Page 93 of The Duke’s Hidden Duchess

Then Lady Helena Sinclair stood from her chair near without haste. Those nearest her noticed first, and the quiet spread.

“I promised the Duchess that I would speak when the occasion required it,” she said. “I believe it does.” Her gaze settled briefly upon Selina. “When my nephew married, I had reservations. Her Grace knows that better than anyone.”

Selina met her eyes.

“I have since had the opportunity to know her.”

Lady Helena turned towards the room.

“The Duchess of Wexford has my confidence and my affection. I do not bestow either carelessly. Anyone who chooses to repeat Lord Merrow’s allegations after the documents produced tonight may do as they please. They should not expect to do it in my company.”

She sat down.

Selina stood very still. Nathaniel looked at her.

He had kept his silence through the accusation, the documents and Rowland’s attempt to draw Georgiana into the affair. When Selina met his eyes now, she gave the smallest nod.

Nathaniel stepped forward.

“I shall add only one thing.”

The room turned towards him.

“I knew who my wife was before I married her. I knew her name, her father’s history and the circumstances in which she had lived since his death. Nothing said tonight is a revelation to me.” His gaze found Selina’s. “I married her freely. Knowing what I know now, I would make the same choice again.”

The words were familiar to her. He had told her as much in private. Hearing him say them here, where Giles had intended her shame to stand, was another thing entirely.

Nathaniel looked back towards the room.

“Anyone who wishes to judge the Duchess of Wexford may therefore do so knowing that I do not share the judgement.”

He stepped back beside her.

Lady Marwood rose. She crossed the floor and stopped before Selina.

“Come, Duchess.”

She offered her arm.

Selina understood the gesture for what it was. She placed her hand upon it.

Only then did Lady Marwood address Giles and Rowland.

“You will both leave my house.”

Giles stiffened. “Lady Marwood…”

“No. I have heard quite enough. You came into my ballroom to make an accusation. You have made it, and it has been answered.”

Her gaze moved to Rowland.

“You were admitted tonight because the matter concerned you. It no longer requires your presence.”

Neither man moved immediately.

Lady Marwood looked towards the door. That was sufficient.

Giles searched the surrounding faces, perhaps for some sign that the room remained his to command. Whatever he found there persuaded him otherwise.