The Spellbinding Courtship: Calatini Tales Book 0.5

by Katherine Dotterer

  Aragon suppressed a growl. How dare Midor smirk like that? And what was he doing at Lady Staghorn's ball? The people watching him hadn't mentioned him knowing anyone at court. He must have managed to sneak in like he had Selena's presentation ball. Aragon set his jaw. But he'd not allow Midor to harass her. "I'll handle him once our dance is over." By dragging him from the ballroom.

  Selena clutched his shoulder. "No, 'twould engender gossip."

  His heart softening, he drew her close enough her periwinkle skirts brushed his legs. Who cared about titillating court when her uncle threatened her? "I can't allow your uncle to pester you."

  Chapter 21

  Her heart surging at Aragon's declaration, Selena swayed toward him. Goddess, if only his protectiveness was due to love rather than chivalry. She swallowed and forced herself to retreat to the proper dancing distance. "I should be fine as long as I avoid him."

  Aragon's eyes narrowed. "Are you certain?"

  She straightened to her full height despite her prickling shoulders. "Although I wish I knew his latest scheme, whatever he's plotting can't touch me thanks to your family's protection. The worst he can do is start rumors, and your mother can easily squash those."

  Aragon sighed, his jaw firming. "Very well, but I'll stay close while your uncle remains."

  Selena's chest fluttered. He truly was the best of gentlemen. If only he wanted to court her. Then she needn't consider others. She forced a smile as their dance ended.

  Aragon relinquished her to a nearby gentleman and partnered that gentleman's erstwhile partner. But as he promised, he and his new partner remained close. He repeated that through her following dances, especially when she danced with Lord Ravenstone and Edouard again.

  While she danced, Uncle Adan lurked beneath the musicians' balcony, his gaze never leaving her, even when he talked to other guests. His incessant scrutiny chilled her despite her earlier words. What could he be plotting? Her destruction again?

  After an hour enduring his scrutiny, Selena ached to relax with a pot of tea and her sketch journal. So when another gentleman requested a dance, she said Aragon had already claimed it then turned to him with wide eyes. "Could we tell your mother I've a headache and want to leave?"

  Aragon frowned and leaned toward her. "You've a headache?"

  Selena grimaced. She'd worse—a disreputable uncle who kept staring. "No, but I want to leave. Please, Aragon."

  He nodded then escorted her to the duchess. "Mother, Selena has a headache. I'm taking her home."

  The duchess waved them toward the door. "Of course." She smiled at Selena. "Go rest; I'll see you in the morning."

  Aragon whisked Selena out to the carriage, and she relaxed as she sank onto the forward seat. But when he began sitting across from her, she tugged him beside her, warmth suffusing her chest. Although 'twasn't proper, she threaded her fingers through his and nestled against him. "Thank you."

  Aragon tensed, but his thumb caressed her palm. "You're welcome."

  Tingling skittered up her arm, and her breath quickened. If he wanted her, she'd attempt a kiss. Her heart clenched. But he didn't, so she'd best release him before she kissed him anyway. So when the carriage turned, she sighed and began releasing him.

  Aragon gripped her hand for a moment then dropped it like a firelizard heated by embers. He swallowed but didn't stop her as she slid to the carriage window.

  Her chest tight, Selena remained silent the rest of the ride. If only he'd pulled her into his arms rather than releasing her. Goddess, why did he keep denying their attraction?

  * * *

  The disappointing carriage ride was the last Selena was alone with Aragon over the next few days. The duchess began taking her to events for ladies, so he remained home. Although she missed him, she finally made friends at court during an afternoon salon about art.

  Selena was eyeing a smooth painting by a recent artist when Miss Madeleine Thorpe joined her. The other lady leaned toward the painting and murmured, "What invisible brushstrokes. Mine are blobs compared to these."

  Selena smiled at Madeleine. "Mine too. That's why I sketch instead." Plus, pencils were much more affordable than oils.

  Madeleine arched her brows at Selena. "Are you also an artist?" When Selena nodded, Madeleine chuckled and beckoned her. "Come, you must join me and my friends. So few ladies are artists."

  Selena grinned as they settled in the chairs beside Lady Cecilia Cassell and Miss Rosamund Blakeley. She'd met all three ladies before, but she'd not realized they were artists.

