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“What a shame.” Lady Winterton added.
“Alright.” Philip held up his hands trying for a compromise. “I will marry her, of course.”
“She’s your step-aunt!” Travis put wood in the fire.
A shocked murmur passed the small crowd. Philip didn’t look at Selene, but he sensed her immovable and he couldn’t fathom her reaction or her feelings about that.
“I’m not marrying anyone, you filthy-minded people!” She said hotly under her breath.
Philip felt like laughing. She wouldn’t lose her fighting streak. This woman was amazing!
“What did she say?” Came Charles’s drunk drawl.
“I said I’m not marrying anyone, you gambling-addicted wretch!” She clarified for him.
Another scandalized murmur passed the gallery for her refusal, as much as for the way she called her brother.
Philip had the impulse of picking her up and carrying her to the first church available. Admiration roaring in him. He wouldn’t let the woman go. Ever!
Charles’s face hardened at being thus disclosed. Philip watched him closely, lest he’d threaten Selene.
“That’s it, everyone.” Darius attempted. “I believe His Grace and her family will sort this out in the morning.” Looking everyone in the eye, he dared anyone to contradict him. “For now, they’ll retire.
“They will spend the night under the same roof?” Lady Winterton’s voice affronted.
For his life, Philip wouldn’t leave her alone after this stage drama!
“She’ll stay at my sister’s house.” Came Darius again and herded Philip and Selene to the back door.
Quiet, too quiet, Selene allowed herself to be taken away.
As Darius went to call for his carriage, Philip spoke under his breath. “She stays at Crompton house. Not negotiable!”
“Lord, you’re out of your mind with love!” Darius rolled his eyes. “Can’t you see that?”
Philip wanted only to see to Selene’s needs and comfort. He’d think about himself afterwards.
Selene sat in the dark carriage, mind blotted, eyes vague. What would become of her now? This scandal would surely implode her life. She felt like something had broken inside her. Bleak, utter bleakness there. She couldn’t even shed tears. She had none.
Seeing Philip there defending her, protecting her warmed her feelings. He was not to blame. Of course. Her brother must have been watching her moves. He used this as a revenge for her refusal to give him more gambling money. If this was the case, this would have come sooner or later, she thought.
A heavy tiredness fell over her. Having lost her dreams and expectations, she now lost the little peace she’d been able to gather around her. She’d not marry Philip. Not for the life of her. He didn’t love her and she… Who could tell? It came as no solution whatsoever. She’d have to regroup and find a solution for herself. Right at that moment, her mind was incapable of thinking. She’d have to wait for morning light. She leaned her head on the carriage wall, her mind empty.
Philip looked at her, a sharp pain tearing at his guts. He and Darius exchanged glances. Both saw she had no conditions of going anywhere.
“I’ll go to my sister and tell her to swear on her life Lady Crompton slept there tonight.” His sister was a married lady with two toddlers. Knowing the whole story, she’d be willing to help.
The carriage pulled to a stop. “Selene.” Philip called her as she continued leaning her head on the carriage wall.
She stared at him completely absent. She might be in shock. Blasted hell! Philip thought hotly. She didn’t deserve any of this. She’d been through enough. He’d give his own right arm to go back in time and avoid this mess! He went down the carriage, p
icked her in his arms. Cumberbridge tried to help, but Philip would not let anyone touch her.
The two friends looked at each other. “Thank you.” Philip said, turning to the house, as the carriage drove away.
Still early, Jenkins was up to open the door. “Jenkins, please send hot chocolate to my room. Lady Crompton isn’t well.” Tomorrow the servants would have heard the whole story anyway, he thought. No use hiding their…liaison anymore.
“Understood, Your Grace.” He bowed without exhibiting the slightest reaction. Hastily, he headed for the kitchen.
