Bewitching the Duke

While many people considered Kate spoiled, he knew it was only due to her station. She was a master at organization. Just having her here would produce a successful wedding. “I’m very glad you’re here,” he said softly.

“So am I. London is becoming unbearable with all the unmarried women going on about not making a match this season. It’s wonderful to be away from it all.”

“Good.” And within three weeks, he’d be able to leave here and stop thinking about Selina.

“Good morning, Selina,” Mrs. Roberts said loudly, jarring Selina from a restful slumber. “Here’s your tea and toast. I must run.”

Selina pushed her hair out of her eyes. “Why are you in such a rush?” Normally, Mrs. Roberts helped her dress and then stayed to chat for at least an hour.

“Oh my, you haven’t heard.” Mrs. Roberts stopped by the end of the bed.

“I saw the carriage arrive yesterday.”

“Indeed, Lady Kate and the duchess are creating so much more work. They moved up the wedding. Now it’s to be the eighth of July.” Mrs. Roberts’s eyes widened. “That’s a fortnight early. We have so much to do!”

They moved the date. In just over two weeks, Kate would be married and Colin would leave for London or one of his other estates. As Mrs. Roberts left the room, Selina pushed her plate away. Suddenly she had no appetite. She rose and walked to the window. Glancing down, she noticed Colin and his sister riding off toward the fields.

She continued to stare at him as he rode. She could imagine the strong muscle of his legs pressing against the horse. His hands would reach over and stroke her hair . . . the horse’s mane, she meant. Dear Lord, there was something dreadfully wrong with her.

The day slippe

d to another, then another without Selina having the opportunity to leave her room. The servants were so busy they barely said two words to her when they arrived with a plate of food. Today, Mrs. Roberts had forgotten to come up and help her dress. The tedium was driving her mad. She would have to find a way to escape the house today.

Noticing the gray day through the window, she decided to wait until later. Perhaps the weather would clear.

With nothing else to do, she picked up a book and returned to bed. After a few hours of reading and dozing, she heard the handle of the door squeak. She ducked under the covers to hide herself from the footman who normally brought her lunch. She couldn’t be seen in her night rail at noon.

“What in the world is going on in this room?”

Selina went completely still, hearing the soft feminine voice. That was not the footman or any of the maids that she knew.

“Come out from under those covers this instant!”

Slowly, she pulled the coverlet down until she could see who stood in her room. Selina’s face heated as she stared at Colin’s sister.

“What are you doing sleeping here?” Kate’s mouth gaped slightly. “Oh my! Are you his mistress? Did he actually have the nerve to bring you here when people will be arriving for my wedding in the next week?”

“No! I am certainly not his mistress,” Selina remarked. Why did that seem to be the general consensus? The first day he arrived he’d assumed she was here for his pleasure. “How could you think he would do such a thing to you?”

The younger woman continued to stare at her. “Then who are you?”

Selina blew out a breath and closed her eyes. “My name is Selina White. I’m—”

“Selina! I didn’t recognize you! I haven’t seen you since I was ten. You were always so kind to me and let me tag along with you and your mother.” Kate spoke so quickly Selina could barely keep up. She raced to the bed and quickly hugged Selina. “I’m so happy you’re here. I asked about you yesterday and Colin said you were living with Hart’s wise woman.”

“Lady Katherine . . . Kate,” Selina paused, staring at her. “You are all grown up.”

Kate tilted her head and smiled shyly. “Thank you, Selina. It’s always been Kate to you. But I still don’t understand what you’re doing up here.”

Selina bit down on her lip trying to determine what to tell Colin’s sister. She was so sick of not having anyone to speak with she couldn’t help but blurt out the truth. “He doesn’t know I’m here.”

“He doesn’t know?” Kate burst out laughing. “I asked about you at dinner last evening and he about bit my head off. He only said you were at Hart’s.”

“Oh, Kate, you mustn’t tell him I’m here.”

“He really doesn’t know you’re living in his house!” Laughter erupted from her again. “That is brilliant.”

“He evicted me from my cottage,” Selina said coldly. She explained how the servants had come up with the plan to hide her upstairs.