Page 22 of A Virgin for the Ruthless Duke

They set them down on the floor, and she counted no less than eight boxes. She did not remember being fitted for that many dresses. Opening the first box, her mouth dropped open in amazement.

Inside the box was the most beautiful dress she had ever seen, folded and complete with a note. The note was signed by the Duke of Seymour, requesting that she wear the dress for the upcoming ball.

The dress was a beautiful piece made with emerald sequins that caught the light as she moved. Its bodice was cut lower than she was used to—perhaps to honor the Duke’s idea for dresses that would flatter her slender neck. The dress was fitted, drawing the eye to her curves.

She couldn’t help but stare at herself in the mirror. She had to admit that she looked like a siren gowned in a green fire. While she admired the fit of the dress, she was a little worried about how the ton were going to react to the sight of an unmarried lady in such a bold gown.

While the men wouldn’t protest, the matrons—those women who lived and breathed gossip—would have a field day labeling her wild and untamed. An absolute wanton.

That was why she was unsure of the Duke’s intentions. He had been under the ton’s scrutiny for longer than she had, attending their events and watching scandals rise and fall, so he was in the best position to understand the kind of attention this style of dress might attract.

Of course, she loved it and felt beautiful in it, but that was immaterial to public opinion, which derived pervasive joy from tearing daring young ladies apart.

That was why she had to be sure of his intentions. He was a self-proclaimed expert on women’s fashion, after all. This was the excuse she gave herself while she donned the dress, before throwing her coat over her shoulders and sneaking out of her chambers under the cover of darkness, taking care to not wake Diana who was sharing the chamber with her.

When she stepped up to the giant doors of his own chambers, she was surprised to find that they were unlocked and ajar, sliding fully open at the turn of the knob. The reason for thatoversight became clearer when she stepped in and saw the elderly valet seated close to the door, fast asleep.

Thanking the good Lord for small mercies, she crept past him and closed the door gently behind her. Then, she crept past, heading towards the door at the far wall hoping it was the bedroom since the rooms in the estate ought to mirror each other. She was surprised to find it open as well, as if he was waiting for her.

The room was dimly lit when she stepped inside, her eyes gradually adjusting to the light as she made out Richard’s figure facing the window. He seemed to be gazing out.

He was dressed only in his smalls. His chest was bare, his skin glittering in the moonlight. Shirtless, the Duke bore little resemblance to other noblemen. The muscles in his back flexed as he moved slightly. His exposed calves were also muscular and peppered with hairs.

Even watching him from the back, the man was potent and attractive in a dangerous way.

For a moment, Selina completely forgot her reason for this nocturnal visit to his room.

“I always knew you were bold, My Lady. However, I didn’t think you werethisbold,” he said in a low voice, not bothering to turn to look at her.

“What makes you think so?” Selina asked, her mouth dry.

“No unmarried woman who values her reputation would run the risk of being seen entering or exiting a bachelor’s room. But here you are, unafraid.”

“I apologize if I do not fit your expectations for an unmarried lady. Believe me, I would not be here if it wasn’t important.”

“Pray tell, what is so important that you would take such a risk?” he said, turning to face her, his arms folded over his chest.

“It is about the dress,” she began haltingly.

“What is wrong with it? I thought dresses from Gracie’s were the height of fashion,” he said, a confused look briefly crossing his face.

“It might be the height of fashion, but it is not particularly good for an unmarried lady like myself.”

“Why?” he asked with a raised eyebrow. “Perhaps I need to see the dress to understand what you mean.”

In answer, she untied the cloak, allowing it to pool on the floor around her to reveal her emerald-green dress.

For a moment, Richard seemed to have lost the power of speech as he stared at her in surprise and something that resembled awe.

“Your Grace?” she called.

Clearing his throat slightly, he replied, “I think you look ravishing, My Lady. I fail to see the problem.”

“It is scandalous,” she said, gesturing towards her chest.

“How so?” Richard asked, a mischievous smile curving his lips.

“The bodice is cut too low. The dress is too fitted,” she said slowly as if he was dim-witted. “It is unseemly for an unmarried lady to wear it.”

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