grace, but you must pretend with me. It is the only way to practice what you have learned truly. Reciting the answers is one thing, but I must see you in action.”

He bit back a groan but did as asked. “Greetings, Your Grace. Thank you for inviting me to your home.”

Stepping forward, Hugh took her hand and laid a gentle kiss on the back of it before turning to her imaginary husband.

“And good evening, Your Grace. I look forward to dinner.”

Selina grinned, proud of the man despite his clear annoyance with the practice. Lowering her voice, Selina offered a response from the man of the house.

“Well met, Your Grace. It is wonderful that you could join us. These are my guests.” Selina turned toward the empty space to her left, gesturing around as if there were people in the room with them. “The Duke of Aldworth.” Hugh gave a bow and a nod, waiting for the rest. “The Duke and Duchess of Mullens and his sister, Rose.” Another acceptable bow. “And the Duke and Duchess of Blackford.”

Hugh offered a good evening to the imaginary guests, and Selina walked them across the room, pretending as if they were leaving the drawing room and going to the dining room for supper. She had told him that he would be presented there first, and then the lady of the house would request the first lady in rank to walk first into the room where they would be dining.

She had also explained to him the ranking and precedence of how the women and men would proceed, to which she was met with another eye roll from Hugh.

“Must everything be a demonstration of rank? It’s exhausting.”

Selina did her best not to grin. “Unfortunately for you, yes. Everything is done with the notion of rank in mind. You will grow accustomed to it.”

Giving him a supportive pat on the hand, Selina showed Hugh how she would enter after all the other ladies in attendance and how he would take his place in the lineup of those who were mock attending.

“Now, when we are seated, it has been established in my home that I direct the men and women to sit alternating. Highest ranking toward myself, where I would sit at the head of the table, proceeding down toward where my husband would sit.”

“It is not always so? Are there yet more rules that I must learn?” Hugh practically grumbled the words, and Selina eyed him, attempting to get him to focus.

Still, she noted that his irritation had mellowed some, and her frustration with the Duke had also lessened. She was used to his demeanor now, and in truth, it did not progress further than some annoyance. He listened to her dutifully—though not without a critique of the entire system of etiquette—and Hugh proved to be a quick study at remembering the proper positioning of himself.

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