Being with Colin the last week had left an impact on her that she’d never expected. He touched her heart when he let little Mary on his lap and when he offered Mrs. Patterson a position. There were several times during the day that she would catch him staring at her. And what she saw in his eyes frightened her—admiration, desire, and quite possibly love.
Could the Duke of Northrop be in love with her?
Could she be in love with him?
The second question was far too easy to answer. Yes. Somehow, the arrogant man had gotten under her skin and deep into her heart. And he could never find out that she loved him.
Today she had realized the truth about him. The man was far more softhearted than she’d thought. She wasn’t sure why it surprised her. This was the same man who hadn’t been with another woman for eight years. He had loved his first wife so deeply that he’d never imagined wanting to be with another.
But he had been with Selina.
He’d told her he desired her even more than his late wife. And that led her back to her first question. Could he be in love with her? She was starting to believe it true.
If that was the case, she had to leave. He would hate her if he ever discovered the truth. No matter how he felt about her, the secret she had kept from him would destroy any chance of love for them.
The ball was in a few days. As soon as it was over, she would leave. Or at least pretend to return to Mrs. Featherstone’s. Then once he left, she could go back to her cottage and try to forget him. She wondered if that would ever be possible. As long as she lived on the estate, she would be reminded of him.
She brushed a tear off her cheek.
She glanced over at the clock and then quickly changed into her lavender dress. The first fitting for her gown was in five minutes. Perhaps Kate would give some indication why she felt it necessary for Selina to attend this ball. If not, then she would corner her later and demand the truth.
After checking her appearance in the mirror, she paused. Neither Kate nor her mother had told her where to meet them. She shrugged and decided to try Kate’s room first.
She raced down the servants’ staircase to the second floor. She rapped on Kate’s door.
“Come in,” Kate’s voice called from inside the room.
Selina opened the door and then smiled. Kate stood on a small stool as her maid finished a few touches on the beautiful gold gown.
“Kate, you look so beautiful.”
“Thank you. In another minute, you will be next.” She giggled. “I found the most perfect gown for you.”
The door to the bedchamber opened and the duchess walked inside. She nodded her approval. “That is beautiful.” She strolled closer. “Although, I dare say a bit immodest. Perhaps a bit of fichu at the bosom.”
“I am almost a married woman, Mother.”
“You should have already been married,” the duchess muttered.
“I will be married in no time at all. I might as well enjoy a ball or two before that happens,” Kate retorted.
“Very well, where is the dress for Selina?”
Kate pointed to the linen press. “The sage-colored one. It will match her eyes.”
Selina sat in the tapestry chair by the window feeling more uncomfortable by the minute. Perhaps she could make some excuse. She started to force a cough just as the duchess turned with the most beautiful gown Selina had ever seen. That masterpiece could not be for her to wear.
The duchess held it up. “What do you think, Selina?”
The green silk dress had silver thread shot
through it, which made it catch the rays of sunlight filtering inside. With candlelight, the gown would shimmer. The bodice had cap sleeves hemmed with ivory lace. “It’s more beautiful than anything I’ve ever seen,” she whispered.
“Excellent,” Kate said. “Go try it on. I’m done now.”
Even knowing she shouldn’t, Selina couldn’t help herself from trying on the dress. She went behind the screen and a maid assisted her with her clothing. The silk dress caressed her skin as the maid buttoned up the back.
“All set,” she said.