Secrets at Selwyn Castle: Regency Historical Romance (Beau Monde Secrets Book 1) by Anne Rollins

Author:Anne Rollins [Rollins, Anne]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Dragonblade Publishing, Inc.
Published: 2024-08-30T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Ten

It broke Ivy’s heart to be cold to Lord Inglewhite when he had clearly been disposed to treat her with friendliness. Or possibly something warmer than friendliness. After the debacle of the kiss on Christmas Day, she hoped a lack of positive encouragement would be enough to send the right message. Throughout the week between Christmas and New Year’s, she forced herself not to either look across the table to meet his eyes when they dined or to smile too broadly when she did look at him.

Despite her withdrawal, he continued to seek her out during walks, rides, and after-dinner social hours. If she sat near the pianoforte to listen to Rose playing Christmas carols, he sat next to her and spoke to her about the music. If, instead, she curled up in a corner next to a lamp and read a book, he would drift her way with a book of his own and read near her in silence. He did not flirt outrageously, the way some of her past suitors had done, nor did he shower her with unwanted compliments. But he quietly made it clear that he enjoyed her company and wanted to know her better.

On the thirtieth of December, the Rufford women had a rare moment to themselves, chatting in Rose’s room while their maid arranged Rose’s hair in perfect ringlets. Ivy wore her hair straight today, swept up into a smooth, tidy knot.

Aunt Rufford shook her head at this restrained hairstyle. “You look pretty, but you want a touch to enliven that coiffure. You ought to have a tiara. It would suit your hair. And your face!”

“A tiara?” Ivy giggled at the startling image. “Me? That will never happen.” What a waste of money it would be!

“You never know.” Rose gave her a sly, sideways glance. “The Selwyn family might very well have a tiara. They have lived in this castle for generations, haven’t they? They have probably accumulated centuries of fine jewelry.”

Ivy rubbed her hands together nervously, not liking this turn in the conversation. “The Inglewhite jewels have nothing to do with me.” Her voice shook, though she tried to sound cheerful and confident.

“Really, my dear,” Aunt Rufford said, “there is no need to be missish. Lord Inglewhite has shown a marked preference for your company during this visit. It may come to nothing, so you do well not to raise your hopes too much, but you never know. We might see you a countess yet.” She beamed happily.

Ivy stared down at her clasped hands. “I am not fit to be a countess,” she whispered. “You know that.”

Aunt Rufford’s smile fell. “You have a very generous dowry, a good education, and your uncle and I raised you like our own daughter. You would be fit to be a duchess!” She lifted her chin at a determined angle.

Ivy chuckled bitterly at the thought of her becoming a duchess. Then she leaned forward and kissed her aunt on the cheek. “That is a pretty dream, Aunt Rufford.

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