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Chapter Six

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She walked inside Colebourne Manor for the last time as Selina Pemberton. From this day forth, it would become her home. A home where she never felt comfortable. The next few weeks would gauge her future as Gray’s wife. Colebourne was slowly marrying his wards off. Only Jacqueline and Abigail remained. At times, the manor would fill with the visiting families, but Selina could endure those brief visits.

However, she didn’t know how she would handle living under the same roof as the woman her fiancé loved.

She’d be a fool not to notice the longing glances shared between Gray and Abigail. They always found a way to gravitate toward each other. Their close relationship was the very reason Selina had lashed out with her vindictiveness over the years. Throughout her life, her father told Selina that Lucas Gray was hers. In her younger years, she had fooled herself into believing that since they were to wed, then they must love each other too. But as she grew older, she realized love didn’t occur because of a promised agreement. It happened when two souls connected and merged into one. That was not Selina and Gray.

Every minute spent in his company, he treated her with politeness, but nothing else. Never once had he regarded her with affection. No soft touches. No stolen kisses. No passion. Nothing but tolerance. Each day that drew them closer to their wedding, his tolerance unraveled more and more. His polite attitude turned curt and couldn’t even be described as nice. His stand on their marriage was more than clear.

To make matters worse, Gray’s distraction drew her father’s attention. The entire carriage ride from London, her father had lectured Selina on how important it was to secure Lucas Gray as her husband. He’d made his point clear. Either she married Gray or she would find herself abandoned in one of his holdings for the rest of her life. She would no longer have the access to any coin or lovely gowns. No more freedom. She would live a simple existence.

He’d tried to threaten her with how lonely her life would be if she didn’t become Lady Gray. However, it wasn’t a threat to Selina. Only a blessing. She wouldn’t have to pretend interest in charming a gentleman who didn’t even care for her, or please her father anymore. The solitude wouldn’t bother her either because it was how she existed now and would if she married Gray. So her father’s threats didn’t scare her. If anything, the relief gave her hope for what her future might hold.

After Duncan caressed her in the dress shop, it had made her dream of a different outcome. She didn’t want to marry Lucas Gray, but she would if he didn’t break off the betrothal. Gray would only break free once he realized the depth of his feelings for Abigail. Selina wanted to help bring them together. It was the least she could do after her years of terror toward the young miss.

Jealousy. It made one react in a vengeful manner. She remembered every snide remark she’d made over the years. Since she’d gained insight into her emotions, remorse settled in. To redeem herself, she would need to befriend Lucas’s family and bite her tongue at every sarcastic remark. If they spoke harshly toward her, then she would refrain from lashing out with her own spiteful comments. It would take every ounce of patience she had. Selina held faith in accomplishing a change in her behavior. The carriage ride with her father proved how determined she was. She answered every comment with a “yes, sir” to pacify him. Even when she didn’t agree with his views.

As for the matter of Duncan Forrester, she still had no clue. Her heart urged her to explore his stolen kisses. To embrace his soft caresses. To open herself to his love. However, she still wasn’t sure if it was love. She argued with herself that Duncan only lusted after her. Maybe he found the allure of the sinful temptation dangerous and exciting.

Over the years, he had shown no kindness toward her. He always ignited her temper and toyed with her emotions. Now it appeared as a game he played to drive a wedge between her and Gray. If Selina’s thoughts were sensible, she would see the simple reason for Duncan’s behavior. Duncan, like the rest of Gray’s family, wanted her out of the picture so Gray could pursue Abigail.

Duncan toyed with her to lead her astray. He sacrificed himself for Gray’s happiness. Also, it was what Duncan did best. He was a scoundrel who chased one skirt after another. Leaping from one torrid affair into the next, with not a care except for his own satisfaction. If he chased her, it might cause a rift in his family’s dynamic, but he would come out like a knight in shining armor, while Selina’s reputation would hang in tatters with ridicule. She would become shunned and labeled a whore, leaving her family forever in disgrace just because she couldn’t control her own lustful cravings.

