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Did she love David? That had always been the question. David had filled a void in her life when she had been vulnerable, but her heart had always felt empty. At the time, she had thought David was the answer to all her problems, a man to love and cherish her, to make her feel like a woman. But now, his arms felt cold compared to the heat when Owen held her closely. She had to take a chance.
“I’m sorry, David.” She bit her lower lip. “I’m staying with Owen.”
He shook his head but kept quiet. They finished the dance in silence. As David escorted her off the floor, Owen came up to them with a smile.
“There you are,” he said to Selena. “I have been looking for you.”
“Mr. Carr asked me to dance. He is an old friend.”
“A pleasure to meet you, sir.” Owen extended a hand.
David merely bowed his head. “It is good to see you out and about, your lordship. I wish you a speedy recovery.”
“Thank you.”
“And with Lady Fernsby to nurse you, I’m sure we will see more of you.”
Owen scrunched his brows, but before he could answer, David walked away. Selena’s heart raced in her chest. It could have been worse.
“What do you suppose he meant?”
“Nothing.” Selena took Owen’s arm. “I am getting tired. Do you mind if we go home?”
“If you wish, but I wanted to ask if you would do the waltz with me.”
How could she say no? Owen took the familiar hold of her. Selena’s skin tingled from the contact, even through the fabric of her dress. The melody surrounded them as they moved through the steps they had practiced. One, two, three, one, two, three, over and over. Sailing across the floor, their eyes never leaving each other.
This was how it should have been from the beginning of their marriage. Her body hummed with excitement. Owen drew her closer on a turn. His legs were lost in the fabric of her skirts. He was so close Selena could discern the scent of his cologne from all the other smells in the room. It was different being in Owen’s arms compared to David’s. She felt cherished, and, dare she say it, safe?
If someone had asked her a year ago if she wanted to be with her husband, she would have said no. She’d had enough of being alone, rejected, like she was second rate. Now Owen seemed to want only her company. The dance ended.
“Thank you, Selena. I’ve wanted to do that all night.”
“Then I am glad.”
“Do you still want to go home?”
“Yes. If you don’t mind. It has been a long day.”
They found Bran and Sarah to bid their farewells. Next, they thanked their hosts before going out to the carriage. They settled into their seats. Owen sat next to Selena, taking her hand in his. Her stomach twisted while a long-forgotten shot of need raced through her. The carriage traveled through the dark night. Selena rested her head on Owen’s shoulder. A moment later, his arm was around her.
Tears threatened the backs of her eyes. Tears of happiness. All her life she had waited for something like this. Now that it was here, she feared to reach out and grab it. Content for now, she closed her eyes. The rhythmic rise and fall of Owen’s chest lulled her to sleep.
The next thing she knew, Selena was being awoken by the stop of the carriage.
“We are home,” Owen announced.
Home.
For the first time, it felt like home. Owen escorted her into the house. She handed her cloak and hat to Richards before going upstairs.
“I think the evening went well,” she said as they walked down the hallway.
“Yes. I wasn’t as nervous as I thought I would be. There were so many people, I worried about making a fool of myself.”
“Everyone adored you.”
“No doubt it was a refreshing change from the last time they all saw me.” Owen tried to sound flippant, but his voice was strained. He cleared his throat. “There was one thing I would like to ask you.”
