“She went so far as to allow me to see her sketches, being the nosey fellow that I am. Miss Seymour has great talent–if any of you ever need a sketch of yourselves, your children, or your beloved dogs, I would speak with her. I might just ask her to do one of my horses!”
His compliment threw her. The eyes upon her were more so interested now, with some even nodding at her encouragingly.
“Miss Seymour was warm and polite–the epitome of a well-bred lady of this century. Not at any moment did I have the thought enter my head that I could overstep my boundary–I have all the confidence that she would have put me in my place with no time to spare!”
Everyone laughed, looking at her with admiration. My word! He has truly managed to sway their opinion of me! A woman with more jewellery wrapped around her neck than what was tasteful, clapped her hand on Selina’s forearm, smiling at her.
“Good on you dear!”
Embarrassed but relieved that the rumour had finally been laid to rest, she smiled, stammering slightly.
“Th-thank you.”
“Lastly,” Alex said. “The next rumour that I will address has been one that has done me the worst damage.”
Alex looked over the crowd, his eyes searching. Is he searching for me? His warm eyes landed on her, looking at her as if trying to bore into her soul. She looked away, unable to handle the intensity.
“I have never courted Miss Mostyn, neither have I ever entertained the notion of doing so. I expect you to verify my words by acknowledging the fact that she is now happily married to Mr Simon Willoughby. I myself, congratulated them just this morning as they drove off to London.”
People shifted uncomfortably, likely feeling ashamed for the part they had to play in the rumour.
“If I were to be completely honest with you, I have my eyes set on another young lady who has captured my attention like no other.”
The room exploded in sound as rushed words and low-pitched murmurs filled the air. Selina stayed rooted to the floor, unable to breathe. Does this mean that he has set his eyes on another woman? The mere thought of it twisted her insides painfully, so much so that tears quickly sprang to her eyes. She blinked rapidly, unwilling to indulge in a self-pitying moment. It would serve me right if it is indeed true.
“Before any questions will be undoubtedly be asked, please know that this woman has no preconceived notion of what I have just revealed to you all. I would hope that she is aware of my affections, but many of us are aware of unrequited love. I truly hope that it is not so in my case.”
Although he had smiled at her earlier on, he had not indicated that he had any special feelings towards her. I must be content with the fact that he clearly does not bear a grudge against me–it is what I ultimately wished for. Perhaps we can be friends, or at least friendly with one another. But her heart was not satisfied with that. Her heart wanted Alex, but it seemed that his heart belonged to another.
“I believe that I have done enough talking this evening. Music, please!”
As the hired musicians started up, the crowd gathered around the stairs dispersed as guests chatted and cleared the dance floor for the first dance. Selina looked down at her card. She had purposefully kept the first spot clear in the hopes that Alex would ask her to dance, but she was beginning to think that she was foolish to do so. She couldn’t help looking around to see if Alex approached a specific young woman. If he has a tendre for her, then it must mean that she is a worthy woman. Alex would never settle for less. A part of her wished that he could have held on for a little while longer, waiting for her, but that was not fair of her. How could I expect him to hold on when I was the one to push him away? Every man has his limits.
“Young lady, may I have this dance?”
Selina turned to see her father standing with his hand stretched towards her. He raised an eyebrow. Her father was not one to dance at balls, but here he was.
“Dance, Papa?”
He smiled. “These old bones have some life in them yet.”
She laughed. “Then I would be honoured to.”
She took her father’s hand, allowing him to lead her to the dance floor.
Chapter 15
The melody was a jovial one. Selina found herself having fun as she danced with her father, surprised by how nimble he was on his feet.
“You really should dance more, Papa. You are wonderful at it!”
He laughed. “How did you think I got such a beautiful woman as your mother to fall for me?”
She had never truly considered it, but now she saw what he meant. Her father was several inches shorter than her mother, and while he was not handsome, his features were kind and engaging. Those that loved him would consider him to be a dear heart with the kindest of smiles. Much like Alex.
“I am sure that Mama saw more than just your nimble feet.”
“Eventually. Now I dazzle her with my wit.”
Selina chuckled, giving him a peck on his cheek as the dance concluded.
