Page 36 of A Virgin for the Ruthless Duke

They giggled, then fell silent for a moment. There was no grief when they spoke of their mother, only a fondness of the memories they had gotten through recollections from Stephen and everyone else who had known her well enough.

“I trust you, Sister. I only worry for your reputation,” Diana added with a sigh. “If there really is nothing between you two, then you must limit the amount of time you spend in his company. Tongues are already wagging, and it will not be long before more people catch wind of it. You cannot afford such a scandal.”

“I know, dear sister, but I assure you there is nothing to worry about.” Selina squeezed her hand. “I will take your advice to heart and stay away from the Duke.”

“You should. He might be Stephen’s friend, but I doubt he would enjoy knowing that you two are spending so much time together.”

“You should get some sleep, Diana.” Selina smiled at her. “We have an early day tomorrow.”

“Alright,” Diana said, rising to stand in front of their mirror. “I am glad that my fears have no substance.”

If only you knew.

Selina would have to be incredibly careful when she met the Duke in the library. It would end terribly if anyone walked in on them unchaperoned, after all.

Her heart raced when she imagined him repeating what he had done before, and she chided herself for thinking such terrible thoughts.

She should not be thinking about a man who was not her husband so improperly. She already feared that he would ruin the appetites only her husband was supposed to stir up in her with his subconscious seduction, and she wondered if she would feel the same for any other man.

She had been subconsciously searching to see if she would feel the same spark with any of the other gentlemen she had conversed with, but so far, aside from general feelings of disgust or bored acceptance, there had been no spark.

She would be careful not to get caught alone with him and not to drop her guard around the man who made her feel things she should not feel.

CHAPTER 12

“Ithought you wanted us to continue the conversation later tonight?” she asked, frowning as he took her hand and led her along the garden path.

“The weather looked pleasant, and I thought it would be a waste to spend the day indoors.” He smiled.

He had come into the drawing room, where everyone had been recovering after the morning’s activities, and had requested her attention from her aunt, who had been all too willing to give it without even coming to chaperone them.

“I am sure my niece is safe with you, Your Grace.”

Selina hadn’t been able to ignore the knowing look in Diana’s eyes or the angry looks she got from the matrons and their daughters when she placed her hand in his.

“You didn’t have to cause such a scene in there,” Selina scolded. “I will have to answer another barrage of questions for which I am utterly unprepared.”

“Another?”

“My sister interrogated me thoroughly last night,” she said, shuddering. “I barely escaped it unscathed, and now your actions have ruined my efforts. What is the point of a secret pact if you choose to flaunt it? Do not tell me no one has approached you to inquire about our relationship?”

“They have,” he admitted sheepishly. “My mother, in particular.”

“I do not think that is a conversation you are keen to repeat,” Selina stated, reading his mood.

“No, I am not.” He nodded. “I will take better care in concealing our meetings, but we must take care to avoid a scandal we do not need.”

“Indeed. I would hate to imagine being at the mercy of the ton.”

He smiled and led them towards the maze. The Mulford’s really did have a beautiful estate, and the crispness of the air was most welcome.

“It is indeed too lovely a day to waste time indoors,” she admitted, running her fingers over a soft rose petal.

“I am glad you are receptive to the idea.” He looked visibly amused. “We shall begin our lecture.”

“Indeed.”

He straightened his shoulders as though he hadn’t been walking ramrod straight before. Selina took the time to appreciate how well his clothes fitted him. He was dressed in a well-tailored dark coat, a burgundy velvet vest, and a crisp white linen shirt that gave him a distinguished air. She didn’t permit herself to stare for too long at his linen-clad thighs.

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