“No, I have not.”
“That is a shame. I enjoyed the few sketches that I managed to see.”
She saw no need to thank him, so she remained silent. Alex tried several times to engage her in small conversation throughout the dinner, but Selina simply did not wish to speak with him. And why should I? I do not make it a habit of mine to talk to liars. She gave her sister a side glance and shook her head.
Ophelia was still making moon eyes at Simon, and he was doing the same. It was clear to everyone in the room that they were interested in each other, but neither one of them was making the first move of talking to each other. Selina almost didn’t want her sister to have anything to do with Simon because of his connection to Alex, but that would not be fair of her. Ophelia deserved happiness, and if Simon was to be her choice, then so be it. He would need to make a formal request to her parents to openly court Ophelia. That would make both Mama and Aunt Dorothy happy, and perhaps the pressure will be taken off of me. She heard Alex call her again.
“Miss Seymour, how are you enjoying the area?”
I would have enjoyed it immensely if not for my unfortunate blunder of meeting you! Selina’s patience ran out, and words came tumbling out of her.
“Oh, this place is beautiful, that is for certain. My friend Jane loved the change of season, especially autumn into winter. She would have enjoyed being here.”
“Perhaps you can invite her next time,” he said.
“I am afraid that is just not possible. You see, Jane was my friend, but she was also a servant in my home. She foolishly fell in love with a man, one who was above her station, and believed that she would one day marry him. Unfortunately, she fell pregnant, which led him to abandon her and her unborn child. Jane was sent away to protect her from the consequences of her romance with the gentleman, but he got away scot free. Do you not think that unfair?”
She aimed the question at Alex, but she looked at the other guests as well, including them in her conversation.
“Your friend was foolish to think that a man of the upper class would ever marry her!” Lavinia laughed. “She may have thought that being with child would change his mind, but he was far too clever for her. Servants should really learn their place, maybe then such things would not happen.”
Selina looked at Lavinia, her eyes narrowing.
“You would completely absolve the gentleman of any guilt?”
“Of course! She knew exactly what she was getting herself into, did she not? Falling pregnant was just a desperate plan to secure a better future for herself.”
Selina was sorry to have ever brought up the topic of her friend. Had she been in any other company, she would not have done so. Alex had just made her so angry, and she had wanted to see what his reaction would be. Selina wanted to know if he would show any guilt, but he seemed to be carefully hiding his feelings on the matter.
“Well, I for one feel sorry for her,” Ophelia commented. “When one is in love, they do not see the consequences of their actions.”
Selina smiled at her sister, grateful for her words. It seemed that the other guests held the same opinion as Lavinia did.
“The other man should have at least done the right thing and ensured that she and the baby were well taken care of. That is his child, illegitimate or not.”
This surprising comment came from Simon. Perhaps I have too quickly judged him. He shot a smile at Ophelia, who readily returned it. Some shuffling took place as their soups bowls were taken away and replaced with another course. Selina was too deep in thought to pay heed to what she was eating.
Conversation rolled around her, dull conversation that she wanted no part of. This dinner had so far lived up to her low expectations, and she could not wait to leave. Several more courses were served, and if anyone were to ask her to recall each dish eaten, she would never have been able to. Simon had managed to swap seats with another guest and was now sitting next to Ophelia. I am glad that Ophelia has managed to receive some good from attending this dinner. Selina would participate in hundreds of dinners like this if it meant that her sister would be happy. I shall focus on my sister’s happiness, and not my discomfort. Perhaps then I will get through this dinner in one piece.
Lavinia’s plan was not working, but she needn’t have worried because it was clear to everyone at the table that Selina held a grudge against the baronet. How strange of her to bring up that story about her pathetic servant friend.
The last course was being eaten, and then they would retire to the drawing room before their departure. Her father had thankfully behaved, having not made any annoying appearances throughout the evening. He may have fallen asleep, which suits me just fine. Lavinia gingerly touched her cheek, careful not to wipe off any of the powder that she had applied. She had glanced in a mirror earlier on, horrified to see that her cheek had taken on a darker hue.
Lavinia had excused herself and hurried to her room, applying more of the powder to hide the darkening bruise. She had caught her guests looking at it, but no one had asked her about it yet. Lavinia had a ready story for anyone who wished to know just how she had come by the bruise. I walked into an open door, hitting my cheek along the sharp edge. With the last course concluded, Lavinia stood up.
“Let us retire to the drawing room.”
