They rode toward town and talked about the lands they grew up on, the current weather and the conditions of the crops. Once they reached Cheadle, they left their horses at the livery and walked toward the square.
The eyes of the villagers immediately went to the three lords walking through their town. Colin glanced around and felt slightly uncomfortable, as if they were intruding where they shouldn’t. A few people nodded to them but said nothing in greeting.
“Perhaps this wasn’t a good idea,” Colin started.
“Nonsense,” Middleton replied. “There is no reason we cannot be here.”
Hart nodded. “For once, I agree with Middleton.”
Middleton laughed so loudly several people turned to stare at them. “You are only here for one reason.”
Hart’s cheeks reddened slightly.
“And what would that be?” Colin asked.
“There is no reason I want to be here other than to get you out of your crumbling house.”
“Of course,” Middleton said with a smirk. “It has nothing to do with the fact that Miss Featherstone was meeting her sister and Miss White here today.”
“Exactly,” Hart grumbled. “It has nothing to do with that.”
Selina was here? Colin scanned the crowd seeking out the woman he couldn’t seem to stop thinking about. The same woman who fired his anger and his passion. A flash of blond hair caught his attention. Was she really having her fortune told? Based on her frown, she didn’t seem to care for what the old woman was telling her.
“And who might you be staring at, North?” Middleton asked.
“The fortune-teller.” He looked away from Selina to avoid any further probing questions from Middleton. “Shall I have my future foretold to me?”
“I highly doubt that charlatan can read anything,” Middleton said. “Look at that poor girl’s face. She looks like she might just cry.”
Colin glanced back at Selina and noticed that she did indeed appear visibly upset by her encounter with the old woman. Should he confront Selina and ask her what was wrong? He shook his head. That was the last thing he should do. She was a strong woman who could take care of herself . . . and everyone on his estate. Far better than he could.
Still, he felt a need to be there for her. Watching her rise from the chair across from the fortune-teller, he made a quick excuse to his friends and started walking toward her. He could hear both men chuckling behind him and for once, he didn’t care. She needed someone to talk to and maybe she would want to confide in him.
He cut her off as she attempted to cross the road to get to the church. Clasping her elbow, he led her to a quieter area away from the crowd. “What’s the matter?”
“How dare you just . . . just . . .” Her voice trailed off as her chin quivered.
“What happened with the fortune-teller?”
Immediately, her face hardened and all visible signs of her distress vanished. “Nothing happened. The woman is a liar.”
“Then why did you look so upset?”
“I did not look upset. I just don’t appreciate paying someone to lie to me.”
The breeze brought the fragrance of her lavender soap toward him. Once again, he felt his body react to her nearness. This was madness. He could not be attracted to her. Yet, no matter what his mind thought, his unruly body rejected the logic.
“What did she say?” he finally asked her.
“It matters not.” She blinked a few times as if still holding back tears. “She is a charlatan.”
He led her toward the stream where few people roamed. “Then why does it matter if you tell me?”
Her green eyes widened. “Because you of all people would only laugh and ridicule everything she said.”
Was that what she thought of him? He would mock her because of the old woman’s tales? “I wouldn’t do that.”
“Of course you would.” She turned to walk away. “Me, a great lady,” she mumbled as she moved, “that is an impossibility.”
Colin watched as she returned to her friends but her words wouldn’t leave him. What had she meant by what she’d said? Had the fortune-teller told her that she would be a great lady?
“Perhaps there is only one way to find out.”
He strode toward the old woman’s table only to find a young woman leaning in closer to the fortune-teller as if she couldn’t miss a word. The fortune-teller’s black and gold turban bobbed as she nodded in reassurance to the younger woman. The medium glanced up and noticed him waiting for her.
“That is all I see,” she abruptly told the younger woman.
“Thank you, Madame Czerwony. I will take your advice to heart.”
“Of course you will, Miss Reilly. Run along, now. I have an important man to see now.”
Miss Reilly turned and gaped. She curtsied quickly and said, “Your Grace,” before dashing from the table.
“Your Grace,” Madame Czerwony said softly. “Why are you here this fine afternoon?”
Colin walked to the table and sat in the deserted chair. “I would like to know what you said to a . . .” How could he describe Selina to this woman? “. . . a friend of mine. It upset her greatly.”
“I do not believe it is any of your business.”
“She is my . . .” The words trailed off.
“Your wise woman, Your Grace?”
How did she know that? “Yes.”
The old woman shrugged. “That she is, but that does not mean you have the right to interfere.”
Of course, she was correct in that matter. He had no rights at all where Selina was concerned. And worse, he had no idea why it even mattered to him. He tried to tell himself he would have done the same for any of his tenants. If he knew his tenants, which he did not.
Still, he couldn’t let the subject drop. He had to discover why she’d been so upset by the fortune-teller’s words. “I shall pay you three times your normal fee.”
A slow, wicked grin crossed her face. “Only three times? I believe five is a more appropriate sum for me to reveal a confidence.”
Colin knew he was being cheated but if that’s what it took to learn one of Selina’s secrets, it was worth it. “Very well.”
