Page 45 of An Unwanted Bride for the Duke
Seraphine looked down at her clasped hands, unable to meet his eyes. “My father appeared respectable.”
The admission hurt.
“He was charming when he wished to be.” She traced the edge of her sleeve with her thumb. “Society liked him. Most people thought him wonderful.” She swallowed hard and lifted her shoulders in a small shrug. “Yet he was not wonderful.”
Damien's expression darkened, the amusement disappearing entirely from his face. “And now?” he asked, his voice quieter than before.
She laughed softly without humor and shook her head. “Now every gentleman seems like a gamble.”
The confession lingered between them. For a moment, neither spoke. Seraphine kept her eyes fixed on the floor while Damien studied her in thoughtful silence.
Then his voice softened. “A reasonable concern.”
Seraphine blinked and finally looked up at him. That was not dismissal. That was understanding. Unexpectedly, relief washed through her.
“You truly think so?” she asked, searching his face.
“I do,” Damien replied with a slight nod.
The simple answer eased something tight inside her chest. They stood in comfortable silence for several moments before Damien spoke again.
“Why are you in such a hurry to marry?” he asked.
Seraphine froze. The question should not have surprised her, but it did.
I can hardly tell him I’m facing a forced future at Westborough Abbey. If Thalia discovered such a thing, she would worry endlessly. Rosaline would do the same. No. I will bear this burden in silence.
Carefully, she selected her words. “My cousin inherited my father's estate.”
“I know,” Damien said with a small nod.
“Which means I must move on eventually,” Seraphine replied, smoothing an imaginary crease from her skirt. “I cannot expect him to support me.”
A half-truth. Not a lie. Simply incomplete.
“I should have my own home,” she added, lifting her chin slightly.
His eyes lingered on her face. As though he suspected there was more she was not saying. Fortunately, before he could press further, another voice interrupted.
“Well, this appears suspicious.”
Both turned at once. Caspian approached with a grin; one hand tucked casually into his pocket. Seraphine immediately suspected Thalia's involvement. The Duke of Amberhall looked far too amused.
“What appears suspicious?” Damien asked dryly, folding his arms across his chest.
“You are standing alone with Lady Seraphine,” Caspian replied, gesturing between them.
“I assure you nothing scandalous is occurring,” Damien said, his expression remaining perfectly bland.
Caspian looked unconvinced. “My Duchess sent me to investigate,” he informed them with a shrug.
Seraphine nearly laughed and quickly pressed her lips together.
Of course she had.
Damien pinched the bridge of his nose. “I knew it.”
“You should feel honored,” Caspian said, placing a hand dramatically over his heart.
