Twenty
Shortly after Dominic left, there was another knock on the door. Selina’s heart soared for a moment, thinking that the duke had returned after all. But when she opened the door, she saw the dowager duchess on the other side.
The older woman chuckled. “You look disappointed to see me.”
“Forgive me,” Selina said, stepping to the side to let the older woman in. “I thought you might be the duke. He just left a moment ago.”
A small smile spread across the dowager’s face as she sat down beside the fire. “Perhaps there is a chance of me having a second grandchild after all.”
Selina blushed, and she couldn't help but think about his teasing voice.Your husband comes to your room at night, and you automatically assume he is here for a discussion.She cleared her throat before her thoughts could run away with her in frontof the man’s grandmother. “He merely came to thank me for my progress with Percy.”
The dowager nodded. “That is actually what I wanted to talk to you about. I wanted to see how you were holding up after such a long day.”
Selina smiled tiredly. “It was a long day, but I believe it ended well. So I am content.” Her smile grew. “I cannot believe he spoke. It was so wonderful to hear his voice.”
The dowager duchess smiled, tears gathering in her eyes. “You have no idea how much that means to us. I am only sorry that he spoke just to reject you as his mother.”
Selina shook her head. “I am not. I cannot replace her in his heart, nor do I want to. Now I know why he was always so upset to enter my old rooms. He missed how they used to be.”
“I think it was a good idea to get him a pocket watch, just like his father’s.”
Selina smiled. “I agree. I am glad the two of them are growing closer.” Her chest had swelled with pride when she saw the two of them interact earlier, over the pocket watches, and then the hug. She knew that hug meant the world to Dominic.
“Overall, I think it was quite a pleasant day. And I think I shall be happier in this room than in the duchess’s suite. That was too much space for me. I hardly knew what to do with it.”
“A lesser woman would have been insulted at the idea of giving up her rightful bedchamber.”
Selina smirked. “That is why you chose to send me to Dominic’s room instead of someone else, is it not?”
The dowager duchess chuckled and stood up. “Of course. I am happy I did so, especially after today. I shall leave you to get some much-needed rest.” Her eyes twinkled with mischief. “Shall I send my grandson in here for the night? I could lock the door behind him.”
Selina’s cheeks warmed even as she scoffed at the joke. “Certainly not!”
The older woman laughed and waved goodnight before leaving the room.
The duchess’s cheeks were still burning as she closed the door behind her before retiring to her bed. Her thoughts immediately turned to Dominic. As she closed her eyes, it was easy to picture him standing in her room.
What would she have done if he had been there to claim her as a husband claims a wife? Heat pooled between her legs as she imagined him gathering her into his arms and kissing her before guiding her to her bed.
She had to admit this was not the first time she had thought about this, but now her cheeks burned bright red. She pressedher legs together and bit her lip as she imagined it. However, as she blew out the candle and left herself in total darkness, she tried not to think about it. Shame overtook her. He would probably be appalled if he knew she had such wanton thoughts about him.
Yes, he had kissed her a couple of times. Perhaps he desired her a little, but not enough to truly act upon it. He was too in love with his first wife to do something like that.
She tried to go to sleep, but despite herself, she still fantasized about Dominic. At some point, the gray light of dawn slipped through the curtains, pulling her into another day.
Selina felt like singing the day as she switched rooms. She was making progress with Percy, and she and Dominic seemed to be reaching an understanding. Even though she doubted they would ever be in love—Dominic was still in love with his first wife, after all—there was at least hope for a friendly partnership.
She felt a pang of longing, knowing there would be no chance at romance, but then she reminded herself not to be greedy. She already had more than she could have ever hoped for in a marriage of convenience. All she had to do was remind herself that her growing affection for her husband would go unrequited. That was perfectly all right.
Maybe if I keep telling myself that, I will finally believe it.
In the late morning, Dominic sat on an outside bench and watched Percy gently roll a ball back and forth with his nanny. Most children his age would be bored with the game, but Dominic was happy just to see him playing at all.
The boy had not uttered a single word all morning, but Dominic still remembered his voice from the day before. That memory was enough to make him feel lighter than ever.
Movement out of the corner of his eye had him looking to see Selina walking towards them. She smiled. “Good morning,” she called out.
She looked happier than he had ever seen her before, and his heart warmed at the sight of it. He looked away before his thoughts could turn more lustful, the way they always did around her.