Her guests stood up, and she quickly grabbed Alexander’s arm when it looked like he was about to walk in Selina’s direction.
“Would you do me the honour of escorting me to the drawing room, Sir Russell?”
“Of course, Miss Mostyn. And may I commend you on a superb dinner? My compliments to your cook.”
“I am delighted that you enjoyed it, Sir Russell. I took great pains in choosing a menu that I believed my guests would appreciate.”
Lavinia looked behind her and noticed Selina going in the opposite direction. Where was she off to? When it seemed that Alexander would turn in the same direction, she carefully steered him in the course of the drawing room. I do not need him running after her, not when I am so close to making him mine. Continue to ostracise him, Selina, for it is only helping me.
Selina decided that a spot of fresh air would do her some good. She saw her chance when everyone stood up and left the dining room, engrossed in the little conversations that they were having amongst each other.
“I am sure that they will not miss me. Not even Ophelia will notice that I am gone. She only has eyes for Simon.”
Selina slipped into the night air, happy to be away from the mindless chatter of her dinner companions.
“I have nothing in common with those people. ’Tis no wonder that I do not fit in.”
The night sky was devoid of any clouds, proudly showing off its stars to all who would take the time to appreciate such a sight.
“Perhaps I should sketch the night sky. I have yet to do that.”
She would make the moon the centre of her sketch, drawing the cluster of stars that circled it.
“I would love to see it once it is done.”
Selina turned around. “You! What do you mean by following me?”
“I need questions answered, Selina,” Alex said. “And you are the only one who can give them to me.”
Chapter 9
Alexander had no business following her outside. What she needed was solitude, not a conversation with a man who said and did as he pleased with little thought to the repercussions.
“I ask you kindly to return to the dinner party, Sir Russell.”
Alex did not heed her words. Instead, he took another step towards her, his expression one of determination.
“I am afraid that I cannot do that, Selina.”
Selina sucked on her teeth, turning the other way. This man was certainly onerous. Must he always get his way? Entitlement is much like a disease, once you have it, it is most difficult to remove.
“Turning your face will not make me go away, Selina. I suggest you look at me so that we may put this matter to rest.”
Hearing him s
peak those words was enough to have her want to lose all sense of propriety, pick up the nearest object and hurl it in his direction. Remain calm, Selina. Nothing can be solved with one’s anger. At least that is what Papa says. But I am not as mellow as he. Her hands curled into fists. I have a far more volatile nature than he, and it is on the verge of revealing itself in the most unbecoming manner.
As her temper grew, she struggled to think of something that would ground her. Ophelia. The thought was as clear and effective as being doused with frigid water. Her shoulders slumped forward, and her chin fell to her chest. Her sister was her first concern. Selina could not do anything to ruin her chances of a successful match. She would cut off her own hands before doing anything as foolish as to hurl an object at the baronet. What would Mama say? Aunt Dorothy would surely remove me from her sight within an hour of hearing about my actions.
“Selina?” Alex said quietly. “I have not come here to quarrel with you. I simply wish to speak with you. Is that perhaps too much to ask? Help me to understand what has happened to have you treat me with such coldness. Have I offended you in some way?”
Selina laughed, her voice bitter and humourless. He speaks of offence as though it be just another rudimentary topic of the day. She rolled her eyes, knowing that ignoring him would not solve anything. I suppose that I must speak with him or he shall not leave my presence. She slowly turned her body towards him, picking at her dress as she did so. She was not yet ready to look him in the eye and reveal the words that were festering within her.
Eyes closed, she lifted her head up, counting to ten before opening them a fraction at a time. She was merely prolonging the inevitable, but care was needed in this instance. I must watch my words or risk my reputation as a well-bred woman of the Seymour lineage. However, in essence, I would damn my own reputation if it did not mean damning that of Ophelia’s by association. Alexander stood before her, his hands clasped behind his back. His stance held much tension, as though he were ready to leap into action at the shortest notice.
“Sir Russell, I believe it beneficial to us both if you were to forget ever having met me. I implore you to wipe that memory away, for my sake as well as the sake of my family.”
Alexander frowned, rubbing his chin. Selina could hear the faint rasping sound of a growing beard. It sounded surprisingly pleasant; a sound that she imagined would be a part of domesticated bliss. He must not have shaved before coming to Lavinia’s dinner. It made him strangely endearing, but she steeled herself away from looking too deeply into this version of him. It reminded her of the man she had met by the river, the simple man who took his horses for a walk and cared not for what the rest of the world deemed appropriate. At least that was what she had imagined him to be, but the man before her was far removed from the happy memory she had stored deep within her mind. ’Tis best not to dwell on the past.
