Selina smiled in response. She felt mostly indifferent to the new clothes. She just knew duchesses could not go around in ill-fitting dresses that were two or three Seasons out of fashion.
“I’m proud of you,” Christine said. “I’m glad you decided not to run.” She bit her lip. “I admit I am worried because of the rumors involving the duke. But I am happy you are staying in London. If you had run, then I would have never seen you again, and that would have been unbearable after only having you back for a short time.”
Tears pricked at Selina’s eyes. “I am happy I did not run either,” Selina said. “I do not believe His Grace will harm me. However, my marriage to him will be… interesting.”
“At least the duke was not scowling today. In fact, when you walked in, he almost looked like he was thinking about smiling.”
Selina groaned while Christine giggled. “I don’t think I’ll ever see him smile.”
“He looks like he is not capable of any emotion. Except for anger, of course.”
“No, he’s capable,” Selina said softly. She remembered vividly the fear on his face as he watched his son lose his balance on that ledge. She could still see the way his hands shook, even as he struggled to compose himself.
Despite his nickname, he was not as cold as stone, as everyone around them seemed to believe. He loved his son. But she doubted he would feel much more than indifference toward her.
Christine reached out and grabbed her sister’s hand. “I truly am happy for you,” she said. “No matter what happens, at least you have escaped our godmother’s clutches.”
Selina smiled and squeezed her hand. “I hope you can do the same soon.” Longing filled her. She was going to miss her sister. She had to remind herself that she was not going away for five years, or permanently. It would not be long before she could visit Christine again.
They reached the manor all too soon, and footmen helped the ladies out of the carriage before ushering them into the dining hall, where the wedding breakfast was prepared. Even though the dowager duchess was jovial and welcoming, the mood felt subdued.
Dominic stayed silent throughout the entire breakfast, and he didn’t once look at Selina. She tried not to let it bother her. Hehad been clear that this would be a marriage in name only, so there was no point in her wanting more.
After breakfast was over, it was time for everyone to leave. There was no after-party, after all.
That’s it? All that planning and worry over three days, and now it’s done?
She had expected to be relieved now that it was over, but instead she felt mild trepidation for what would come next.
Lady Gillray wasted no time in leaving. “Come along, Christine,” she said after saying goodbye to the dowager duchess and Dominic. “I hope to get home in time for tea.”
“I will be along in a moment, godmother,” Christine said as she walked to the front door with Selina. Lady Gillray shrugged and left to wait in the carriage.
Christine turned to her older sister and pulled her into a hug. “I’m going to miss you,” she said. “Please visit as soon as you are able. And write.”
“I will,” Selina said. “I promise. I’ve made arrangements with Lady Gillray to stop treating you like a maid. Please let me know if she reneges on her part of the deal.”
Christine nodded. “I will. Thank you. But please do not worry about me. I will be fine.”
Selina smiled. “You are my younger sister. I will always worry about you.”
Reluctantly, Christine pulled away from the hug and left the building. Tears stung Selina’s eyes, but she quickly blinked them away and took a deep breath. She would save any tears for the privacy of her bed chamber.
Her new husband walked up behind her, and his closeness sent a shiver down her spine. “You’ll spend the next few weeks learning everything you need to be a duchess and a good mother for Percy,” he said. “Your main task as my wife is to help Percy find his voice.”
She bristled a little at his cold, demanding tone. But she nodded as she turned to look at him. “Was he ever able to talk?”
He looked away. “Yes. He used to be very sociable, just like most children. That changed a year ago. I did not handle circumstances well and…” he cleared his throat. “It does not matter now.”
She frowned. “What happened?”
“You do not need to concern yourself with that,” he snapped. “All you need to worry about is helping Percy find his voice again.” He spun on his heel and walked quickly away, leaving her cold and with more questions than answers.
She glared at his retreating form. “If you wish to have as little as possible to do with me, then that is fine,” she muttered. “I can make Greystone Manor a warm and happy place despite your sullen moods, husband.”
“Did you say something, dear?” the dowager duchess asked from behind her.
Selina startled and turned around to face the older lady. Her cheeks warmed slightly with embarrassment. She smiled. “Forgive me. I was simply talking to myself.”