  Madeleine beamed at her friends. "Selena just mentioned she sketches, so I invited her to join us." She turned to Selena. "Cecilia is a mosaicist, and Rosamund a sculptor."

  Selena gaped at the other ladies. What unique talents. If only she was as gifted. "I'd love to see your work. Paintings, mosaics, and sculptures are so interesting compared to sketches."

  Cecilia winked at her. "Only if you bring your sketches. We could have luncheon and make an afternoon of it. We love nothing more than discussing art."

  Rosamund snickered. "Which our mothers continually bemoan. They say we'll never find husbands if we keep chattering about art."

  Selena's chest lightened. How wonderful to meet ladies who loved art as much as she did. And thanks to her time at the brothel and the enchanted pencils Aragon had given her, she'd plenty of sketches to show them. "Luncheon and an afternoon discussing our art sounds perfect."

  Rosamund heaved a sigh. "You know what doesn't sound perfect? The Landrys' ball tomorrow. Their parties are always dull, and their refreshments ghastly." As the others grimaced, she turned to Selena. "After a few obligatory dances, we always sneak away to talk."

  Selena tilted her head. Although that sounded interesting, she couldn't. "I would, except the Hawkes and I are attending a family dinner at Blaine House. Mr. Gernand asked his father to invite us to see his art collection."

  Madeleine leaned toward her with a heavy sigh. "'Tis said the Count of Blaine's collection of tenth-century masters is the finest in all Calatini. I'd love to see it."

  Energy darted through Selena. And she—a penniless country miss—was going to see such an extraordinary collection.

  Cecilia flashed a waggish smile. "Perhaps Selena could bring us as her guests."

  Raising her eyes skyward, Rosamund drawled, "Or she could just smuggle us in her reticule."

  Selena suppressed her grin. She mustn't inflame her new friends' envy. "Once I meet Lord Blaine, perhaps I could convince him to show the artwork to you another time."

  Rosamund snorted. "Not if Lady Blaine has any say. Ladies more interested in art than court are of no use to the fashionable countess."

  Selena almost winced. Which she definitely was, so 'twas fortunate the duchess was Lord Blaine's cousin. She'd never see his collection otherwise.

  Madeleine shook her head. "How about we have luncheon at my family's townhouse the following day instead? Selena can at least tell us about Lord Blaine's collection. Then we can show each other our recent work."

  Selena dimpled at her new friends. "I'll look forward to it." She'd bring the hawk sketch Aragon had enchanted for her. The moving sketch should impress them. But she mustn't mention he'd paid for it—they'd assume he was courting her, which he sadly wasn't.

  * * *

  The following evening, Selena yanked on her teal gown then flew downstairs to visit the Gernands'. But only Aragon and his parents were there, so she asked once the carriage rumbled down the street, "Where's Hawke?" How had he managed to evade the duchess's earlier edict?

  Aragon shrugged. "He's riding with Wren and her parents."

  The duchess nodded with a grin. "The carriages are more comfortable that way."

  Selena blinked. The carriage could comfortably hold two more, but with Hawke elsewhere, at least she needn't endure his flirting. As the others began discussing the upcoming dinner, she clenched her hands to keep them still. Soon she'd see tenth-century masterpieces in person.

  Afte
r they arrived at Blaine House and the duchess introduced Selena, Lord Blaine's pale-blue eyes studied her. "So you're the lady who adores art that Edouard begged me to invite."

  A blush warmed her cheeks. Mr. Gernand had begged? He must want to court her—unlike Aragon. "Yes, my lord. Thank you for inviting me."

  The count chuckled. "Edouard can show you my collection after dinner. He's almost as well-versed as I. And he's a more rousing escort for a young lady."

  Lady Blaine sashayed over and slipped her arm through her husband's. "You're rousing enough for any young lady."

  His silvery hair aged by her sable locks, Lord Blaine smiled at her. "Thank you, my dear." He arched a brow. "Shall we proceed to dinner?"

  Selena swallowed as Mr. Gernand captured her arm with a warm smile then escorted her to a seat beside his twin Elise. While she sat, she glanced about the table for Aragon. He was several places down with Wren and Hawke. Her chest tight, she turned her attention back to her neighbors.