“Far be it from me to do such a thing. What use have I to forget our meeting? I have more reason to include you in my life as opposed to ignoring your existence. I suggest that you remove that ridiculous notion from your head.”
Selina looked heavenward, focusing her attention on the night sky. The stars were unusually bright this evening, twinkling as they gazed down at her. Alex was being difficult, unnecessarily so.
“The stars are likely to have more sense that you do, Sir Russell.”
A smile tugged at the corners of his mouth.
“I did not know that you speak star. I’ve often wanted to communicate my appreciation to them. Perhaps you can express my thanks?”
She sighed deeply. This man was entirely too much. He might just have her laughing in a minute. I must keep my composure, lest he think that I have forgiven him.
“That is hardly funny, Sir Russell. And besides, should I have been able to speak to the stars, I hardly would have done something as pointless as relating your gratitude to them.”
He took a mock blow to his heart, gripping it in supposed agony.
“Oh, the cruelty of this fiery woman. What could I have done to deserve her disdain?”
Selina huffed. “I beg you to say what you have come to say so that I may be left in peace. I really have no desire for a companion.”
It was his turn to sigh. “It seems that my hopes of brightening your countenance have come to nought. Very well, Selina, have it your way–I will be frank with you. Why have you seen it fit to turn a cold shoulder towards me? You are like another person altogether! Where is the warm and kind Selina that I met just the other day?”
Alex truly did not seem to realise the extent of his actions. Could he be so self-absorbed that he could not see the potential disaster that his callous words may have caused? It was pure providence that his words had not been misconstrued to mean anything darker than the simple truth.
“I am still the same person, but you are not. You presented a version of yourself that simply was not true.”
“I beg to differ–” he began to say.
“No,” she interrupted. “Allow me to speak. Please,” she added belatedly.
Alex nodded. “Yes, please continue.”
“When I first met you, you presented yourself as a lowly servant walking his horses. You were not dressed as a gentleman, and neither did you act like one. Imagine my dismay when I discovered that you are not, in fact, a stable groom, but a baronet. I felt like a fool.”
“Pray, let me speak,” he interjected. “I wish to defend myself. It is not fair to hear you demonise my actions in such a way.”
Demonise? Selina had merely spoken the truth.
“I take offence at that, Sir Russell. I have told you the events as they happened. Is it my fault that they are not favourable to you? You simply cannot lay the blame at my feet.”
“Let me speak, Selina!”
She leaned backwards, alarmed at his raised voice. She had never heard him speak in such a way, and she didn’t like it. Selina narrowed her eyes but remained silent.
Alex appeared to have shocked himself as he fought to gain his composure. He pulled on his dinner coat, counting his breaths as he prepared himself to speak once more. It had never been his intention to snap at her as he just did, but she had the single-handed ability to bring out his lesser-controlled emotions.
Alex prided himself on being a composed gentleman, one who never lost his cool no matter the situation. He kept a cool head at all times, a necessity when conducting business deals and communicating with employees, especially the more hard-headed ones. Selina had gotten under his skin and made him lose his control. Alex had never felt so alive, but this was hardly the time to be entertaining his seldom-experienced emotions. He regarded her for a moment. She hadn’t flinched at his raised voice; if anything she was exhibiting signs of great irritation. Her narrowed eyes were spitting fire at him, just waiting for him to put his foot in his mouth. This woman makes me feel alive! If only we were not at odd’s end.
“I apologise for my ... abrasive manner. It will not happen again.”
Selina snorted, a most unladylike sound, but it only added to his growing admiration. How would it be to have this woman at my side?! She makes the prospect of marriage seem interesting rather than a necessary chore. But he would get nowhere with her if they could not resolve their issues. Her issues, that is to say, not my own.
“Please, do get on with your ... version, Sir Russell. The night will not wait for you, and neither will our guests. I am sure that Miss Mostyn is searching for you as we speak.”
Alex grimaced. While Lavinia was a lovely woman, she simply was not someone that he could imagine settling down with. The only woman that had held his interest was the very one that looked ready to dismember him. C’est la vie. He shrugged his shoulders.
A Charming Lady for the Intriguing Baronet: A Historical Regency Romance Book Page 15