Page 10 of The Gift of a Christmas Scandal

Chapter Five

Selina had been aware of him from the moment that she had entered the parlour. His expression was bland, utterly neutral, except for one momentary flash of what she thought was irritation. Irritation directed at the woman sitting opposite him, who seemed to be holding forth on some topic or another. She inclined her head towards Mariel, as they walked across the room, and whispered her question.

“Mariel – that is the Duke, over there by the fire. Is that woman opposite him Lady Phyllida?”

“Oooh, my, you are right. He is sinfully handsome. And yes, that is Lady Phyllida, I believe. From his expression, he is finding her conversation as thrilling as you find Lord Hockingmoor’s.”

Selina cast a sharp glance at Mariel, but let her words pass without comment. Mariel, who had previously been unsure of where best in the room to go, now guided Selina determinedly towards the fire, coming to a stop not far from the Duke.

Selina could not help but overhear much of the conversation in the group around the Duke. It made it quite clear to her why his expression was so studiedly neutral – showing his true feelings would have been unpardonably rude. Mariel watched her with an amused look, before speaking again.

“You wanted to be warmer – is it not pleasant by the fire? We can observe the company, as well as warm ourselves.”

“Yes, the warmth is pleasant… and I find that I am already… observing… the company.”

“One particular part of the company present, if I do not mistake it.”

Mariel’s tone was teasing, and Selina felt herself blush, but could not prevent herself from watching the Duke under lowered lashes, and from listening to his conversation. When he mentioned the possibility of a riding party, to see the old abbey ruins, she stilled, concentrating for a moment – might there be a chance for her to ride? She hoped so. Shortly after that comment, the Duke had excused himself from the conversation, and stood. As he passed by her, going in the direction of the terrace doors, his hand brushed the back of her skirts. She froze in place, her heart beating wildly, but he continued as if he had not noticed it. She supposed that, even if he had, he would not show it in front of Lady Phyllida.

When he left the room, the day seemed somehow less bright, less pleasant, for the lack of his presence. She chided herself for being a fool – the man was promised to Lady Phyllida, and she would do well to remember that. Soon, the warmth of the fire became too much, as it drove the outside chill from them, and they moved their conversation elsewhere.

Once they reached a quieter spot to one side, Mariel leant in to whisper in Selina’s ear.

“Where do you think he’s gone? And will he come back, or has he slipped away for the rest of the afternoon, despite his words about attending to his guests?”

“I cannot know, any more than you can. But I believe him a man of his word, so if he spoke of attending to his guests I think that he will – although perhaps the timing might be somewhat flexible…”

Mariel laughed lightly, and studied the room.

“Lady Phyllida does not look pleased that he has escaped her company. She seems rather sour of manner – I begin to understand his reluctance.”

“Yes – I suspect that he is as reluctant as I am, with respect to Lord Hockingmoor. But it seems that, for either of us to escape our fate, it will require a miracle.”

“Sadly, I believe that you have the right of it.”

They fell silent, considering the mournful truth. But moments later, Selina’s thoughts were interrupted. The terrace door opened, and the Duke slipped back into the room. She could not help herself – her eyes followed him as he moved about, conversing with various of his guests, being introduced to others. His manner was all that was polite, the perfect gentleman entertaining, yet she knew, somehow, that under it all he was beyond uninspired, that frustration boiled within him. How he managed not to explode at the inanities, she did not know.

Mariel was watching her. Smiling.

All too aware of Selina’s fascination with the man.

“Selina, if he comes near us, you really must introduce me! We arrived so late last night that we simply took a light supper in our rooms, and went to bed.”

“Of course I will, but why would he…”

Her voice trailed off, for the man was coming towards her. His eyes met hers, their dark golden-brown depths like a pool of the richest brandy – a pool in which she could easily drown. Everything else faded away for a moment, and she felt the strangest impulse to step forward, to touch him. Instead, she forced her eyes away, and spoke.

“Your Grace, may I present Lady Mariel Angleton.”

“I am charmed, Lady Mariel. I hope that you are enjoying yourself.”

“Most definitely, Your Grace.”

Selina looked at him, hesitant, then spoke again.

“Forgive me, Your Grace, but I could not help but overhear earlier, your mention of a riding party. I am most fond of riding – might I hope to have use of a horse to partake in that activity?”

“Of course, Lady Selina, my stablemaster will be able to arrange what you need. For now, I should see to more of my guests.”