Selina got up slowly and stood a few feet behind the Dowager Duchess, adopting a reserved countenance in the presence of a stranger. She had one hand crossed on top of the other in front of her skirt, a polite smile on her face.
Arthur hurried past the embracing siblings and walked up to Morgan’s grandmother. He bowed graciously, dipping as low as he possibly could. He held out a hand and took the Dowager Duchess’ hand.
Warmly, he planted a kiss on the back of her hand, a sheepish smile on his face. “It is most delightful to see you again after so long, Your Grace,” Arthur said in his softest voice, still holding onto the Dowager Duchess’ hand.
Grace laughed and swatted Arthur away as he peppered the back of her hand with kisses. She pulled her hand from Arthur’s, shaking her head slightly as her eyes twinkled with laughter.
“Oh, you silly boy,” Grace said, smiling. “You never cease with your antics, I see.” She reached up to hug him, her face bright with joy. “How are you, my dear boy? I believe it’s been quite some time.”
“Yes, Your Grace. I believe so.”
Morgan finally broke the embrace with Barbara, but she held onto his hand possessively. Together, they walked up to the group where Morgan greeted the reserved Selina.
“Ms. Knight,” Morgan said, with a slight nod. Selena curtsied in turn, going as low as Morgan’s rank demanded.
Arthur seemed to have noticed Selina as well, because he let go of the Dowager Duchess’ hand, and stood beside Morgan with a sly grin. He cleared his throat louder than a bullhorn, and Morgan rolled his eyes.
“Ms. Knight,” Morgan started. “I would like to introduce you to my best friend Arthur Finch, Earl of Coldon,” Morgan gestured to Arthur, who struck a regal pose as the introduction was made.
Selina turned to face Arthur, a warm smile on her face, and curtsied deeply. “It’s a pleasure to meet you, Lord Coldon.”
Arthur nudged Morgan in the ribs with his elbow. “My God!” he swore under his breath, but loud enough for Selina to hear, Morgan was certain. “You said you did not know if she was pretty or not? I doubt even the blind would have managed to see just how pretty she is.”
The sinking feeling Morgan had shaken off earlier returned to his chest full blast in that instant. It returned with so much force, it felt as if it never really went away. However, only just waiting for Morgan to finally take notice.
This was the reason he had been feeling so strange about Arthur meeting Selina in the first place. Morgan glanced around quickly, hoping that no one else noticed how uncomfortable he had become.
Of course, the ladies’ man strikes again,Morgan thought with irritation as he massaged the spot on his side where Arthur had jabbed him with an elbow.
Arthur, once more, dipping low at the waist into an exquisite bow, took Selina’s hand as he did so. Slowly and delicately, he kissed the back of her hand softly, a charming smile on his face.
“The pleasure is all mine, Ms. Knight,” Arthur said in a voice dipped in honey, happily teasing Selina.
Selina smiled playfully and Morgan could not help but hate the scenario unfolding before his eyes. While he was not angry at Arthur, he hated the whole flattery situation.
“My,” Selina exclaimed, her hand still in Arthur’s. “You are quite flattering, my Lord.”
“Oh, but I am only being polite,” Arthur replied flirtatiously. “Would a man not be foolish to see a woman as lovely as you are, and decide not to greet you as you appropriately deserve?”
Selina chuckled once more, prompting Morgan to clear his throat so loudly, the sound would have carried through the entire estate.
Morgan remembered how coldly he had greeted Selina when he had met her for the first time. He hadn’t been the most welcoming of hosts and had even confronted her on the same day.
Watching Arthur flatter her and show her as much respect as he was doing made him feel uncomfortable and ashamed. Needing a distraction from Selina’s endless giggles, he turned to Barbara.
“So, Barbara,” Morgan said, a big smile on his face. “Did I hear you learning a new song on the pianoforte when we walked in?”
“Oh, yes brother. I was.” Barbara’s eyes lit up excitedly. “Ms. Knight is so good at singing and playing the pianoforte.”
Selina turned to Barbara with a warm smile, blushing slightly. “Barbara, you need not praise me so.”
Arthur, on the hand, seemed intrigued by the subject. He looked from Selina to Barbara, and then back again to Serena, interest written all over his face. “What? Indeed, do pray tell!” Arthur exclaimed.
Arthur turned to Selina. “Would you mind playing a song for us? I would very much like to hear you playing. Of course, if it is anything half as beautiful as you are, I bet I would leave this room a happier man than I stepped into it,” he said.
Selina smiled. “All right then. I guess I can play one song.” She walked round to sit on the bench facing the keys of the pianoforte.
Selina’s eyes cut to him for a moment, and Morgan felt his heart speed up, but their gazes were soon interrupted by Arthur leaning over her to press the keys playfully.
