Page 7 of Drawn to the Duke
By the time Samuel’s fortunes had been at their zenith—thanks to Selina’s efforts—he’d started to gamble away any of the funds his hardworking wife might have used to clothe herself in the manner to which she’d been born: the eighth child of a viscount of modest fortune but good social standing.
Samuel had not an artistic bone in his body, but he had charm. He knew how to draw the customers—vain women who desired a likeness. And Selina could whip up that likeness in an instant as she pretended to mix the paints at Samuel’s side. What Selina hadn’t realized for quite some time was the extent of Samuel’s charm, and how many of these women came back for ‘touch-ups’ when Selina was out.
Or perhaps Selina had been willfully blind. Yes, Selina had given up too much to accept that Samuel was straying, so it was only when she returned home one day to find screaming Mrs. Wylie half dressed, and Samuel dead in the bed of what the physician put down as apoplexy, that Selina accepted the extent of his philandering.
So, while Selina was now determined to do a marvelous job of the duke’s likeness, which meant sufficient close observations, she did concede Edward’s concerns. And, although she wouldn’t admit it to Edward’s face, she knew she had been too bold tohave spoken to their host as she had. What woman would speak their admiration on a first acquaintance?
But Selina had always found it easier to speak the truth. Easier, certainly, than to lie.
And the Duke of Chauncy truly was a magnificent specimen.
Nevertheless, tonight she would please her brother. She’d keep her head down, her eyes lowered, and her mouth shut.
“Lady Boothe, what do you think of Chauncy House?”
Selina blinked in surprise. They’d barely begun the first course and hard-eyed Lady Saunders was quizzing her in a surprisingly direct manner. Although well past her first flush of youth, the woman was still a beauty. But a scornful one with a hard mouth.
Selina raised her head and sent a serene smile around the table. “It is a magnificent testament to the many generations that have transformed a draughty castle into an impressive ancestral home.” She caught Edward’s look of relief before she lowered her eyes once more.Yes, she’d executed her duties, as promised. The tense expectation that had gripped the company had not been lost on her. Perhaps fame of her uncertain temperament had preceded her and they were eagerly waiting for her to disgrace her ‘husband’. Well, she would not do that. Lady Saunders would be disappointed if she’d hoped for a colorful response.
Conversation resumed with various topics being discussed before Selina heard herself being addressed once again.
“Lady Boothe, might I compliment you on your evening dress? I’d love to know your opinion on mine? It was made for me in London for this season though, like you, I am fond of the flounces of five seasons ago.” Mrs. Piggott, a pale, freckled, though not entirely unattractive redhead, sent a pointed look at Selina’s clearly outmoded gown.
Selina frowned at the veiled insult. Mrs. Piggott was Lady Saunders’ sister; and Lord Saunders was a friend of the duke. Selina must temper her responses so as not to offend their host; despite Selina being highly offended by Mrs. Piggott’s unkind remark.
And it was prompted by malice, she knew. Selina had seen Mrs. Piggott and Lady Saunders sniggering in the corner of the drawing room earlier, in between glancing at Selina. At the time, Selina had dismissed the idea that they’d been gossiping about her, but now she knew they’d not only been talking behind her back, they’d been disparaging her.
Selina glanced at Edward, but he did not even appear to notice that Mrs. Piggott had blatantly insulted her by insinuating that her gown was five seasons old. Which it was.
Taking a deep breath, she smiled as she murmured, “You are very kind, Mrs. Piggott. And as for your lovely gown, rose sarsenet will compliment most women,” before she lowered her head, adding as she carefully carved a piece of beef, “unless they are a redhead.”
CHAPTER 7
The silence was immediate. Selina pretended not to notice, finishing her mouthful and then murmuring to Edward, “With all the compliments flying about the table, I think His Grace’s cook deserves special congratulations, don’t you?”
Edward stared at her, not replying, as if he wished to obliterate her. Then the silence was broken by Lady Saunders, clearing her throat and saying, as the pudding was brought in, “Lady Boothe, you must be honored that Lord Chauncy has chosen your husband to paint his portrait. And I applaud you for your bravery in accompanying him when I believe you have left your home on but a handful of occasions in five years. You must find the world a strange place.”
Selina caught the look of concern Lord Saunders directed at his wife, as if wishing to caution her against playing with something dangerous. She noticed, also, that a rather manic smile was playing about Mrs. Piggott’s lips.
Selina shook her head and widened her eyes. “Not the world,” she said, slowly, “but the people in it.”
“And I believe you rarely step outside your?—”
“Caroline, that’s enough.”
Mr. Piggott muttered the admonition to his wife before quiet Miss White, His Grace’s cousin, changed the subject in a bright tone of voice, saying, “Sir Edward, Chauncy has been painted by better-known painters but had heard you are especially gifted. I wonder if I might observe you at work. I believe you will paint Chauncy tomorrow in the conservatory. Would you consider me a terrible burden if I sit quietly in a corner? I promise I’ll not say a word to distract you.”
What could Edward do but accept?
Meaning Selina would have to do her best at rendering His Grace’s likeness from outside the conservatory.
But she would manage. Yes, Selina always found a way around every difficulty.
“Sir Edward, I believe you are not the only painter in the family. Your sister’s late husband was a painter, was he not?” Mrs. Piggott was at it again.
Selina put down her knife and fork and sent her brother a considered look. How would he answer this one? How would he refer to the sister who’d caused the family such scandal?
And did Mrs. Piggott mean to cause Edward embarrassment?