She needed to harden her heart to resist Duncan Forrester until she brought Gray and Abigail together or failed with her own walk down the aisle to Gray. If she succeeded and Duncan still showed interest, then she would open her heart to him. If Duncan didn’t continue with his interest, then it proved she was only an amusement to him.

~~~~~

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DUNCAN WATCHED SELINA from his spot at the top of the staircase. He lounged against the railing, observing her actions. She walked around the foyer, gently touching picture frames on the wall and picking up the objects on the tables before sitting them back down again. He frowned at her forlorn expression. What consumes her thoughts? Did she picture herself as duchess of the manor? Or had his kiss struck doubt in her mind?

No matter her thoughts, it didn’t take away from her beauty. After a lengthy carriage ride from London, her appearance looked fresh, with nothing out of place. Her gown was more elaborate than what his cousins wore in the country, and it only highlighted her beauty. When she arrived, she had followed her father inside and tried to stay invisible, wincing at his demands toward Colebourne’s staff. If one wondered how she acquired her sharp tongue, they only needed to observe her father in action. Duncan’s mother had soothed Norbury, ushering him away to Uncle Theo’s study, leaving Selina alone.

Selina undid her bonnet, slipping it from her head. A few stray curls fell from her bun. He ached to curl them around his fingers, caressing the softness while placing a soft kiss against her neck. He could hear her sighs now. Duncan chuckled. She wouldn’t sigh, but rail at him instead. It would mortify Selina if he attempted to touch her where anyone might come upon them. It was a risk he was willing to take for any reaction but the sadness surrounding her.

He pushed away from the railing, on his way to tease Selina, when Charlie stopped him with a sarcastic comment.

“Is the dragon inspecting her new lair? I imagine she is taking stock of the family’s holdings,” Charlie quipped.

He turned his head to glare at his cousin.

Charlie chuckled in amusement. “Ahh, still acting the protector, are ye? What are your intentions with the lass?” Charlie tried to tease a reaction from Duncan.

He shook his head at her poor attempt. “What are you doing here?”

“I came to visit Jacqueline, and I need to talk to you.”

“Can it wait?” Duncan glanced to make sure Selina was still below.

“No.”

Selina walked down the corridor, out of his view. Duncan started down the stairs. “It must.”

“Duncan,” Charlie hissed. “’Tis important I speak with you.”

Duncan paused, sighing. “Same time? Same place?”

“It will have to do. I will have to endure Jasper’s fury. ‘Tis too important not to tell you.”

Duncan nodded, running down the stairs. He followed the direction where Selina headed, his stride quickening with each step. He took a peek into each room, searching for her. His steps slowed when he found her pressing her ear against the door to his uncle’s study. Her brows were drawn together, and the frown from earlier pinched her lips.

Duncan leaned against the wall, whispering, “You will fit in quite nicely with this family.”

Selina gasped, stepping away from the door. “I do not know what you speak of. I was knocking on the door for permission to enter.” She wiped her hands down her skirt.

Duncan smirked. “With your ear?”

Selina glared at him, refusing to answer.

“If you would grant me a smile, perhaps I might show you a better spot for your eavesdropping. The door is too thick to hear anything worthwhile.”

Selina narrowed her gaze, trying to decide if she could trust Duncan. She’d overheard her name mentioned in the room before they closed the doors and wanted to listen to what they discussed. Gray had joined her father and his for a discussion.

“Very well.”

Duncan stayed leaning against the wall. She had yet to grant him a smile, and until she did, he wasn’t moving. However, she remained stubborn, expecting him to give in.

“Well?”

“I made you an offer. I am waiting for you to fulfill your part of the bargain. Then I will fill mine.”

Selina crossed her arms over her chest. “Now why would I fulfill my side when I am unsure if you will fulfill yours?”

“I call it trust, my love.”

“I am not your love. Please stop referring to me as such.”

“Oh, but you are.” Duncan grabbed at her hand and held it over his heart. “Feel how it beats for you now.”

Selina tried to pull her hand away, but Duncan kept it clasped in his. She glanced around to see if they were alone. Her knees weakened from the warmth of his touch. She bit her bottom lip when she felt his heart race against her palm. It wasn’t a steady beat of his usual arrogance, but it hammered against his chest as hers did now. She raised her head and become trapped in his sensual gaze.

His other hand reached up to cup her cheek, his thumb brushing across her bottom lip. Back and forth, easing the tension. Her tongue accidentally brushed across his thumb, inciting a moan from Duncan. When he closed the gap between them, she closed her eyes, anticipating a kiss, one Selina had dreamed of since he’d admired her in her wedding gown.

