“Well, that at least explains why she didn’t show up for—” She stopped abruptly.
“For what?”
Kate eased into a chair. “I might as well tell you. While Mother had brought the dance instructor in, we thought Selina should learn some of the dances too.”
“Why is that?”
“Just in case you should decide to ask her to dance sometime.”
Colin shook his head. There wasn’t much chance of that happening out in the country.
“How did she like her gift?”
He chuckled. “You heard about that?”
“The entire household is talking about it. Quite scandalous, you know. And yet, most just felt you were being generous. I did tell people that it was for saving my life.”
“And I thank you for that.” He gave her a quick salute with his glass. “I heard a letter arrived for you today.”
A dreamy look came over her. “It was from John. He is still grieving but wants to see me again. Mother and I thought we might go to Suffolk in a fortnight. John is there and I can see him. He wants us to set a date.”
“Excellent. He is a good man, Kate.”
“He is,” she said. “And Selina is far too good a woman to let go because of Society. So you have a fortnight to get things settled because I’m not leaving until I know you are betrothed.”
He frowned. “I cannot guarantee this will be settled by then.”
“Why haven’t you told her you love her?”
“I will.”
Kate shook her head. “Tomorrow.”
“As you wish, sister dear.”
The next day Colin spent much like the prior days. He and Selina visited with tenants. He watched her tend to the people with so much love that it made him proud. She would make a wonderful wife and duchess. She might not be the conventional type Society preferred, but with a little help from his sister and stepmother, she would be accepted.
After another afternoon of making love to her, he decided he would talk to her about all of this tomorrow. They had no tenants to call on so he planned to have a picnic luncheon at a small pond on the outskirts of his estate.
But tonight, he had to escort Kate and the duchess to this damned ball. He knew what it meant for him. An evening fending off the mamas determined to throw their unmarried daughters at him. Marriage would be a blessing. Then he would only have to discourage the married women looking to become a duke’s mistress.
He waited at the foot of the stairs for the ladies to join him. Finally, Kate floated down the stairs in a gold silk and lace creation that made her look like an angel. He knew that she was far more devil than angel. “You look lovely tonight, Kate.”
“Thank you. And you look devilishly handsome. You had best have a care or the young ladies will fall prostrate at your feet begging to be your duchess.”
He laughed. “I will listen to your wise words. Where is your mother?”
“She begged off. Something about a dreadful headache.”
So he would be stuck watching his sister. He supposed it was a good excuse not to dance with the unmarried women. “Very well, then.” He held out his arm for her. “Shall we be off?”
Selina finally turned and faced the mirror. After almost two hours of getting ready for this ball, her transformation was complete. She barely recognized the reflection staring back at her.
The duchess had insisted that her personal maid dress Selina’s hair. And the effect was magical. Anna had piled Selina’s blond hair into a simple chignon and then had artfully cut tendrils to frame her face. She had then clipped a few silver butterflies into the design to catch the silver threads in the gown.
“Oh, my,” she whispered.
“You look beautiful, my dear. We must leave now.”