Page 42 of An Unwanted Bride for the Duke
“I…I was merely, that is,” she stumbled over her words. Her chest heaved up and down the closer he stepped.
“You do not look…” He took another small step forward, his expression tightening.
Whatever he intended to say was interrupted by another voice.
“Oh, there you are, Lady Seraphine.”
Relief swept through her. Lord Everend emerged around the corner of the path carrying his hat beneath one arm. His expression brightened immediately upon seeing her.
“I have come to collect you for our walk,” he said, offering her a pleasant smile.
Seraphine seized the opportunity like a drowning woman reaching for a lifeline.
“Of course,” she replied warmly, turning towards him at once. “I was just seeking you out as well for our walk.”
Lord Everend smiled. “I am pleased to hear it,” he said as he extended his arm.
Without hesitation, she accepted it. Only then did he notice Damien.
“Your Grace,” he said with a polite bow of his head.
“Everend,” Damien replied, inclining his head only slightly.
The single word emerged cool and unreadable. Seraphine refused to look at Damien.
Absolutely refuse.
Instead, she turned her attention towards Lord Everend as they began strolling along the path together. He immediately launched into a pleasant discussion regarding the gardens, and she did her best to listen.
Unfortunately, curiosity got the better of her. After several moments, she glanced back over her shoulder and immediately wished she had not.
Damien had not moved from his place upon the path. He still stood exactly where they had left him, watching them disappear deeper into the gardens. The expression upon his face made her stumble slightly, forcing Lord Everend to steady her arm with a concerned glance.
Why is he looking at us like that? And why, despite everything I have told myself, does a small part of me feel absurdly pleased by his attention?
Chapter Twelve
Damien found it unsettling to watch Seraphine with Lord Everend.
Foolish. I picked the man out myself to be her suitor. I should be glad to see that courtship flourish.
But he was not. He could see in Seraphine’s eyes that something was amiss before they were interrupted by Everend, but he did not know what troubled her.
He turned on his heel to enter the house, but Caspian blocked his path.
“Ah, Wexford, enjoying the gardens?” he asked.
“They are fine gardens,” Damien replied.
He was in no mood for small chatter and wanted to return inside or he would be forced to watch Seraphine walk hand in hand with Everend.
“And the gardens of Wexford Manor, how do you manage?” Caspian asked.
“I manage fine and they are doing well. Why ask such a question?” Damien looked at him suspiciously.
Caspian dropped his shoulders in resignation and sighed, “I confess your sister has asked me to prod.”
Damien straightened. “Prod?”