He pulled out the money and tossed it across the table. “Now, tell me exactly what you said to her.”
The old woman cackled. “I only told her she would be a great lady. And I warned her that in becoming that person she might have to give up a great deal. So she needed to think about if it would be worth it.”
“That’s it?” Why would that upset Selina? “There was nothing more? No warnings of an early death? Misfortune coming her way?”
“No, Your Grace. I see a long life for that girl. If she makes the right decision.”
“And what would be the right decision?”
Madame Czerwony shook her head. “Only she can know that.” She cleared her throat and then sipped from a glass. “Now be off. Unless you want to pay me to read your fortune?”
Colin almost laughed at the idea of paying the charlatan more money. “Thank you,” he said as he rose from his seat.
Chapter 11
The next few days, Selina stayed in her room and hoped no one needed her. It was only six weeks until the wedding, and if that meant staying in this room every minute except when a tenant was sick, then she would do just that.
If only the warm summer air didn’t call to her. She longed to walk the fields to the tenants’ homes or better yet, ride the fields with her hair blowing in the breeze. Six weeks. Six excruciatingly long weeks. She could manage. She had no choice.
A loud commotion at the front of the house drew her to the window. She had cracked the window open just enough to let some air in so now she could hear servants talking. An elegant black carriage had pulled up in the drive. Behind the carriage, a wagon filled with trunks came to a halt. Several servants milled about until the carriage stopped. Then they went straight to work.
The door opened and an older woman with gray hair steppe
d out. Wearing a handsome burgundy driving gown, she looked as if she were ready for a drive through Hyde Park instead of a trip to the Midlands. The servants all bowed to the woman as a younger woman stepped down and stared up at the house with a frown.
“The bride has arrived,” Selina mumbled but continued to stare down at the group. She briefly wondered why Colin wasn’t outside greeting his guests.
“Welcome home,” she finally heard him say.
She inched closer to the window in order to spy his position. He walked forward and bowed over the dowager duchess’s hand before moving to his sister.
“You’re here early. I’m afraid now you’ll have to put up with all the noise of the workmen.”
Instead of bowing over her hand, he embraced Kate warmly. It was fascinating to watch the interaction between him and his half sister. He appeared to love her very much.
“Oh, Colin,” the younger woman whined. “That was the most dreadful ride ever. We actually stayed at an inn where the only choice for a meal was a meat pie. Can you imagine? A meat pie. I’m terribly sore after the long drive. Please tell me the servants have hot water waiting for me so I can bathe.”
Before Colin could say a word, she continued her complaints. “I swear those roads were so bumpy. I thought my head would hit the ceiling of the carriage. And the rudeness of . . .” Her voice trailed off as they walked into the house.
Selina smiled. She was slightly surprised at how spoiled Kate seemed now. His sister had always been a pleasant girl. Perhaps that’s what London did to people.
Selina moved away from the window to her soft bed. She frowned as she leaned back against her pillows. Would Colin ever consider marrying again? He truly should for the benefit of the estate. While his brother might already be married with a son, Colin’s heir should inherit the dukedom. But she was certain he still hadn’t completely recovered from his wife’s death, so she doubted he was ready for marriage again.
She wondered what it would feel like to be loved as his wife was during their marriage. She imagined he would be attentive to her, listen to her questions, and answer without disparaging her.
Gently she touched her lips. Would he be just as attentive in bed? Selina thought back to that kiss they shared by the pond. Oh yes, he would satisfy his wife’s every desire.
Colin shut the door to his study and walked to the brandy decanter. He poured a large snifter and then moved to his desk. Finally, he had some peace again. The women in the house were driving him mad and they’d only been here for a few hours. How would he handle them for six weeks?
And worse, the one woman not in the house would not leave his mind. He sipped his brandy and leaned back against the leather chair. He looked down at the book and caressed the leather cover. Perhaps he had overreacted that night when he’d become so incensed with Selina. But it was all he had left of Mary.
Still, Selina had looked sincere when she told him she wouldn’t burn the book. So why hadn’t he believed her? Because she was a witch. Perhaps not in the usual sense of the word but she had cast a dreadful spell over him. He wanted her when he knew he shouldn’t. If that wasn’t witchcraft, he didn’t know what was.
A knock scraped at the door.
“Come in,” he said loudly. He cringed slightly when Kate walked into the room with a happy smile. He rose from his seat, thankful his thoughts regarding Selina hadn’t had their usual effect on his manhood.
“Do you mind if I join you in a brandy?”
“You know I don’t mind.”
She took a seat closer to the fireplace and then smiled up at him. “Come sit near me. It’s been over a month since I’ve seen you.”
“I take it the nap and bath did wonders for your disposition?” He walked to the brandy and poured a small snifter for her.
She laughed softly. “I must apologize. I was not in the best of moods when I arrived this afternoon.”
After handing her the glass, he stared at her for a long moment. She’d always had a habit of tapping her fingers when something bothered her. Right now, all her fingers were tapping a staccato beat against her glass.
