Jealous? Over Austin? He is London’s most notorious rake!
And the man she was meant to help marry, which did not seem doable thus far.
Deena was grateful when she spotted Selina suddenly appearing from the crowd with Mary, sleeping peacefully and balanced on her nurserymaid’s hip, and Percy wide awake and grinning at his governess’s side.
“Aunt Dee!” Percy ran and flung all his little weight into Deena’s waiting, open arms.
“My handsome nephew, how I missed you so dearly!”
Percy giggled. “But I saw you yesterday, Aunt Dee. How could you miss me already?”
“I miss you the second you and your sister leave!” She smothered him in kisses as he squealed in delight.
“You look flushed, Deena. Is everything all right?” Selina looked at her, concern etched in her brow.
Deena forced a smile as she picked up her nephew with a loud huff. “Everything is perfectly fine. It must be the sun… I haven’t spent much time outdoors in Paris.”
Selina nodded and placed her free hand gently on Deena’s shoulder. “I couldn’t help but notice that the Duke of Windemere has been around you a lot.”
“He has?” Deena struggled to listen to Selina as Percy wriggled in her arms.
“Yes. I just wanted to make sure that he’s treating you well?”
Her cheeks warmed further, both from her sister-in-law’s concern and the fact that it was noticeable that Austin had been with her too often.
“Oh, there’s nothing to worry about. I have known Austin from an early age, as you probably know. He won’t hurt me, and he’s been… helpful.”
“No one can hurt Aunt Dee! I will fight them with my sword and horse!” Percy declared.
“My knight in shiny armor.” She laughed and rubbed her nose against his, causing him to giggle again.
“Yes, well, he seems like he’s beingveryhelpful,” Selina repeated, amused.
Deena glanced sharply at her sister-in-law. “Why do I hear a hint of sarcasm in your tone?”
“It’s just that…”
“Go on?”
“His presence is chasing away all your potential suitors, and have you seenThe Daily Scribetoday?” Selina hissed under breath.
“I’m aware of that,” Deena said, perhaps too quickly.
Selina studied her. “Deena, if you truly have no intention of marrying, then what are you doing at Grandmother’s matchmaking extravaganza?”
Deena opened her mouth and closed it.
“Aunt Dee is getting married?” Percy yelled, causing a few heads to turn.
“Hush, Percy!” Selina scolded him softly.
“Aunt Dee, don’t get married and leave us.” Percy looked up at her with the cutest pout and softest eyes.
Oh, to be loved by a child.
“Don’t worry, Percy.” She turned to Selina. “I came for Grandmother, Dominic, you, Mary, and Percy.” She held her nephew tightly. It was getting easier for her to lie to her loved ones, and she hated it. “My little troublemaker.”
He placed his tiny head on her shoulder, content with her answer.
