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“I understand you had this traumatic experience, being forced to marry my uncle.” He compromised. “Let’s leave it at that for now. We have more pressing concerns.” He sat up and brought her to his lap, never stopping holding her. “I want you to abstain from public appearances for the next days.” Her head rested on his shoulder. “We’ll allow it to subside and then take action accordingly.”
“This is sensible enough.” She agreed.
“Good that you recognise it.” They stayed like that for long moments.
At last, she moved, standing up. She took a robe of his, on a chair nearby, dressing it. An amused expression covered his face. She shrugged, smiling faintly. Picking her clothes, she howled them in her arms and headed for the door.
She turned to him. “Thank you for your support.” And left his chambers.
Philip saw her leaving. In his robe, she looked even more delectable. If it hadn’t been for her state of mind, he’d have gone there and brought her back to bed. Nevertheless, there were problems to be sorted out. He stepped out of bed and rang for his valet, Thomas. First, he’d go after her half-brother. He didn’t want the wretch bothering her again. Then he’d go pull some strings to keep the worst of the scandal from affecting her. He didn’t know what he’d accomplish, but he’d try. Hard.
Chapter 16
A couple of days later, Philip had the impulse of punching his study desk. He’d sent men after Charles and the lowlife was nowhere to be found. Her half-brother probably knew that he’d have no chance against a duke and decided to “take a break” from London. Philip would renew his efforts, though. The troublemaker wouldn’t get away so easily.
Despite the fact that he’d been attending Parliament sessions, he’d been trying to be by Selene’s side as much as possible. In the night, they cuddled together, not minding to remain in his bedroom until the staff awoke. They had nothing left to hide after Lady Winterton’s ball.
The consequences of that night for him had been minimal. Almost nothing changed. Parliament, his club, his usual daily life went on. The only difference was that other men stared at him knowingly. And admiringly. He disliked it, obviously. Especially b
ecause it meant utter disrespect towards Selene. He’d thrash the first man who’d say something ungentlemanly about her.
He suspected Cumberbridge had something to do with that…discretion. He never asked, though. They met at the club, as Philip gave him a shortened version of how things happened.
“What do you think of doing next?” Darius asked, as they played billiards.
“I’m trying to find her wretch of a half-brother.” He took his turn, aiming and missing the blue ball.
“I mean the two of you.” He prepared to strike.
“I’ve asked her to marry me. I mean, before the damned ball.”
“And?” He hit the ball head on.
“She refused.” Philip didn’t want to show how it affected him, but his friend knew him only too well.
“You jest!” Darius observed him closely.
“Several times. Then and now.” He couldn’t help the thwarted expression on his face.
Darius scoffed, not able to refrain his mirth. “She refused you, a duke?”
“What of that?” He tried for valiant.
“Well, nothing…” Chuckling. “Pardon me for saying that, she seems a bit headstrong to me, though.”
“Confoundedly so!” He glowered.
“I don’t want to sound pessimist, my friend, but it appears you’ve found your match!” Laugh dancing on his face.
“Yes, go on! Laugh at me!” He mocked. “I want to watch when you find your match!”
Darius amusement died at once. “No danger of that.”
“We’ll see.” After the game, they bid farewell and Philip headed home.
Selene started feeling like a prisoner in her own home. It’s not like she had always been the life of the party. Nonetheless, she didn’t deem herself a hermit either. Moreover, the idea of hiding felt extremely uncomfortable for her. She hadn’t done anything wrong, really wrong, had she? Why did she have to take it on her as if she had committed a crime? She wouldn’t! She’d give it a week and go back to her normal life.
That night, after dinner, Philip caught her hand and led her to his chambers. As he’d been doing the past few nights, he undressed her to her chemise, doing the same, down to his underpants. They lay under the coverlet while he enfolded her in his arms. The only light in the room came from the fireplace, shedding a warm glow over them in the bed.