  As the gentlemen served the first course, Elise grinned at Selena. "We've not officially met. I'm Elise." She waved to the bearded gentleman beside her. "And this is my betrothed Seanian, Lord Farson." She cocked her head. "How are you enjoying the season so far?"

  Selena sipped her fish chowder with a wry smile. "It's been interesting. Much busier than I had imagined." So much busier.

  Elise chuckled. "That's because the duchess is managing it."

  Selena nodded. True, but she'd not disparage Aragon's mother after her generosity. "When are you and Lord Farson getting married?"

  "Next week." Elise cast her betrothed an ardent look. "I'm eager for that day."

  Lord Farson returned her look and purred, "Me too."

  Selena blushed and glanced away as her chest tightened. What would it be like to feel such passionate devotion and have it returned?

  Mr. Gernand winked at Selena as he served her slices of beefsteak. "Ignore Elise and her besotted swain. They can't recall appropriate dinner behavior."

  Elise huffed. "Just wait until you're in love. Then you'll act the same."

  Edouard arched a brow and snorted.

  When Elise scowled, Selena interjected to distract her, "How did you and Lord Farson meet?"

  Elise chattered about that for the rest of dinner with Lord Farson adding notes and Mr. Gernand interjecting quips. Selena chuckled at their banter, and dinner passed swiftly but not swift enough. Once dinner was over, she could finally see Lord Blaine's collection.

  As the ladies rose to withdraw, Lord Blaine glanced at his son. "Edouard, take Miss Midor to the collection. No doubt she's anxious to see it."

  Although her pulse surged, Selena forced herself not to beam. 'Twould be impolite to her dinner companions.

  Mr. Gernand chuckled and took Selena's arm. "Of course, Father."

  Aragon began to rise, but the duchess waved him back. "Stay here and enjoy the company of the gentlemen, Aragon. Edouard is well-equipped to show Selena his father's collection."

  Aragon's mouth tautened, but he nodded and returned to his seat.

  Mr. Gernand glanced between the duchess and her son before escorting Selena from the dining room. When they were alone, he drawled, "Aragon is protective of you."

  Her heart squeezing, Selena fought a blush and shrugged. "He feels responsible for me." If only he felt more.

  Mr. Gernand hummed as they turned left. "The duchess approves of you, doesn't she?"

  Selena tilted her head. "I believe so." Besides zealously presenting her, the duchess had given her that wonderful art room. Warmth filled her chest.

  A wry smile curved Mr. Gernand's lips. "I see." He halted as they reached an open room lined with paintings and containing sculptures in the middle. "We're here."

  She gaped at the tenth-century masterpieces, energy coursing through her. Vibrant and bucolic, the paintings depicted a variety of outdoor scenes, while the sculptures were movement captured in marble. She'd never seen anything like them. "Exquisite!"

  Mr. Gernand released her arm then explained the significance and meaning of each piece, his passion for art shining in his face. Yet his interest in her had waned, for he no longer interjected flirtatious banter or slanted her heated glances. He treated her as a brother would.

  Selena muffled a sigh as Mr. Gernand escorted her to the drawing room after the tour. Having lost his interest, she must focus on Lord Ravenstone. She swallowed, her stomach tensing. She'd encourage the count to kiss her when they went riding in a few days.

  Chapter 22

  At breakfast the following morning, Aragon eyed Selena across the table. Since her presentation ball, they'd barely been alone. His heart squeezed. "Would you care to go riding? The royal bay, perhaps? We could bring luncheon, and you can sketch the bay."

  Selena sighed as she sipped her tea. "I can't. I'm meeting some friends for luncheon. They insisted I tell them about Lord Blaine's collection. They're jealous they couldn't see it themselves."

  Aragon swallowed. Her friends were probably ladies she'd met at an art salon Mother had taken her recently. At least she wasn't spending the day with Edouard or Lord Ravenstone.

  Mother smiled over her toast. "Art enthusiasts always covet my cousin's invitations."

  Father chuckled while finishing his eggs. "Too bad for them, he doesn't care to entertain. Too bad for his young wife too."

  Ignoring Father, Aragon leaned toward Selena. Despite her preference for other gentlemen, he missed spending time alone with her. "We could ride tomorrow instead."

  Selena glanced away, adjusting her teacup. "You needn't bother. Lord Ravenstone intends to take me riding again soon."

