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CHAPTER7
When they had first entered the Bakers’, Selena had worried that Owen would be awkward or that people would not be welcoming, but it was the complete opposite. Owen had won everyone over with his kind disposition and charm. A few ladies had asked if it was really him. The transformation was remarkable. It was the first time she had felt honored to be escorted by her husband.
During their dance, Owen had whispered sweet words, which had shot like arrows straight to her heart. It was getting harder to deny her growing attraction to the man. The way he had held her close and looked at her as if no one else existed but them.
When the dance had ended, Owen had left with Bran to mingle with the other male guests. But a short while later, when Selena had searched for him, she’d seen a scene she had feared might happen. He was speaking with Lucinda Whitaker. The woman was closer than what would be considered appropriate. At one point, she batted her eyes at Owen. Good heavens, she was flirting with Owen in front of the entire county. There had been a rumor that they had been lovers, but Selena had never known for a certainty.
The old anger and jealousy rose. Selena turned away. It was too much to bear. She was about to walk away when she turned back. Her gaze collided with Owen’s, but she couldn’t read his expression. It was too much. Selena needed to get away. As much as she wanted to run, she would not.
Selena walked toward the door leading outside when a tall male figure blocked her path. It was David Carr. Her eyes rounded. She should have realized he might be here. Now was not the time for David to confront her about their relationship.
“Good evening, Selena.”
“David.” She curtsied. There was no one close by to hear them speak.
“May I have this dance?” It was another polka.
The monotony of the dance steps might calm her nerves. Putting on her best smile, Selena responded. “It would be my pleasure.”
David took her hand, guiding her to the floor. Did Owen see them? Part of her wanted him to feel what she was feeling. To know what it was like to see your spouse with someone else. The touch of David’s hand brought her attention back to her partner. They stood, ready to start on the first note. When the orchestra started, their feet carried them across the floor.
After a few turns, David spoke. “You did not respond to my letter.”
“I have been preoccupied.”
“So I have heard. Your sorry excuse for a husband has returned and lost his memory. How convenient.”
“It has been hard on all of us.” No, it had not. In fact, these days with Owen had been the happiest she could remember. Even if she was standoffish and avoided him at times, she still admired his patience and kindness toward her.
“Don’t you see? This is the opportunity we’ve been waiting for.” David twirled her past the onlookers.
“What do you mean?”
“You said you would leave Owen for me. Well, now is your chance. Let him start anew with someone else. I’m sure we can find some grounds for divorce. Then we can be together.”
Over a year ago, she and David had started an affair. Although they had not shared a bed, Selena had been emotionally involved. Owen was always in London, leaving her alone at Stonegate. David was a wealthy businessman. Their acquaintance had started years ago, but last year it had blossomed into something more. David had listened to her troubles and offered support. When he had kissed her, she had thought he was the answer to all her troubles. They had planned on running away to America together, but now everything had changed.
She glanced up at him. David was in his late thirties, with streaks of silver in his brown hair. His eyes seemed to plead with her.
“I can’t. Owen needs me.”
“So you are just going to bend over backwards for a man who never cared for you?”
“There is no one else to help him.”
David grunted. “Last I heard, there were plenty of women happy to make his acquaintance.”
Selena balked at his words. “Owen has changed. He’s not like that anymore. He is a completely different man.”
“But for how long?”
She bit her lip, not wanting to admit she’d thought the same thing.
David pulled her closer. “How long until his memories return and you are back to how it used to be?”
Selena shook her head. She couldn’t go back, not now. It would break her. Her mouth opened, but nothing would come out.
“Come away with me. I love you, Selena.”
