Bewitching the Duke

Kate’s brow furrowed. “I know he holds your mother responsible for Mary’s death but he should not blame you.”

Selina looked away but nodded.

“So you’ve been living here for close to a fortnight and he hasn’t realized it yet.” She giggled softly. “What are your plans?”

“Mr. Roberts told me he plans to leave as soon as all the wedding guests depart. Once he’s gone, I’ll move back to my cottage. From what I’ve heard, I doubt he’ll ever return to Northrop Park.”

Kate nodded with a smile. “I believe I can keep your secret, but only on one condition.”

“And what would that be?”

“That you come to the wedding.”

Come to the wedding! “I can’t do that. A few nights ago, he told me to never step foot on his property again. He will be furious if I attend.”

“I know,” Kate said with a giggle. “He has been so detached for the past eight years that it’s nice to see him show some emotion even if it’s anger. At least that means he’s feeling something.”

“At my expense!” Detached? The man was a rake. Then again, perhaps remaining unemotional with all those women was the only way he could seduce them all.

“Perhaps,” she said with a shrug. “But you will promise me you’ll attend or I shall march downstairs and inform him you’re up here.”

Selina shook her head knowing she was defeated. “All right, you win.”

“I always do.” Kate sat up as if to leave. “May I visit you during your imprisonment?”

“Please,” Selina replied. “The servants are so busy with the wedding being moved up that I have no one to talk to all day. Most of the tenants are well so there is nothing to do. If I leave I fear your brother will discover me.”

They talked for over two hours. Kate told her all about London, the Season, and her betrothed, John. Selina admitted that she had originally thought Colin was the one to marry soon.

“Colin marry?” Her laughter died off as she shook her head. “I doubt that will happen ever again. He just won’t let go of the past.”

The small interactions they’d shared had made Selina wonder if he would be happy married again. He missed his late wife so dreadfully.

“But shouldn’t he marry at least for an heir?”

Kate shook her head slowly. “After what happened, I don’t think he would ever let his heart open to another woman. He would rather Tom’s son inherited.” She glanced over at the clock. “I must go now.”

“Thank you for visiting with me.”

“I shall come back later. We’ll play cards and become fast friends again.”

Selina smiled as Kate left the room. She prayed Kate would keep her secret for the next two weeks.

After two days of having his stepmother and sister underfoot, Colin needed to get away. They were driving him mad with wedding plans. He assumed a ride would set him to rights again.

He walked to the stables but Mr. Sellers was not around. Instead of waiting, he ambled inside toward Zeus. A familiar whinny stopped him cold. He turned toward the black mare and let her nuzzle his shoulder.

“What are you doing here, Daisy?” Could Selina have been so angry with him that she returned the sweet mare? The woman could be more stubborn than any person he knew.

“Your Grace, what are you doing here?” Mr. Sellers said with a slight gasp when he noticed the mare.

“When did Miss White return Daisy?”

Mr. Sellers coughed and glanced away. “A few days ago, Your Grace.”

“Did you attempt to convince her to keep the mare?”

“Of course, but she refused.”