  Aragon crumbled his bacon. Of course she'd rather spend time alone with one of her suitors. If only she still wanted him. "I should have realized."

  Father rose and arched a brow at Aragon. "You could join me and Alaric on our ride instead."

  Aragon suppressed a grimace. And subject himself to Sir Alaric's ubiquitous teasing? The baronet was worse than Hawke. "Thank you, but I'll see if Devon wishes to ride. He rarely makes time unless I invite him."

  Mother tsked and rose as well. "He really must find a queen to help him relax."

  Father took her arm with a crooked grin. "Most gentlemen don't find their wives relaxing, Caro. Quite the opposite."

  Mother pursed her lips. "Most gentlemen are unenlightened then."

  Once his parents' left, Aragon forced himself to eat his last few bites. Then he glanced at Selena, who was nibbling her toast and frowning at her plate. Their flowing conversation from the brothel was lost. He coughed then said, "I finally heard why your uncle was at Lady Staghorn's ball."

  Selena blinked at him. "Oh?"

  He grimaced. "Apparently, he and Lord Winston met at the brothel not long after your presentation ball. They bonded over their taste in girls and lack of funds. So the baron invited Midor to join them."

  Selena sighed and set down her half-eaten toast. "Then doubtless we can expect Uncle Adan to appear at more court events. Wonderful."

  Aching to pull Selena into his arms to comfort her, Aragon clenched his hands to remain still. If he held her, he'd be unable to resist kissing her. And she was no longer interested. "I'll make sure to protect you."

  Selena rose with an almost smile. "I know."

  As she glided from the breakfast room, he gulped a shuddering breath. If only he could do more than offer his protection. He set his jaw then headed to the palace.

  Devon eagerly agreed to a ride, so with the royal guards, they rode through Ormas and out the eastern gate. Devon ordered his guards to fall back once they reached the royal forest. He turned to Aragon. "I've not seen much of you the past two weeks."

  Aragon's stomach tensed, and he shifted in his saddle. "You saw me at the council meeting three days ago."

  Devon slanted him a flat glance. "You know that's not what I meant."

  "I know." Aragon grimaced as he urged his mare around a fallen tree. "Mother's presentation of Selena," and
watching her with her suitors, "has occupied my time."

  Devon's eyes gleamed. "I suspected as much. How is your Miss Midor?"

  Aragon stiffened. "Selena isn't mine." If only she was. He forced a shrug. "Mother has taken Selena to countless court events, and Selena has been popular at every one. At balls she rarely sits out a dance, and at meals she never lacks partners."

  Devon arched his brows as he turned his gelding onto a game path. "Any serious suitors?"

  Aragon inclined his head. "Lord Ravenstone and Edouard." He scowled. "Mother has encouraged Selena to spend time alone with them, which I'm uncertain is wise." Who knew what improprieties they might attempt?

  Devon's mouth twitched. "You don't count yourself a serious suitor?"

  Aragon swallowed and studied his reins. "I would be, except she's not interested." Not since she'd met other gentlemen.

  Devon halted his gelding to stare at Aragon. "Nonsense. Miss Midor made her preference for you clear."

  Aragon sighed, his ribs squeezing. "Before her presentation, perhaps. Now she won't even go riding with me."

  Devon arched a brow. "You rescued her from a brothel and a black witch but allowed her to meet other gentlemen without protest. Perhaps she assumed your riding invitation was charity rather than interest."

  Aragon gaped at Devon. Charity? He'd only restrained himself to avoid exploiting her inexperience. Tingling warmth flooded him. Goddess, he couldn't imagine not wanting her. She was spellbinding.

  Devon held Aragon's gaze. "If you truly want her, continue courting her to prove your interest."

  His mind whirling, Aragon remained silent as they resumed riding. Could Devon be right? Could Selena not realize he wanted her? If she did, no wonder she'd turned to other suitors. Perhaps if he continued courting her like Devon suggested, eventually she'd realize his interest was sincere.

  He set his jaw. Yet he couldn't rush her. She was under his protection, and she might feel compelled to accept him if he was too forceful. So he must still restrain his hunger for her. If he ensured their outings involved others, he might manage it. He could start by escorting her and her friends to places she'd enjoy. Then once she reciprocated his interest for a while, he could arrange private outings, and eventually, even kiss her again.