Selina sighed, finally resigning to the topic and said, “If you say so, Deena. But there are quite a few eligible bachelors attending this year’s Hunt. The Duke of Windemere, being one of them.” She winked, and Deena felt that dreadful blush creep up on her again.
“Aunt Dee! Will you play the game with me?” Percy interrupted them again.
“It’s for grown-ups, scamp.” She kissed his forehead, grateful for the distraction from his mother’s scrutiny. “But I’ll race you to the stables later.”
“You promise?” he asked sadly.
“I promise with all my heart.”
Selina watched them fondly. “You’re wonderful with him.”
“He’s easy to love.”
Mary awoke from her slumber and reached for her mother’s hair. “Pwetty curls!”
Selina laughed, letting the toddler tangle her fingers. “Well, good morning to you and thank you, sweetheart.”
“Here comes, Grandmother,” Deena warned Selina as the dowager sashayed to them.
“My darling family, I adore you all, truly. But Selina, my love, your nurserymaid and governess must take my beautiful great-grandchildren and go elsewhere. This lawn is for singles seeking the same joy you and Dominic have found, and children are a great distraction to my ladies. Off with you!”
Selina sighed dramatically. “Banished by their own great-grandmother.”
“I banish them with love, dear.” The Dowager placed dramatic kisses on their cheeks as she walked away with purpose.
Selina and Deena said their goodbyes reluctantly to the children. As the nurserymaid took them away, Dominic appeared at Selina’s side, his broad grin lit up as he kissed his wife on her forehead. Deena looked away, unknowingly searching the crowd.
“Is everything all right, Dee?” She turned back to find him looking at her concernedly.
Deena smiled weakly at him; she was afraid that he would notice that something was wrong. “You and your wife have to cease worrying over me.”
“We can’t help ourselves; we care about you.” Selina smiled kindly at her.
“What have you been up to during the Hunt?”
Deena knew that her brother was curious about her presence there and hopeful that she would find a husband.
“I have just been observing Grandmother’s latest chaos.” She motioned to the crowd.
He chuckled, glancing towards the circle of fluttering ladies. “The Gallop? Poor souls. They’ll be exhausted by luncheon.”
Deena couldn’t help it; her gaze drifted past Dominic’s shoulder, scanning the lawn for a tall, dark-haired figure in a perfectly tailored coat. But Austin was nowhere in sight.
Selina noticed, of course. Her brow arched, amusement flickering. “Looking for someone in particular?”
Deena blushed. “No. Just… taking in the scenery.”
“Mm.” Her tone was knowing, but mercifully, she let it drop.
“We best be off. Come find us later, Dee. I heard whispers that there would be strawberry tarts.” Deena smiled when she realized that the cook was making her and Dominic’s favorite dessert.
“We will be lucky to get a crumb after the Gallop,” she said wryly.
Dominic laughed. “You forget that I am not partaking.” He and Selina began to walk away from her, and she instantly felt a sense of dread settle around her.
She did not want to be alone, but she would never tell them that.
“Don’t worry, Deena. I will make sure to save you some!” Selina called out and waved at her.
