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Chapter Two
Selina and Leah were in Uncle Latimer’s carriage on the way to the engagement party. Leah’s parents had sent the two ladies ahead of them. They were both quiet, looking out the windows as the fields belonging to Leah’s betrothed passed by.
Selina was dressed in a sinfully-soft, spring-green silk gown, which brought out the color of her eyes. It had come from Paris and was extremely à la mode, with puffed cap sleeves and a low décolletage edged in delicate cream lace. Her hair was styled in a bun, with golden ringlets framing her face. Around her neck, she had a string of freshwater pearls. Her cream-colored gloves came up above her elbows, and she had a matching satin clutch and a lace fan, also from Paris.
Leah pouted as they arrived at Gillingham Manor, the landau swiftly passing the neatly-placed cypress trees along the drive. She was dressed in cream, and her brunette hair was elegantly styled in a bun. She wore a net of pearls over her hair, to look more bridal. “I wanted there to be more people, but His Grace insisted we keep it intimate.”
“Why, pray tell?” Selina asked. After all, Leah was the bride—shouldn’t it be up to her?
“He’s upset that we aren’t in love,” she mused.
“Love will come,” Selina said, smiling at her cousin. “If you let it.”
Leah shrugged, staring out the window. “I care not.” She beamed beatifically. “I’m going to be a Duchess. Who cares a whit for love?” The carriage pulled up in front of the house. “And look at my house.”
“As long as you’re happy,” Selina said, keeping her eyes on her cousin. Leah’s eyes cut over to Selina. Something like annoyance flitted over her features for a brief moment and then was gone—replaced by a smug look.
“I’m very happy. Come,” she said. “Let’s attend my party.”
Selina watched as her cousin was helped out of the carriage. She’d noticed that Leah spoke only of herself—nothing to do with her husband-to-be. When she imagined this Duke, she saw a downtrodden individual—a gentleman who would bow to all of Leah’s desires in an effort to keep his wife happy.
Once Leah was out, Selina followed. She found herself standing in front of a three-story sandstone monstrosity, flanked by what appeared to be a large garden in the back. It was an impressive façade.A castle for Duchess Leah, she mused, trailing behind her cousin to the door. From where she stood on the drive, she could see an impressive stable, with many sleek-looking horses grazing in the pastures around it.
There was a receiving line at the front door, compromising of Leah and her mother-in-law-to-be.
“This is my cousin,” Leah said. “The Lady Selina Drake.”
“Your Grace, it’s lovely to meet you,” Selina said, curtsying.
“A pleasure, My Lady,” Her Grace said. She was dressed in an elegant gray-silk gown befitting of a duchess. Her neck was piled with several strands of pearl and diamond necklace, and she had an ostrich plume, draped over her piled tresses. “I must apologize—my son should be here.”
“I’ll go and find him, Your Grace,” Lady Leah said.
“I’ll help,” Selina said, trailing after her cousin.
She entered, finding herself in a three-story foyer, with black-and-white tiling on the floor. Selina was surprised at the small gathering at the engagement party. No wonder Leah was pouting. There were few people here to witness her biggest triumph. She wondered if the wedding was going to be small, as well.
The interior of Gillingham Manor was impressive—the walls were papered in gold, with oil paintings of ancestors and woodland scenes, hanging on the walls.
Her silk skirts swished around her legs, luxuriously. Her feet, in their narrow little cream-colored slippers, barely made a sound as she walked.
Large, white taper candles were everywhere, lighting up the room so that all could be seen. The candlelight flickered, making the glass and the crystal sparkle. There were large floral arrangements—lilies, white roses, and jasmine, which gave off a soft scent.
She scanned the gathering, recognizing the few neighbors who attended her aunt and uncle’s dinner parties. She guessed that the others were family.
Leah walked briskly, craning her neck as she searched for her missing fiancé.
“What does he look like?” Selina asked.
“He promised that he’d wear his green jacket,” Leah told her. “Oh! There he is! Beside Lord Sandbourne.”
Selina followed Leah’s gaze, spotting an immensely-handsome gentleman, who looked absolutely disagreeable. He looked bored. At his own engagement party.
“Oh, dear,” she murmured, laughing to herself as she followed Leah. The Duke of Gillingham was certainly handsome—but he looked miserable. He wore a dark-green coat and a pair of cream-colored pants. His hair was dark, and from here, she couldn’t discern his eye color. He looked like any other member of theton—so full of self-importance that he’d left no room for any character.
“There you are, Your Grace,” Leah said superciliously. “Your mother’s sent me to get you—our guests are arriving.” She turned back to Selina, her hand on her fiancé’s arm. “I told you about my cousin, the Lady Selina Drake.” She eyed Selina, pursing her lips. “Cousin, let me introduce you to my fiancé, His Grace, The Duke of Gillingham.”
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