“I suppose that I must find my next dance partner. I have promised Tim Wells a dance.”
He was an old childhood friend who had recently come to visit some family members in the area. She was pleased to see him again, but she certainly was not pleased by the hope she had seen in his eyes. I do not think that I could consider another suitor so quickly.
“Good boy that, but I’m afraid that he will have to find another partner. I have an important matter to discuss with you.”
Her brow furrowed as she considered what could be so important as to keep her from her next dance. Her aunt was probably watching her.
“Aunt Dorothy will not be pleased, Papa. Neither will Tim.”
“Never mind that; they will surely understand. But I must speak with you before–” he cut his words off.
“Yes?”
“Come, child. It is best that we discuss this matter outside. I am told that Sir Russell’s gardens are quite exquisite. We can take a leisurely stroll through them.”
She could see that her father was determined to speak with her. Could he not have spoken to me before the ball? He had ample opportunity to do so.
“Let me speak with Tim first–I would hate for him to think that I have refused his dance and hidden away like a coward.”
“Yes, yes, if you must. Do not take too long–there is much to speak about before the night is done.”
Her father was speaking in riddles, but as they had never been her strong point, she was perplexed. He walked with her to find Tim, and once she had apologetically declined this dance in favour of a later one, they were off to the garden. She led the way, having walked this path before. When her father spotted a garden bench, he guided her to it, emitting an appreciative sigh as he sat down.
“That dance has worn me out. I am not as young as I used to be.”
“You did keep up with the young gentlemen. That surely counts for something.”
He patted her hand. “I suppose you are right, although I would not take up another dance in a great hurry.”
She smiled and leaned against the back of the chair, staring at the night sky. The clouds covered most of the stars, and there was no moon, but Alex thoughtfully had lamps scattered throughout the garden. Selina and her father sat in companionable silence, he catching his breath, and she mulling over Alex’s speech. My reputation is no longer questionable, but somehow I am not as happy as I should be. Yes, I am relieved, more so for my family’s sake than my own, but what am I to do about the dull ache in my heart?
“Selina?”
“Yes, Papa?”
“I’m afraid that I have not been the best of fathers lately.”
She sat up. “How so?”
“This whole situation about finding the perfect suitor and getting married must be stressful for you, and I have done nothing to help you.”
“But what can you do, Papa? The crux of the matter is that I must be married. It is finding the suitor that is posing a challenge. That and the circulating rumour
that Sir Russell just put to bed.”
“That is what I am talking about. It took Sir Russell to come to your defence, but what of your own father? Should I have not come to your rescue?”
She took her father’s hand in hers, troubled by the pain in his voice.
“It is now water under the bridge, Papa. There is no need to trouble yourself in this way. And I am a strong person. It will take more than a silly rumour to affect me.”
That was a lie. She had been affected by it, but her father need not know that right now.
“I wish to make amends, child.”
“But why, Papa? There is no need to bother yourself any longer. Put it out of your mind. Rather fill it with the latest news on the British colonies. That always seems to interest you!”
“Yes, that is true. But a mention of the British colonies will not deter me from my mission.”
She sighed. “Very well, Papa. I am all ears.”
He patted her cheek. “You have always been such a good daughter to me. I shall miss you when you leave.”
“Leave? I assure you that I am not going anywhere where you will not be present, Papa!”
“Hush, child, and listen to me.” He turned his body to face her. “When I saw your mother, it was love at first sight. I did not have to look at another woman because I knew that I wanted to marry her.”
Selina smiled. She had heard this story dozens of times before, but she wouldn’t interrupt him for she loved hearing it being told by him.
“It took some time for her to realise that I am the one for her, especially as her parents had another suitor all lined up and ready for her.”
This was a romance story like no other. If only she could have the opportunity for her own one.
“It took a month, but I eventually married her. I want the same for you. I do not want you to just settle for any man. I do not want you to get married because the suitor ticks all of the boxes that your mother and aunt have created. They are well-meaning, of course, but love cannot be tampered with. It just happens.”
She agreed with her father, but it seemed that waiting for love was not an option for her. She needed to be married for her family’s sake, a love match be damned. However, if truth be told, the life of a spinster did not seem too bad.