Duncan wanted to groan at the picture before him. An innocent temptress silently begging for a kiss. A kiss he was but one step away from indulging in, scandal be damned. He bent his head to capture her luscious lips under his. To explore their sweetness and savor every delicious essence of Selina. She was worth the risk.

“There you are, dear.” Lady Forrester’s voice echoed along the hallway, jolting Selina from Duncan’s hold.

As Selina’s eyes widened in panic, Duncan looked up to the ceiling, cursing the heavens for his mother’s interruption. He glanced over his shoulder to see his mother at the other end of the hallway, far enough away where she wouldn’t have noticed their intimate embrace. However, Selina thought she had. He stepped farther away from her, putting a respectable amount of distance between them.

He turned toward his mother with an excuse on the tip of his tongue to pacify her when he noticed Charlie trailing behind, wearing a smirk of amusement. That minx. Since she aimed to sabotage his time with Selina, he withdrew his courtesy of meeting her later to talk. Only, he wouldn’t inform her of not meeting her; instead, he would dangle enough information in Sinclair’s ear of his wife’s request for a late-night rendezvous. Yes, how glorious revenge was. Sinclair would become furious once he learned of Charlie agreeing to meet him later. Then he would see if Charlie ever interrupted him again in his pursuit of Selina Pemberton.

Selina blushed when Lady Forrester came upon them. “I was only ... That is, Lord Forrester ...” she stuttered.

“What Lady Selina is trying to say is that I offered to escort her to her father. She couldn’t find him, and I told her of how I saw him going into Uncle Theo’s study,” Duncan explained.

Charlie snickered. “How gallant of you.”

“Yes, it was. But then I raised him to be a gentleman, young lady.” Lady Forrester shot Charlie a shrewd gaze.

“And a fine gentleman he is,” Charlie continued with her teasing.

Duncan bowed before the ladies. “If you will excuse me, I promised to meet Sinclair in the stables.” He gave Charlie a sinister grin. But she only shrugged her indifference.

“Thank you, Lord Forrester, for your assistance,” said Lady Selina.

“My pleasure. Anytime I may help you, please do not hesitate to ask.” He winked before he strolled away.

Selina felt warm from his intense stare and the wink he bestowed upon her. She knew her face had turned bright red from his brazen attention. She could only imagine what the ladies thought of their time alone. Perhaps she shouldn’t have stared after him for so long. It would only cause them to wonder if they dallied with each other. Charlie wouldn’t believe it possible. However, Lady Forrester would because, in Selina’s distress a few weeks ago, she had confessed to Duncan’s mother of the kiss they’d shared at the Kanfold Ball.

She raised her gaze and found them staring at her. One with amusement, the other with kind regard. Of course, Charlie found enjoyment any time Selina was uncomfortable. Lady Forrester only smiled with kindness, but Selina noted a devious sparkle in the lady’s eyes.

Before she could discover the reason, Lady Forrester led her from the study door. “Please forgive me for abandoning you on your arrival. Your father was, well, I think over tired from the trip from London. I wanted to get him settled.”

Selina patted the lady’s hand. “No need to fret. I understand my father’s habits. I apologize for his rudeness upon our arrival.”

Lady Forrester led Selina upstairs to the bedchamber she would use before the wedding. She glanced over her shoulder to note Charlie following them at a discreet distance with a shrewd look upon her face. Selina gulped. She wanted to avoid any conflict with Gray’s family, but it was impossible. Selina turned at the landing toward the bedchamber she’d used in her visits in the past. It was the wing dedicated to guests. The other wing was comprised of rooms for family members. However, Lady Forrester tugged on her arm to walk in the other direction.

“Am I not to have my regular bedchamber?”

Lady Forrester smiled. “No, my dear. In a few weeks, you will become a member of our family. ‘Tis only fitting you have a bedchamber in the family wing.”

“But will they not be in usage by the family members already?”

“For the most part. However, Gemma wanted to gift you with the usage of her bedroom,” Lady Forrester explained.

“That was very kind of her.” Selina looked around the room, noticing the elegance of Gemma’s style.

The bedroom was painted a soft shade of pink with ivy etched around the windows. A white desk sat near the window next to a light blue chaise. On the nightstand stood a stack of books. Selina trailed her fingers over the titles. They were poems of her favorite poets. Next to them stood a vase full of wildflowers. A soft smile lit Selina’s face.

