Page 65 of The Duchess in His Bed
Once Selena and her sisters arrived home, in the foyer, they all handed their cloaks and hats to the butler.
“Girls, I need a moment of your time in the library,” Selena announced. Preceding them into the room, she went straightway to the sideboard and poured herself a sherry for fortitude. Turning, she smiled at her sisters, who all wore identical furrows in their brows. “Please sit.”
She indicated a nearby sitting area with two small sofas and one plush chair. Taking the chair, she waited while they settled themselves on the sofas. “I need to go to Sheffield Hall in the morning to see to some business.”
Connie looked at Flo and Alice, then met Selena’s gaze. “We’ll go with you.”
“I need you all to remain here. People are still stopping by to offer their condolences, and I would like you to represent me in my short absence. I’ll return tomorrow evening.” All Aiden had to do was catch a glimpse of the estate, the manor house, and he would be impressed with the grandness of what his son would inherit.
Flo angled her head in thought. “Why do you have to go?”
“A matter’s been brought to my attention that requires my presence.” She hated lying to them, but it was preferable to the truth.
“What matter?”
“It has to do with the estate.”
“In what manner?”
“I’m not exactly certain, which is the reason I have to go.” She shot to her feet, paced three steps away before returning. “Please, just know that it’s crucial to your futures.”
“I don’t understand—”
She interrupted Flo. “You don’t need to. Simply trust me. And do as I ask. Remain here, and if anyone should inquire regarding my absence, explain that I had to tend to business at Sheffield Hall.”
“Yes, all right.”
“Thank you.” She returned to the chair, tried to think of what else she might say to reassure them, was grateful when the butler strode in, carrying a package wrapped in brown paper.
“I’m sorry to interrupt, Your Grace, but this was just delivered for Lady Alice.”
“For me?” The look of surprise on Alice’s face was a bit comical, but then she had no swain to send her little gifts and it was unusual for something to be delivered this time of night. She took the proffered package, and the butler made his exit.
“What is it?” Connie asked.
“Well, I don’t know.” Alice glanced over at Selena. “Shall I open it?”
“Yes, of course.”
After pulling the string, granting the bow its freedom, she folded back the paper and gasped as a book came into view. A note rested on top. She smiled. “It’s from Mr. Aiden Trewlove.”
“What does it say?” Connie asked impatiently.
Alice handed it to Selena.
The best escapes are found within the pages of a book. Enjoy your journeyThrough the Looking-Glass.
—Your ever-faithful servant, Aiden Trewlove
“He caught me reading it at the shop,” Alice confessed. “But it wouldn’t be appropriate for me to keep it, would it?”
Oh, Alice had certainly passed the test, and for some unaccountable reason his gifting her with the book made Selena’s eyes burn. “Under the circumstances, I think it’s entirely appropriate. Write a letter to thank him and give it to me before you retire. I’ll post it tomorrow on my way to Sheffield Hall.”
“He might be a commoner,” Alice said, “but I don’t believe he is common.”
No, Selena thought, he wasn’t common at all.
Chapter 18