“When your mother first mentioned that we come out here to find you a husband, I did not immediately take to the idea. Would there be a man who would appreciate you as you are? You are my headstrong and intelligent daughter, a combination that most men shy away from.”
Selina was well aware of this. Two failed Seasons and now this situation. Perhaps she was destined to be a spinster. I do not think that the life of a spinster is as terrible as people wish to make it out to be, but a life with a family would have been preferable.
“I was worried that if your aunt should choose your husband, he would surely be a man who would clip your wings and turn you into a shadow of yourself. That would have broken my heart to witness.”
But if it was necessary, it was a path she was willing to take.
“But there may be hope yet.”
Those words sharpened her mind. “Hope?”
“Yes. I want to tell you that I fully accept this and give you my blessing.”
“I am confused, Papa. What do you mean?”
Her father stood up and helped her to her feet.
“If you walk further in that direction,” he said pointing to their left. “A surprise will be waiting for you.”
Now she indeed was confused. Why would there be a surprise waiting for her?
“But, Papa–”
“Things will be clearer once you get there.” He stepped closer and kissed her brow. “I wish you all the happiness, child. You deserve it.”
He gently pushed her in the direction she was to go, urging her to pick up her pace. She turned around, looking at her father, but he merely waved his hands at her.
“Go.”
She nodded and continued along the pebbled path, wondering what awaited her once she got to the end. Her father was soon lost to view, but she carried on, knowing that she could trust him. Papa would never put my life in danger. When she heard a stick break, she came to a standstill, her heart hammering away. Suppose there was a bandit on the estate? When a shadowy figure suddenly appeared, her fear was so great that she could not utter a single scream.
“Selina, do not be afraid.”
She swayed for a moment, her body not knowing how to respond to the situation. It decided for her as she blacked out.
When Alex saw her begin to sway, he knew that she was going to faint. He quickly ran to her, grabbing her just before she hit the ground. Had he scared her so terribly that she had fainted? He lifted her in his arms and walked to a bench that he knew was close by. Just as well that their position was well-concealed or people may get the wrong idea after having only just convinced them that there was nothing untoward between Selina and him.
Alex gently laid her on the bench, sitting down that he might hold her head in his lap. The bench was not the most comfortable of seats, and it was rather cold, and he did not want her head to rest flat on its surface. He checked her pulse and, finding it acceptable, settled as comfortably as he could on the bench. Alex looked at Selina’s sleeping form, seeing a different side of her.
“This is the first time that I have seen you so calm,” he whispered. “I think that I prefer it when you are wide awake and ready to give me a talking to.”
He stroked her hair, curling a strand around his finger. The sensation of her hair winding around his finger was pleasing to him. Perhaps I could snip off a lock of hair and keep it in my pocket? He thought about it for all of two seconds before going against the idea. She would knock me stone dead with just a glare of her eyes. He bent down to smell her hair, picking up Jasmine and something citrus. The smell was glorious, as were the silky strands he held in his hands. Alex was quite enjoying himself. He had never had the opportunity to get this close to her, and he found that he could not stop touching her. He traced her cheek, marvelling at the cool smoothness. It was like porcelain, only alive.
A scant few freckles dotted here and there across her nose, giving her an impish look. Her nose was not the most sought after, but its cute button look with the slightly upturned tip was perfectly hers. His hand strayed towards her mouth, but he was walking on dangerous grounds. I might just kiss her, and that would prove disastrous. I expect her fully awake for our first kiss. Her eyes fluttered, her long lashes moving as though they were fragile butterflies dancing upon her plump cheeks.
“Selina?”
Her eyes fluttered again, this time opening and looking at him for a few heartbeats before she firmly closed them, shutting him out.
“Selina? Are you feeling better?”
Her relaxed body suddenly became still. Before he could take his next breath, she had leapt away from him, looking at him in shock. The sudden movement had her swaying slightly, and he reached out for her, but she held out her palm.
“No, I am all right, I assure you. I just need a moment to get my bearings.”
She looked around, her hands going to her creased brow.
“I see that I have fainted. However, I do not feel any tender spots–you must have caught me before I hit the ground.”
A Charming Lady for the Intriguing Baronet: A Historical Regency Romance Book Page 26