Page 40 of The Iron Duke's Flaming Christmas
Was it her? Was it really the beautiful, yet humble, governess, who always wore prim, buttoned up gowns, with her hair tightly pulled back?
His heart started racing. She was wearing a pale pink muslin gown, her chestnut hair swept up into an elegant chignon, with pearls glistening at her throat and in her ears. It was a gown that he couldn’t recall Mary wearing often, but then, his wife had had many, many gowns. So many he couldn’t remember half of them.
She is so beautiful. Like a vision of loveliness.
But even more than that, she looked like a lady. It wasn’t just the gown and the jewelry. It was the way she carried herself, her back straight, her head high, looking around the room in an almost regal way.
Suddenly, she saw him across the room. Their eyes met and locked. His heart hit the ground with a crash.
He had resolved again to stay away from her, knowing it couldn’t lead anywhere, and not wanting to end up breaking her heart, or leading her to ruin… and it hadn’t been that difficult when he had been so busy this week.
But he realized, with a sickening lurch to his stomach, that it had been a pointless resolution—for staying away from her was simply impossible. He may as well ask the sun stop shining entirely.
Chapter 21
“Emma,” said Selene, her eyes widening in surprise, at seeing her best friend circulating around the conservatory. “What are you doing here?”
“I know,” laughed Emma, her eyes sparkling. “I never expected to attend such an event, either.” She shrugged her shoulders, leaning closer to Selene, whispering in her ear. “I came with Captain Redford. He invited me!”
“Pardon?” Selene couldn’t believe her ears. “But… you barely know the gentleman! You just met him.”
“Actually, the Captain and I have become rather close,” confided Emma, with a sly smile. “We have gone for many long walks together—and we have kissed until we were both breathless… once he pressed me against a tree and we could not stop touching one another.” She giggled. “He makes my heart sing with joy and my body purr with pleasure, Selene.”
Selene flushed. “I… I cannot believe it.” She pulled Emma to the side, lowering her voice further. “Are you serious about him, Emma? And is he serious about you?”
“I believe so,” murmured Emma, shaking her head in disbelief. “I never expected it, Selene. He has swept me off my feet entirely.”
“There you are,” said a deep voice behind them. “I lost you in the crowd, Miss Wellington.”
They turned around. Captain Redford was standing there, gazing at Emma, as if she were the most beautiful creature in the world. Selene watched as their eyes locked—there was a sizzle in the air.
“Miss Bomind,” he said, smiling at her. “You look lovely.”
“Thank you, Captain,” replied Selene, smiling back at him. He seemed like a very nice gentleman, and Emma was clearly enamored by him. It had happened very quickly, and she had no idea if the Captain was serious about her friend or about to break her heart, but for the moment, she was willing to cast her approval at the match.
“Would you care for some refreshment, Miss Wellington?” drawled the Captain, turning back to Emma.
“Yes, very much, Captain,” Emma breathed.
Emma shot Selene a dazzling smile as they swept away, before turning and running back to her friend, whispering in her ear.
“I really think I am in love,” she said. “I will find you later and tell you all about it.”
Selene nodded, too shocked to reply. Emma ran back to Captain Redford. Selene’s heart filled with emotion for her friend, before she turned, walking quickly away, searching for Lenore. Her charge was whispering with some other children in a corner of the room. Selene slumped with relief that Lenore was so occupied and clearly happy—the little girl rarely got to play with other children.
Her eyes darted around the room. She didn’t know what to do now that Lenore was occupied—maybe she should have taken Mrs. Kittles suggestion and brought her sewing basket.
Suddenly, she stiffened. The duke was chatting with Lady Gwen near the pianoforte. Against her will, as if drawn by a magnet, she started walking toward them. She couldn’t help feasting her eyes upon the duke, who looked so commanding and handsome in a crisp green jacket, white shirt and tan britches, with long black boots.
His dark hair was slicked back, but some of it had fallen over his forehead, in the habitual way. She wanted to push it back, run her fingers through it.
She shuddered, feeling his hands upon her body once again as if they were really there, evoking those wild sensations, bringing her to the brink of ecstasy and beyond. She stopped, her heart pounding hard, just inches away from them.
The duke had his back to her and didn’t know she was standing there, and she was fairly certain that Lady Gwen had no idea either, as the lady was fixated upon the duke, her eyes fastened on his face, as if he were the only gentleman in the room.
Selene knew it was rude to eavesdrop, but she just couldn’t seem to help herself. She turned as if observing in another direction, and listened closely.
“It is a wonderful party, Your Grace,” enthused Lady Gwen. “Almost all of the ton in the district have attended, despite the intemperate weather.” She paused, a seductive smile playing on her lips. “Perhaps they have come out in force because they know I am staying here and to see with their own eyes the affection between us.”
