Bewitching the Duke

“Your wise woman, Your Grace?”

How did she know that? “Yes.”

The old woman shrugged. “That she is, but that does not mean you have the right to interfere.”

Of course, she was correct in that matter. He had no rights at all where Selina was concerned. And worse, he had no idea why it even mattered to him. He tried to tell himself he would have done the same for any of his tenants. If he knew his tenants, which he did not.

Still, he couldn’t let the subject drop. He had to discover why she’d been so upset by the fortune-teller’s words. “I shall pay you three times your normal fee.”

A slow, wicked grin crossed her face. “Only three times? I believe five is a more appropriate sum for me to reveal a confidence.”

Colin knew he was being cheated but if that’s what it took to learn one of Selina’s secrets, it was worth it. “Very well.”

He pulled out the money and tossed it across the table. “Now, tell me exactly what you said to her.”

The old woman cackled. “I only told her she would be a great lady. And I warned her that in becoming that person she might have to give up a great deal. So she needed to think about if it would be worth it.”

“That’s it?” Why would that upset Selina? “There was nothing more? No warnings of an early death? Misfortune coming her way?”

“No, Your Grace. I see a long life for that girl. If she makes the right decision.”

“And what would be the right decision?”

Madame Czerwony shook her head. “Only she can know that.” She cleared her throat and then sipped from a glass. “Now be off. Unless you want to pay me to read your fortune?”

Colin almost laughed at the idea of paying the charlatan more money. “Thank you,” he said as he rose from his seat.

Chapter 11

The next few days, Selina stayed in her room and hoped no one needed her. It was only six weeks until the wedding, and if that meant staying in this room every minute except when a tenant was sick, then she would do just that.

If only the warm summer air didn’t call to her. She longed to walk the fields to the tenants’ homes or better yet, ride the fields with her hair blowing in the breeze. Six weeks. Six excruciatingly long weeks. She could manage. She had no choice.

A loud commotion at the front of the house drew her to the window. She had cracked the window open just enough to let some air in so now she could hear servants talking. An elegant black carriage had pulled up in the drive. Behind the carriage, a wagon filled with trunks came to a halt. Several servants milled about until the carriage stopped. Then they went straight to work.

The door opened and an older woman with gray hair steppe

d out. Wearing a handsome burgundy driving gown, she looked as if she were ready for a drive through Hyde Park instead of a trip to the Midlands. The servants all bowed to the woman as a younger woman stepped down and stared up at the house with a frown.

“The bride has arrived,” Selina mumbled but continued to stare down at the group. She briefly wondered why Colin wasn’t outside greeting his guests.

“Welcome home,” she finally heard him say.

She inched closer to the window in order to spy his position. He walked forward and bowed over the dowager duchess’s hand before moving to his sister.

“You’re here early. I’m afraid now you’ll have to put up with all the noise of the workmen.”

Instead of bowing over her hand, he embraced Kate warmly. It was fascinating to watch the interaction between him and his half sister. He appeared to love her very much.

“Oh, Colin,” the younger woman whined. “That was the most dreadful ride ever. We actually stayed at an inn where the only choice for a meal was a meat pie. Can you imagine? A meat pie. I’m terribly sore after the long drive. Please tell me the servants have hot water waiting for me so I can bathe.”

Before Colin could say a word, she continued her complaints. “I swear those roads were so bumpy. I thought my head would hit the ceiling of the carriage. And the rudeness of . . .” Her voice trailed off as they walked into the house.

Selina smiled. She was slightly surprised at how spoiled Kate seemed now. His sister had always been a pleasant girl. Perhaps that’s what London did to people.

Selina moved away from the window to her soft bed. She frowned as she leaned back against her pillows. Would Colin ever consider marrying again? He truly should for the benefit of the estate. While his brother might already be married with a son, Colin’s heir should inherit the dukedom. But she was certain he still hadn’t completely recovered from his wife’s death, so she doubted he was ready for marriage again.

She wondered what it would feel like to be loved as his wife was during their marriage. She imagined he would be attentive to her, listen to her questions, and answer without disparaging her.