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“Thank you, Owen. Truly, I can never express my gratitude.”
He dropped his hand. Gratitude? That was all? He didn’t want her gratitude. He wanted her. Each day, his desire to be with his wife grew. Even though he had no recollection of their past relations, from what Selena had described of their marriage, their coupling had not been filled with any love or passion. Owen wanted to change that.
“I will write to invite Mr. Rondal to discuss viable plans. If they meet your approval, we can go forward with the greenhouse.” He tried to muster a smile, but he could not stop the pang of disappointment that hit his chest. Would she ever look upon him with love or admiration?
“Very well. If that is all, I must go upstairs to prepare for the ball.”
“I suppose I should as well.”
They ascended the stairs together, then parted to go to their separate chambers. Tom was waiting for him when he entered.
“I have your bath ready, sir.”
Owen nodded and went to the waiting tub. He lingered in the warm waters, trying to think of the best way to move forward with Selena. He had made some small gains, so he would keep to the course. If he pushed too hard, he didn’t want to risk making her draw away from him.
After he dried and put on his robe, Tom gave him a shave.
“Is there anyone you think I should avoid or speak to tonight?” he asked his valet.
“You want my opinion?” Tom asked, astonished.
“I know servants know more than they let on. Besides, I trust you, Tom.”
The hint of a smile touched his face. “Mr. Baker, the host of the party, is a friendly fellow, from what I hear. Very generous to his staff.”
“Did I associate with him?”
“I don’t recall him being at Stonegate except for the occasional dinner party.”
“Who else?”
Tom went through a list of local businessmen and gentry, giving tidbits about their personalities and anything else that might be useful for the night. By the time he was dressed, Owen felt he had a better grasp of the type of men he would be meeting.
“Tom, one last thing.” The valet gave his dinner jacket a last brushing. “As far as you know, have I done any of these men a disservice.”
He paused. “What do you mean, sir?”
“Have I…caused offense or been rude, enough so that any of them may harbor ill-will toward me?” If his own wife resented him, how had he treated his peers? Would they hold him to the same standards, treat him like his injury had not happened? The more he thought about it, it had been wise to allow Selena to write in her response that he had suffered from memory loss. Perhaps he could start anew tonight.
“You spent little time at Stonegate, sir. As far as I know, you did not cause any offense to any of these gentlemen.”
Owen let out a breath. “Thank you.”
“Enjoy your night, sir.”
“I plan on it.”
Tom handed him his hat and gloves. Owen went to the drawing room to wait for Selena. Ten minutes later, she glided into the room. She was stunning in a sapphire evening gown with a gold underskirt. Diamonds glittered on the skirt and bodice of the gown. The neckline plunged, giving him an ample view of the tops of her breasts. Black gloves encased her delicate hands and stretched up her arms. Matching diamond combs swept her hair back to settle in a mass of curls on her head. A necklace with a single large blue sapphire rested on her chest, set against the creaminess of her skin.
In that second, Owen forgot about the party and everything else except the woman standing before him. He went over and took her hand, guiding it to his lips.
“You look ravishing, my darling.” His voice was thick.
Selena ducked her head, but not before she grinned. A slight pink tinged her cheeks. “Thank you.”
“That color suits you very well.”
She looked back at him.
