Page 68 of The Duke’s Hidden Duchess

“I very rarely suppose. It wastes time.”

Lady Marwood turned slightly.

A footman was already approaching.

He did not hurry. That somehow made the thing more final. He crossed the lawn with the composed expression of a servant carrying out an instruction that required no explanation.

Rowland looked once at Selina.

The hatred in his face was no longer disguised.

She had seen irritation from him before, and contempt, and the pleasure he took in frightening somebody who could not immediately answer him. This was simpler.

Then he bowed.

“Your Grace.”

Selina inclined her head.

She gave him nothing else.

He crossed the lawn without haste, which was perhaps the last thing he still controlled. People made room for him without yet knowing why they were doing so. Mrs Ottley called after him from beneath one of the awnings, but he did not turn.

The footman followed at a discreet distance.

Selina watched until Rowland had gone far enough that his return would require a deliberate choice. Only then did she look at Lady Carbery.

Lady Carbery waited until he was out of hearing.

“I shall say nothing unless you require it of me.”

“Thank you,” Selina said.

“If you do require it, I shall remember his words.”

Her manner made it clear that this was neither an offer of gossip nor an invitation to discuss what she had heard. It was simply a promise to remember.

“That is why I asked you,” Lady Marwood said.

Lady Carbery gave the older woman a look suggesting that compliments were no more welcome from her than from anybody else, then returned towards the terrace.

Within a few steps she had re-entered the gathering and was received into a conversation as though she had done nothing more consequential than inspect the roses.

Lady Marwood remained beside Selina.

“I hope that was of some use to you.”

“It was. More than I expected.”

“I am glad of it.” Lady Marwood glanced towards the path by which Rowland had departed. “I doubt he will thank either of us for the afternoon.”

“No.”

Selina set her untouched lemonade on a passing tray. Only then did she realise how firmly she had been holding it.

“Then take care. Embarrassment does not always improve a man’s judgement.”

Selina looked at her.