A pang of sadness hit Selina at that. “I have always wanted children,” she said. “I love children, after all. But I don’t believe that will be in my immediate future. However, perhaps I will find work as a governess. That could be just as fun.”
“Oh, so you’re looking for employment?”
Selina got the feeling that the dowager duchess was prying for something, but she couldn’t imagine what. “Yes, as a matter of fact. I hope to find work as a governess or lady’s companion. It is the most practical future for me.”
“You do seem quite practical.” The dowager duchess smiled. “I have been pondering a hypothetical question lately. Would you mind humoring me about it?”
“I admit I’m intrigued.” They went up a flight of stairs to the second floor as they talked.
“Do you think it is possible for one to escape the horrors of their past?”
Now she knew why the dowager duchess was askingherabout that hypothetical. Perhaps she was looking for gossip about the scandal to share with her friends. Selina was a little disappointed about that. “I certainly hope so,” she said. “But I suppose it depends on the person, doesn’t it?”
“Quite right, my dear,” the dowager said. They were silent for a moment before the older lady spoke again. “You know, I have heard that the Countess of Longshire is considering raising her sister’s child. The poor woman passed not long ago, you know.”
“That sounds like a noble thing to do,” Selina said, smiling. She didn’t know what caused the change in subject, but she was glad for it.
“Yes, I believe so too. But the countess has some reservations. She is not sure if it is possible to love an adopted child as much as one born from herself. What do you think?”
“Of course it’s possible,” Selina said. “I believe that if someone is meant to be a mother, then they will love their child no matter where they came from. I know some people think the maternal instinct comes from giving birth, but I’ve met many girls in finishing school whose mothers treat them like strangers ornuisances despite them sharing the same blood, so I do not think that is the case.”
The dowager was beaming. “I was hoping you would say that, my dear.”
Selina bit her lip. “If I may, is there a particular reason why?—”
“I’m afraid I must get back to the party,” the dowager said suddenly. “We are not far from your room, however. Just go up the stairs at the end of the hallway. It will be the third room on the left. I hope you feel better, dear.” She gave a wave before turning back down the hall.
Selina watched her go for a moment, unable to stop worrying. Was the dowager duchess feeling all right? Perhaps she was struck with an illness that would explain her strange behavior. She had known the dowager duchess had a reputation for being mildly eccentric, but nothing could have prepared her for that conversation.
If she is feeling unwell, then either she or her son will find her a physician.
She wondered where the Duke of Greystone was. She knew next to nothing about the man. He was probably down with the other guests, and she had simply not seen him.
She walked up the stairs to the third floor of the manor, which was only dimly lit compared to the other floors. Not only that,but it was silent. There were no sounds from servants. No creaking floorboards from the house settling. Despite the warm weather outside, she felt an uneasy chill prickle over her skin.
She found the third door on the left and opened it. The room was completely dark. Even the curtains were drawn, so next to no light was coming in. That was fine with her.
Instead of trying to find her clothes in the dark, she simply closed the door and slipped out of her afternoon dress. She waved her hand out in front of her until she found a chair. She put the dress on the chair to keep it from wrinkling before loosening the laces of her corset.
She breathed a sigh of relief as she found the bed and lay down. This bed was more comfortable than the one she used at school and certainly the one in her godmother’s manor.
She closed her eyes, ready for a welcome respite before the ball. However, as she turned onto her side, she realized there was a mountain of pillows in the middle of the bed.How odd,she thought to herself.
She tried to rearrange them, only for her hand to meet a hard, warm surface. With horror, she realized she was touching a man’s chest! She snatched her hand back as if she had been burned.
Please be asleep. Please be asleep…
A rich, deep voice smothered any hope she had of leaving unnoticed. “My bedroom is not open to guests.”
Three
Before she could react, the curtain on the window was flung back and light poured into the room. Selina covered herself with the blanket as she looked at the handsome but imposing man standing before her.
His dark blue eyes seemed to sear into her soul. Despite his black hair being slightly disheveled in a way that would be boyishly charming on another man, he looked terrifying as he glowered down at her.
“Courtesans are not welcome in this house, madam.”
Anger flashed through her. She sat up, careful to stay covered with the blanket. “I am no courtesan! There has just been a misunderstanding.”
