How was she supposed to be married to a man who changed his mind so quickly about her?
She doubted she could even ask him what made him so angry. Perhaps he would refuse to tell her, or he would tell her that it should be obvious. Maybe he would simply deny it completely.
As soon as they reached the manor, Dominic walked off to the stables, and Selina gave the dog to a waiting footman. She was a little sad to part with the cute little fellow, but she knew she needed to get ready for the evening ball.
However, as soon as she was inside, she was met by Lady Gillray. “Good afternoon, dear,” her godmother said, with forced cheerfulness. “Do you need help getting ready for the ball?”
“Not at all,” she said coolly. “Perhaps you should ask Christine if she needs help.” She tried to walk past her, but Lady Gillray just fell into step with her as she walked to her bedchamber.
“Congratulations on your upcoming marriage,” she said, still radiating false sweetness. “I admit, I am curious. How on earth did you catch his eye?”
“I do not know, godmother. Perhaps unlike you, he does not consider me a headache.”
“He doesn’t know you yet,” she said without missing a beat. “He will learn.”
She winced. Why did her godmother’s words sting so much sometimes? She should be used to her coldness by now.
They reached Selina’s room. She stopped in front of the door. “I would like to rest for a few moments before the ball tonight,” she said. “I will see you there.”
“One more thing,” Lady Gillray said, stepping closer. She looked around to make sure the hallway was empty before she spoke. “Since you are going to be a duchess, it is only reasonable that you pay me for all of the trouble I went through making sure you had a proper education. I have kept detailed accounts of all the expenses you have inflicted upon me, and I want them paid in full.”
Selina gritted her teeth. “I will pay you, Godmother. On one condition.”
“You are in no position to negotiate with me, child,” she said furiously.
“I am no child.” Selina kept her voice calm. Then she smiled sweetly. “You might think you can push me around, but please remember that I am marrying the Duke of Greystone.”
Her eyes widened slightly in fear. Then her lips pursed. “Name your condition.”
“You will use that money to get yourself a proper lady’s maid, and you will stop forcing Christine to tend to you. How will she have a proper Season if you are constantly forcing her to be an unpaid servant?”
Her godmother sneered. “Fine,” she said. “But Christine will remain my maid until you give me the money. And I suggest you do not dally. I would hate for you to wait until after you have fallen out of favor with the duke.”
“That won’t happen.” She would have to beinfavor with him to fall out of favor.
Her smile turned cruel. “Poor girl,” she said. “You’ve been gone so long. You have no idea what happened with his last wife. No wonder you were foolish enough to accept his proposal.”
Selina took a deep breath. “I must rest. I will see you at the ball, Lady Gillray.”
“Don’t you want to know what happened?”
“Not from you. If the duke wishes to tell me, he may.” Selina opened the door and went inside her room before slamming the door shut in her godmother’s face.
Irritation prickled through her. People kept talking about Dominic as if he had killed his first wife. Yes, he had a temper. And everyone was afraid of him, even his own son. But she didn’t think he was a murderer. His grandmother would never have pushed for him to marry again if that were the case. She was sure of it.
Selina laid down on her bed for a few minutes, until she was feeling calmer. After she felt better, she took a deep breath and stood up to get ready for the ball.
She only had one ball gown, so she had to wear it for the second night in a row. People would surely talk about that, but they would talk about her anyway. She wasn’t just the sister ofa charlatan anymore. Now, she was also the future Duchess of Greystone.
She got dressed and arranged her wavy hair as neatly as she could. She was just about ready when she heard a knock on the door.
She opened it up to see the dowager duchess standing on the other side. “May I come in, dear?” she said.
Selina nodded. “Of course.” She stepped aside to let her in.
The older woman smiled and glanced at her form. If she was surprised to see Selina wearing the same gown from the day before, she didn’t show it. “I have a present for you. Consider it an early wedding present.” She produced a small, black box and opened it up to reveal a diamond choker necklace and matching earrings. “Diamonds go well with everything, don’t they?”
She stared at the jewelry, which glittered in the lamplight. “I cannot accept this,” she said. “It is too much.”