It warmed her heart that Gemma still considered her a friend. She hadn’t heard from her since Gemma married Lord Ralston. They had taken off on a honeymoon to visit Italy. She didn’t expect to hear from her during this time, but it still hadn’t stopped the doubts from entering Selina’s mind that their friendship was only a figment of her imagination playing tricks on her. She only wished the other members of Gray’s family would befriend her too. But those were wishful musings, and she couldn’t fault them for not forgiving her. Selina had been the one to cause the animosity between them. As she moved forward, she planned to establish a foundation of kindness and generosity. If they didn’t respond to the change in her character, then the fault no longer lay with her.

“I will let you get settled, and I shall see you at dinner.” Lady Forrester turned at the door. “Oh, I almost forgot. Gemma sent you a note, and I laid it on top of the desk for you.”

Selina smiled. “Thank you.”

Lady Forrester glided out of the room, onto the next item needing taken care of for the household. She was a whirlwind Selina found hard to keep up with. Also, she was one of the most kindhearted ladies Selina knew. She had grown close to the lady over the last month planning her wedding. Her unwavering guidance gave Selina the confidence to change her personality for the better. She didn’t want Lady Forrester to ever feel ashamed of her.

“So, you and Duncan?” Charlie startled Selina from her musings.

Selina swung her gaze to Charlie. “Excuse me?”

Charlie tilted her head, studying Selina. Selina grew nervous, wondering if Charlie had seen her and Duncan’s intimate embrace. She must think of an explanation for why Duncan had pressed himself against her.

“Do you care for him?”

“I think you misunderstood what you witnessed. I tripped, and Lord Forrester only saved me from falling onto my face.” Selina walked toward the desk.

Charlie watched Selina move items around on the desk. She avoided eye contact with her. Instead, Selina’s gaze wandered around the bedroom, bouncing around, never staying still for a second. It was the same reaction Selina had when they had interrupted her and Duncan in the hallway outside of Uncle Theo’s study.

Charlie had a choice to make. She could continue with her hatred for the lady before her. Or she could rise above Selina’s behavior in the past and see her for the lady she had become from the gentle influence of Gemma, Aunt Susanna, and Uncle Theo. Charlie had noticed the changes in Selina’s character and realized it was due to love. When Uncle Theo asked Charlie for her help, she had agreed because she wanted revenge against the dragon who tormented her family and knew she would find humor in toying with Duncan.

Charlie realized it was wrong if she continued with her act of vengeance. She owed it to the members of her family to help bring Selina and Duncan together. She’d seen for herself the love shining from Duncan’s eyes when he stared at Selina before walking away. A tremendous amount of guilt lay on Duncan’s shoulders. If he pursued his love, then he risked losing his family—even though his family secretly worked to help secure that love. She would have her fun of tormenting the two into a union, instead of tormenting Selina for revenge.

Charlie shook her head. “No. I did not misunderstand the affection passing between you two. Duncan almost kissed you, and you waited with anticipation.”

Selina twisted her hands together. “No, no. Duncan only ...” Selina realized her mistake by saying his Christian name.

Charlie smiled smugly. “You do care for him.”

This time, it wasn’t a question, but a statement. Selina couldn’t deny it without opening another field of questions she didn’t trust herself to answer. Also, she didn’t trust Charlie the way she trusted Gemma. Charlie had always acted out vindictively when Selina was cruel toward the family. Would Charlie see Selina’s feelings toward Duncan as an act of betrayal toward Lucas? Or would she sympathize with Selina? Perhaps even help her decide the right course of action.

Either way, she couldn’t risk anyone else discovering the love she held for Duncan. For now, Selina would keep her feelings a secret.

Selina hardened her voice. “Does your family always engage in speaking nonsense?”

Charlie laughed, not intimidated one bit by Selina’s surliness. It only proved Selina’s fear in anyone discovering her most intimate secrets. Now Charlie understood why Selina reacted as she did when cornered. Gemma had been correct in befriending Selina, whereas the rest of them had failed and continued to fail. It was all a defense mechanism to protect her unloved heart.

“Welcome to the family, Selina,” Charlie drawled, walking out of the bedchamber.

Selina didn’t know what to make of Charlie’s behavior, though she feared Charlie had read more into Duncan’s flirting with her and come to the conclusion of Selina harboring feelings for him. Charlie was too persistent. Would she make it known how Selina cared for Duncan? Colebourne would break the betrothal, and Selina would find herself involved in the greatest scandal in the ton’s history.

No, she must stay clear of Duncan and only allow herself time with him in the company of others. It shouldn’t be too difficult. After all, this was a vast estate, and no one ever paid her any attention before.

Why should this visit be any different?