Page 32 of The Duke’s Rejected Mate

I sit in the carriage, silent, mulling over the events as we head back to the dowager duchess’s town house. Even now, my arms feel empty as we rock back and forth over the uneven streets. The triplets don’t even seem to care. They still have that bloom of youth, of the unknown. Excited anticipation. How I wish I could go back to being that carefree girl.

As we enter, the footman steps forward with a bouquet of barely budded flowers and a note. The others gather around, nearly vibrating as I open it and skim the contents.

My Miss Campbell,

May our love bloom just as surely as these flowers.

With enough water and care, they will thrive. So will our affections in the upcoming days.

Yours,

David

“He signed his name,” Penelope shrieks. “He truly holds you in high regard!”

Georgiana takes the note and looks at it. “He is her betrothed. It would be odd to go into a wedding so formally.”

“Buds,” Sophia sighs. “Buds waiting to bloom. Oh, Cynthia, I do hope you will be happy with him.”

Without saying a word, I take the flowers and trudge up the stairs to put them into water. I wish I could feel something. I wish I could conjure some affection for this stranger I am to meet down the aisle. Unfortunately, there’s nothing.

Alessandra beams at me, her face glowing with that new love about her. Ever since she and her husband became bonded, it’s as if there’s an internal light that shines from her. With each light touch, with each stolen glance, I know they must be sharing some secret pleasure only the two of them could know.

Next to me, Henhaven chats amiably with those around him. Nothing much of import to me. Parliament matters. Others seem to like him well enough. I suppose that should be enough.

Dragging my spoon to my lips, I sip the soup and make the mistake of looking up. Across the table, I lock my gaze with Charles. He stares at me, watching me in a way that’s almost untoward. Penelope, of course, notices his studious gaze and turns, following his line of sight down the table until she sees me.

Her eyes brighten as she lifts a hand to wave. Such excitement emanates from her body. I can almost feel it from here.

“You are quite friendly with the Barringtons,” Henhaven says. “Should I feel jealous of your affections?”

Soup catches in my throat at his words, and for a moment, I worry he’s caught onto what I do with Charles in secret. Turning, I cough as discreetly as I can until I’m able to take a breath once more.

“Forgive me, my lord. What is there to be jealous of?”

He chuckles and points to Penelope, who still watches me, her brows drawn down in concern. “Norhaven’s sisters seem quite taken with you. Will I have to fight them for your affections?”

Though said in jest, there’s a thread in his voice, a note I can’t quite place. But then, I do wonder if he’s truly inquiring after the sisters or if it’s concern for their brother after all.

“We’ve been fast friends since as long as I can remember. You might have to fight past them to get time with me.”

“Then I shall endeavor to arm myself properly.”

The others watch our minor repartee with soft smiles and gentle chuckles, not truly understanding the pain that pulses beneath my breast.

“Thank you for the flowers,” I reply, unsure of what else to say. “They will look beautiful by the window when they bloom.”

“Are you a connoisseur of flowers?” the Duke of Redleigh asks.

“I dabble a bit in their knowledge,” Henhaven replies. “But find myself woefully lacking.”

“Lewis Barrington, Duke of Whiteport, is an expert. If you wish to learn more, you could find a worse teacher,” he says in an easy tone.

“Barrington,” Henhaven murmurs. “I see. Am I to understand that the whole of London is shadowed by their pall?”

Though his voice is light and easy, I can hear the tension underneath. I’m sure by now he’s quite done with hearing about the Barringtons and their many accomplishments.

Redleigh merely chuckles as he brings up his glass. “It’s unfortunate for you to find yourself brought into this fray. We are all fast friends. A tight-knit group. But do not fret. It is not so hard to join us. Well… in some aspects.”