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He resolved to speak with her, as soon as possible.
Once the party left the dining room, headed for the parlor, he watched, as she separated herself, going to the window, to look out over Sandbourne’s cow-filled pastures.
He trailed behind her. “Something bothers you, My Lady,” he said, in a low voice.
She turned toward him, a look of surprise on her face. There it was—the slip of the mask. It was gone a moment later, replaced by a grin. “Not at all, Your Grace. I’m having a wonderful time.”
“They might not see it, but I do,” he said, looking out the window.
She turned to look out through the window. Lady Selina was silent. He waited for her to say something until he couldn’t any longer.
“You’re avoiding me, My Lady,” he said. “I cannot bear it.”
She sighed. “You’re marrying my cousin,” she replied. “Not only have I had to suffer through her dress-fitting, but I’ve also been informed, via my uncle, that you are overly concerned about my welfare.”
He kept his gaze on the window, where they were both reflected. He saw her face, seeing how hurt she was. He’d meant to protect her—instead, he’d just driven home how she wasn’t his.
“The very least you could have done was to tell us all the news,” she said. “Not to single me out, as you have done. You are not my Lord and Master.” She turned to him. “It cannot be both.”
* * *
Selina turned back to the window, finding herself dangerously close to crying. She inhaled deeply. She wished, desperately, that he would leave her be. He was silent, shocked, she felt. It was clear that it hadn’t occurred to him, how she’d felt.
“What is going on outside?” Lord Munro asked, from behind them. She froze, suddenly worried that he’d heard.
She smiled, rearranging her features before she turned. “Lord Munro!” she said, turning to him. “Just look at those cows! Have you ever seen their like?”
He smiled, moving in between her and the Duke, to peer out the window. “Why, yes, I have, My Lady. They’re Ayrshire cows. They’re very common in these parts.”
“Oh,” she said. “Are they rare?” She knew, of course, that they were not. The Duke, however, cleared his throat.
“Excuse me,” he mumbled, moving away. She felt relieved to have him gone. He’d pressed her to know all.
“Are you all right, My Lady?” Lord Munro asked her. “It sounded like your conversation with my brother was getting rather heated.”
“Could—could the others tell?” she asked, her heart suddenly leaping into her throat. The worst thing would be if everyone suddenly figured it out.
“No, not at all. I was on my way over, and I couldn’t help but overhear,” he said, kindly. “I should have announced myself sooner.”
She sighed, looking at the Duke’s younger brother. “It’s all a misunderstanding, My Lord.”
“I’m sure, My Lady,” he said, his eyes meeting hers. “Your secret is safe with me.”
She studied him closely. “What secret is that, My Lord?”
“I know my brother well, My Lady,” he said. “He’s as easy for me to read as a book.”
Selina blushed, turning back toward the window. “I think you’re mistaken, My Lord.”
“I may be and I apologize for that. I want to cheer you up, if I may, My Lady,” he offered.
Selina turned toward him. He was smiling kindly. Lord Munro meant well, she knew. She relented.
“I’d like that, very much,” she said. “What do you propose, My Lord?”
“Well, I’ve felt awful that I never asked you to dance at the engagement party,” he said.
“Oh, let’s ask Lord Sandbourne,” she said. “Although I’m sure he’ll agree.”
