Why in the world had Morgan come looking for her? Why did he feel the need to apologize? They were both doing a great job pretending to dislike each other. They both pretend like there was nothing between them but Barbara’s education.
They had coexisted, albeit not very peacefully. Why did he need to ruin that? And to make matters worse, he had tried to kiss her!
The only thing worse than Morgan trying to kiss her was when he changed his mind and pulled back, leaving her there with her eyes closed, her neck outstretched like a court fool.
Now, she was left questioning herself, pondering the meaning of everything that had happened. All because Morgan chose to apologize. Selina rounded a corner and —
“Well there you are. We’ve been searching all over for you, my dear. Where in the world did you disappear to?”
Selina looked up from her thoughts and saw that she had come face to face with Barbara and the Dowager Duchess. They both had on petty coats and walking boots, which meant they were heading outdoors.
Selina looked from face to face with bewilderment, thinking of an adequate reply to the dowager.
“My, are you all right? You look like you’ve seen a ghost in these halls. What’s wrong, my dear?”
“Nothing, Your Grace,” Selina replied with what she hoped was a smile. “I’ve just been feeling a little tired and shaken since the long ride. A little rest should do me good. Excuse me, Your Grace.”
“Rest? But Barbara and I are headed out to get ices, afterwards head to the gift shop for Barbara. Surely, you’re interested in some? You just have to try a London ices.”
“Maybe some other time, Your Grace. I think it would be better for me if I —”
“Nonsense. I insist, my dear girl. And I don’t intend to take no for an answer.” The dowager looked Selina up and down. “I suggest you bring a coat and, oh, put on some sturdier boots. We’d be waiting for you in the foyer. Don’t be long now, my dear.”
Selina resisted the urge to collapse into a sorrowful wail, and did as she had been told. She knew it was pointless to argue with the dowager in any case.
She changed quickly and met the two women at the front door in a few minutes. Together, they strolled out of the house and into the street, walking towards the town.
As they walked down the street, chatting, Selina felt very self-conscious being out and about in the streets of London. It was impossible for her to see everywhere at once, and she didn’t want the two women to catch her scanning around like a petty thief.
She felt exposed even with her jacket and scarf. For all she knew, someone who knew her had spotted her already. She knew she was being paranoid but there was nothing she could do about it.
She stuck close to Barbara and the dowager, doing her best not to attract any attention and avoiding eye contact with everyone who passed them.
She kept her eyes glued to the streets, and made it look normal by holding onto Barbara’s hand, and pointing out various accessories appropriate for a lady as they passed different street vendors.
The dowager purchased a hat for Barbara that she loved, and she did twists in the middle of the sidewalk, displaying her beautiful hat. The dowager laughed deeply and Selina laughed as well, but she did so with more reservation.
“I forgot to mention, Selina,” the dowager began. “A runner arrived today while you were away. “There’s a most interesting ball happening here in London tomorrow and we’ve been invited.”
“Take me, grandmother!” Barbara piped up. “I’ve read all about London balls and I’d love to attend one, please?”
The dowager laughed and clapped. “Would that I could, my dear. Sadly, you’re too young. In time, though. You’d be able to attend such functions soon enough.
“Can I tell you a little secret, though?” The dowager leaned closer and put a hand to her mouth as if she had a real secret to tell. “The ton can be a most troublesome chore, you know?
“These are your best years, my dear, now that you don’t have to attend. Sure, it looks colorful and exciting, but there’s still a lot of meanness that goes on behind as well.”
Barbara looked thoughtful for a moment. “And you, grandma? Do you have a mean talk with your friends as well?”
“Oh, goodness no. My friends and I were always the strange ones of the bunch.”
Barbara laughed and disagreed with the dowager, who in turn teased her right back. Selina smiled as she watched both women, decades apart, laugh and take a stroll like peers. They were a beautiful pair to watch.
“Regardless,” the dowager said with an air of finality. “Your brother, Morgan, and Selina would accompany me. Sorry, my dear.”
Selina blushed a bright red at the mention of Morgan’s name, remembering what had transpired between them in the library not too long ago.
She rubbed her hands together and placed them on her cheeks, pretending she was cold. Nobody seemed to have noticed her discomfort, thankfully.
