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“I’m sorry,” Owen said.
“It’s all right. I was just startled. You were not prone to such displays before…”
“Before I left?” He reclined back in his seat. “Well, if nothing else, your response answers my question. What wife recoils from her husband’s touch if he was good to her?” Owen peered out the window, lost in his thoughts. A frown marred his features for the remainder of the journey.
Eventually they came to the stone gate which indicated the start of their home. The lane wound through a small park of trees, just blooming in the early spring. Stonegate had been in the Fernsby family for almost two centuries. It was one of the smaller estates, which was why it had been given to Owen, a second son. Over the years, Owen had made improvements as his wealth had grown. The house now had gas lighting and indoor plumbing.
A large orchard stood on the western side of the property. Selena had plans to expand the kitchen gardens so they could have more fresh produce, possibly even a greenhouse for more exotic fruits. Gardening was her passion, and Selena took every spare moment to be outside with her hands buried in the dirt. She knew it was frowned upon for women of breeding to do anything beyond cutting a few flowers for an arrangement, but to her, there was nothing better than a day working the earth.
Since Owen had been away, either in London or with his military unit, during most of their marriage, Selena had made Stonegate her home. She could not abide the London townhouse. It also helped that her father-in-law had been pleasant company and had appreciated Selena. To this day, Selena could not understand how a man like the late earl had fathered a son like Owen. They were complete opposites.
The jolt of the carriage stopping pulled Selena from her musings. Owen turned and put on a weak smile before exiting. Selena couldn’t help but feel a little guilty, knowing she was to blame for his lackluster mood. He helped her out of the carriage. When they entered the main hall, the servants were lined up, each with a somber expression, and their gazes pointed downwards, as if meeting their master’s stare might turn them to stone.
Selena took the lead. “Your lordship, may I present Richards, the butler, and Mrs. Finch, our housekeeper.” Both servants stepped away from the line of staff.
“It is a pleasure to see you again, my lord,” Richards said.
“Thank you,” Owen answered. There was no sign of recognition on his face.
Selena went about naming the rest of the staff. “Your valet, Tom, will show you to your room.”
The man in question came up to Owen. “This way, your lordship.” He motioned with his hand.
Owen looked at Selena, as if asking for her approval to leave. “I will see you at dinner tonight,” she said. Selena watched until he turned the corner to go upstairs, then released the breath she had been holding and went to the drawing room. Once inside, she poured a large brandy. The amber liquid burned a soothing line straight to her stomach. Selena had never been one for alcohol, but she might need to reconsider it if she was going to live with Owen. Already, her nerves were on a razor’s edge.
Her thoughts scattered in a hundred directions. It was hard not to have pity for Owen. He was lost, with no one but her to guide him. Did she want to help him? If his memories returned, she would be no better off than before he had left. The best course was to protect her future.
A knock on the door startled her. “Come in.”
“Pardon, your ladyship. This letter just arrived for you.” A footman stepped into the room.
“Thank you, Jim.”
She took the letter, then grabbed the letter opener off the desk. Selena recognized the handwriting instantly. David. Between the deaths of the earl and Owen’s brother, inheriting the title, and Owen’s return home, Selena had not seen David in weeks. He would have to wait. Selena crumbled the note and threw it into the fireplace.
Perhaps a nice soak would calm her. Selena went to her bedchamber and rang for her maid.
“Yes, my lady?” said Katie, her lady’s maid.
“I would like a bath drawn, please.”
The maid bobbed, then went to the washroom. The sound of the running water drifted into the bedchamber. Selena removed her slippers and stockings, then waited for Katie to undo the buttons on the back of her traveling dress. After she undressed, Selena slipped into the tub. The smell of lilac perfumed the air. She sank into the water until it touched her chin.
Her mind and body relaxed under the soothing caress of the waters. She had to devise a plan regarding Owen. Who knew? He could wake up tomorrow and remember everything. But how could she guarantee her safety?
Rodney! Yes, she would write to Rodney. After all, he was a solicitor. Perhaps he would have an idea. After Selena dried off, she sat at her writing table and penned a quick note, asking him to call at his earliest convenience. Rodney would come up with a solution. She was sure of it.
At least that was out of the way. There was still some time before dinner, so Selena stayed in her rooms. She lounged on the chaise by the window overlooking the gardens. How was Owen doing? No doubt Tom was seeing to his comfort. Perhaps she should take him on a tour of the house tomorrow, otherwise Owen might get lost. The idea amused her, but at the same time, Selena knew she had to be obliging. The poor man had no memory, at least for the time being, and she had to show common courtesy.
After all, she wasn’t a cold-hearted bitch. No, cruelty had been Owen’s forte. Over the years of their marriage, things had slowly deteriorated. Maybe Owen’s accident could be a chance at a new beginning. Selena shook her head in disbelief. By now, she should know it was foolish to have dreams. It was best to keep on her guard. Selena had shut her heart off to him years ago. How could she just forget eight years of misery, as if it had never happened? Her heart and mind suddenly weary, Selena laid her head back and closed her eyes.
* * *
At seven o’clock on the bell, Selena entered the drawing room. Owen had not arrived yet. She smoothed the skirt of the emerald-colored dress she wore. Fine beadwork of golden embroidered flowers adorned the top half of the gown. It was one of Selena’s favorites.
The door opened, and Owen entered. He wore formal dinner attire, complete with black trousers and dinner jacket with a dark blue paisley vest and white shirt with a necktie. The clothes hung loose on his frame. Months of inactivity had made him leaner. His hair had a hint of gray at the temples she had not previously noticed.
“Good evening.” He bowed.
