Christine looked at her with wide eyes. “He must have made quite an impression. I’ve never seen you this flustered before.”
Selina glanced around to make sure no one was listening to their conversation. Then she leaned in close to Christine. “I think I’m getting married,” she whispered.
Before her sister could reply, Lady Gillray appeared by her side. “Come along, Christine. Let us help each other get ready for the ball together.” She looked at Selina, her expression turning sour. “I thought you went to make yourself presentable. Is this the best you could do?”
Selina gritted her teeth and silently begged Christine to stop gawking at her like she had grown a second head because she did not want Lady Gillray to notice. “I have not gotten ready for the ball tonight, no.”
“Well, I suggest you get to it. Unless you think your company is better suited to stray mutts begging for food.”
“That dog was not a stray,” she said, but she knew her godmother did not care.
Selina watched Christine being dragged away by Lady Gillray before turning to watch the young ladies playing at the pianoforte, for lack of better entertainment. They were two women who must be in their first or second Season. They giggled at each other as they played a duet together.
To Selina, they looked like they were barely children.Did I look so innocent during my first Season?It was difficult to believe that at the time, her biggest concern was covering the freckles that always seemed to appear on her pale skin, no matter how careful she was to stay out of the sun.
“A beautiful young lady such as yourself should not look so contemplative.”
She turned to realize a handsome young man had sat down next to her without her realizing. She smiled. “Forgive me. I was lost in thought. I am Lady Selina Davidson.” She assumed the man would make an excuse to leave the conversation as soon as he knew her name, but instead, he smiled broadly.
“I am the Duke of Windermere, but beautiful women such as yourself may call me Austin.” His eyes twinkled mischievously, and he winked.
She could not help but snort in surprise. “You must be the one that everyone calls the Velvet Duke, Your Grace.”
“Is that the name they’ve given me now?” He grinned. “I suppose there could be worse names. But I much prefer silk over velvet myself.”
He reminded her a little of her brother, Charles, which was surely a comparison he would not enjoy. Selina stood up. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Your Grace. But I’m afraid I must get ready for the ball this evening.”
He stood up with her. “Perhaps you will save me a dance?”
She laughed. “I believe it is more likely you will be the one with the full dance card tonight, rather than me.” She curtsied before leaving the sun room. She supposed she needed to get ready for the ball, although she wasn’t sure if she was ready to face the Stone Duke or his grandmother after that humiliating display earlier.
She couldn’t help but feel betrayed that the dowager duchess trapped her like that.Why me of all people, anyway?No one in their right mind would think she made a suitable bride.
She could only hope that Dominic would talk some sense into her before an announcement was made.
A maid directed Selina to her actual room, where her clothes were waiting. She changed into her ball gown. It was a simple gown that was at least one Season out of date. One of her classmates had given it to her in exchange for some tutoring sessions.
She put the dress on and arranged her hair as best as she could before looking at herself in the mirror. Her olive green dress had few frills except for a matching sash. She wore no jewelry and no powder on her face. She certainly didn’t look like the daughter of an earl, let alone a duchess.
Duchess.
She shook her head at the thought. It still didn’t seem real to her. The events of that afternoon felt more like a strange and vivid dream than real life.
Knowing there was nothing more to do to change her appearance, she went to her sister’s room, which was next door, and knocked. “Christine? May I come in?” she called.
“Please do!” Christine’s frantic voice said.
When she opened the door, she found her sister undressed and struggling with the laces of her corset. Selina closed the doorbehind her and hurried to help her sister. “You’re not dressed yet?”
“Lady Gillray took ages to get ready, and she needed my help for every step. Now I must hurry if I want to look presentable.”
“Don’t worry. I will help you.” Selina shook her head in disgust. “How are you supposed to get a wealthy husband, like she wishes, if she treats you like a maid and gives you no time to prepare yourself?”
“I do not know, but I am sure she will find a way to blame my lack of a wealthy husband on my own shortcomings and not her actions.”
Selina finished lacing up the corset before picking up the light blue ball gown laid out on the bed. “Do not worry. I will have you ready in no time.”
Christine arched an eyebrow at her. “While you’re helping me, why don’t you tell me about what you meant about you getting married?”
