If that were the case, Selina did not think it was a good idea to go into his home. That would only anger him and set him against her more.
“Oh goodness no. No, of course not.” The dowager took Selina’s hand in hers, patting it reassuringly.
“I assure you, it is nothing to do with you. The Duke does not even know of your existence,” she continued and Selina nodded, feeling relaxed.
For a moment, she had been worried that perhaps her nightmare of being turned away would actually happen but it was good to know that it was nothing to do with her.
“What I mean is simply that-” the dowager paused as though she did not know how to continue with her words.
“He can be quite misunderstood. He is not used to showing a lot of emotions. My son raised him quite strictly, so he does not act or react like most people do. Many find him to be intimidating and sometimes even downright frightening as a result.”
Selina watched as the Dowager Duchess moved her hands all over the place as she tried to explain what exactly she meant. She had never seen her so out of sorts or at a loss for words and it made her curious.
She had begun to try to picture the Duke in her mind and what was so frightening about him. Surely, if the dowager found it necessary to warn her, then he must be quite frightening.
Selina tried to ease her thoughts as the dowager struggled to explain the situation even more to her. She was certain that whatever picture she could come up with would be unfair to the Duke who had been judged terribly.
“He is a sweet boy. He always has been but he just does not know how to express himself and it causes people to misunderstand him without truly getting to know him.”
The Duchess was worried. More worried than Selina had ever seen her worry before, so she knew it was very important to her that Selina tried her best to not misunderstand her grandson.
“I was worried that there will be such a misunderstanding between the both of you which is why I never brought you along with me. However, now we have no choice in the matter as fate has decided, so you will have to meet him,” the duchess continued, bringing Selina from her train of thought.
“I did want to tell you though, that no matter how he comes across, do remember that he really means no harm, neither does he mean to be cruel or disrespectful although he will come off that way.”
“All right, I understand.” Selina nodded slowly.
How bad could the Duke, a grown man, be that his grandmother was so worried about him that she had to warn her beforehand?
Did this mean that she needed to watch her every word and action around him? Selina did not really mind it. She was to be a guest on his estate and as such, it was expected of her to make sure that there was no bad blood between her and the Duke.
Selina was sure that she could manage that. Besides, the dowager had been so good to her and she would not repay her kindness by causing her any grief.
“On the other hand, you are going to love my granddaughter, Barbara. If I were not so old, then perhaps she might have been staying with me and you two would have met. She is but a child but she is ever so bright and charming,” the dowager smiled brightly.
“Well, in that case, I certainly cannot wait to meet them both.” Selina was struck by the difference in the expression of the dowager when she spoke of her grandchildren.
It was clear to her that the older woman loved them both, however, their contrasting behavior caused a very noticeable change when she spoke of either.
The dowager sighed and sat back, silent for the remaining short distance that was left of their journey.
Selina looked at everything as though she was tasked with memorizing all that she saw. The carriage rolled to a stop and Selina let out a deep breath before climbing down the carriage.
She looked around at the mansion, taking note of how neat and well-organized everything was. The household was clearly functional and well run, as there was not a thing out of place.
As the dowager made her way in, Selina followed her. There would be more time to explore what was to be her new home for however long it took to repair the damages at Brigpool.
They were met at the door by the butler.
“Your Grace.” He bowed. “I am glad to see that you are well. We worried for your health when we heard about the fire.”
“Ah yes, Albert. I am quite well indeed. Luckily, we were ushered out just in time. Unfortunately, there was not much that could be done for the house,” she waved her hands as though the issue of the fire was well behind her as Albert ushered them in.
“This is my companion, Miss Selina Knight. She will be staying with me.”
“Yes, it is lovely to meet you, Miss Knight,” the butler smiled kindly at her before turning to the dowager.
“The Duke is not here at the moment. He apologizes for not being around for your arrival but is soon to return.”