“What’s wrong, Kate?” He took the brown chair across from her.
She stared down at her glass. “We are going to move up the wedding date.”
“Oh?”
“Please don’t be upset. I told Mother to write to you, informing you of the change but we were so busy with everything. And please don’t worry about the house, none of that matters.”
He stared at her for a long moment. His gaze settled on her flat belly. “Is there a reason I should know about?”
“I want to be married, Colin,” she said with a laugh and then brushed a lock of dark brown hair out of her eyes. “Besides, more people will be able to attend if we have the ceremony in July instead of August.”
He supposed that made sense. Many people left the heat of London after the Season and headed for their country estates. This wouldn’t be too out of the way for many people. “What date then?”
“The eighth of July.”
“That’s only two weeks away!” He assumed she meant closer to the end of July, not the beginning.
“Everything is set. The workers will be finished with the major items on your list, won’t they?”
He blew out a long sigh. The date change should make him happy. After all, now he would be able to leave Northrop Park much sooner. “Yes, they only have a few more days to finish the roof repair.”
“Excellent! See, this will be perfect.”
“That means people may start arriving within the week,” he said aloud.
“Yes, but if we need more staff, Mother and I can hire some temporary workers from the village.”
“We might need to do just that.” He leaned in closer. “My staff is getting aged. They can barely see the dust on the tables. But I dare not let them go.”
“Why not?”
“They’ve been here since long before I was born.” He laughed and she joined in. It was comforting to have Kate here.
“Tomorrow, I will check the upstairs bedrooms and make a list of where people will stay. Because we moved up the date, we decided on fewer guests so we won’t need all the bedchambers. I’ll have the entire thing organized by tomorrow night.”
While many people considered Kate spoiled, he knew it was only due to her station. She was a master at organization. Just having her here would produce a successful wedding. “I’m very glad you’re here,” he said softly.
“So am I. London is becoming unbearable with all the unmarried women going on about not making a match this season. It’s wonderful to be away from it all.”
“Good.” And within three weeks, he’d be able to leave here and stop thinking about Selina.
“Good morning, Selina,” Mrs. Roberts said loudly, jarring Selina from a restful slumber. “Here’s your tea and toast. I must run.”
Selina pushed her hair out of her eyes. “Why are you in such a rush?” Normally, Mrs. Roberts helped her dress and then stayed to chat for at least an hour.
“Oh my, you haven’t heard.” Mrs. Roberts stopped by the end of the bed.
“I saw the carriage arrive yesterday.”
“Indeed, Lady Kate and the duchess are creating so much more work. They moved up the wedding. Now it’s to be the eighth of July.” Mrs. Roberts’s eyes widened. “That’s a fortnight early. We have so much to do!”
They moved the date. In just over two weeks, Kate would be married and Colin would leave for London or one of his other estates. As Mrs. Roberts left the room, Selina pushed her plate away. Suddenly she had no appetite. She rose and walked to the window. Glancing down, she noticed Colin and his sister riding off toward the fields.
She continued to stare at him as he rode. She could imagine the strong muscle of his legs pressing against the horse. His hands would reach over and stroke her hair . . . the horse’s mane, she meant. Dear Lord, there was something dreadfully wrong with her.
The day slippe
d to another, then another without Selina having the opportunity to leave her room. The servants were so busy they barely said two words to her when they arrived with a plate of food. Today, Mrs. Roberts had forgotten to come up and help her dress. The tedium was driving her mad. She would have to find a way to escape the house today.
Noticing the gray day through the window, she decided to wait until later. Perhaps the weather would clear.
With nothing else to do, she picked up a book and returned to bed. After a few hours of reading and dozing, she heard the handle of the door squeak. She ducked under the covers to hide herself from the footman who normally brought her lunch. She couldn’t be seen in her night rail at noon.
“What in the world is going on in this room?”
Selina went completely still, hearing the soft feminine voice. That was not the footman or any of the maids that she knew.
“Come out from under those covers this instant!”
Slowly, she pulled the coverlet down until she could see who stood in her room. Selina’s face heated as she stared at Colin’s sister.
“What are you doing sleeping here?” Kate’s mouth gaped slightly. “Oh my! Are you his mistress? Did he actually have the nerve to bring you here when people will be arriving for my wedding in the next week?”
“No! I am certainly not his mistress,” Selina remarked. Why did that seem to be the general consensus? The first day he arrived he’d assumed she was here for his pleasure. “How could you think he would do such a thing to you?”
The younger woman continued to stare at her. “Then who are you?”
Selina blew out a breath and closed her eyes. “My name is Selina White. I’m—”
“Selina! I didn’t recognize you! I haven’t seen you since I was ten. You were always so kind to me and let me tag along with you and your mother.” Kate spoke so quickly Selina could barely keep up. She raced to the bed and quickly hugged Selina. “I’m so happy you’re here. I asked about you yesterday and Colin said you were living with Hart’s wise woman.”
“Lady Katherine . . . Kate,” Selina paused, staring at her. “You are all grown up.”
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