Chapter 3

Three

S elena strolled into the library. If she planned on being unsociable, she would need to find something to occupy her time. A book seemed like a reasonable solution to that dilemma. She could take it back to her room and avoid all the guests at her leisure. Perhaps she should find more than one book to eliminate the possibility of interacting with anyone even further. She liked that idea and resolved to select a few books to take to her room. It was far preferable to the alternative.

As she walked along the shelves of the library, she considered what type of book she would like to read. There were so many possibilities. Should she choose one of those scandalous Gothic novels or perhaps something to enrich her mind? A scientific treatise or a historical tome? Perhaps a bit of everything. After all, she needn’t hide her intelligence from anyone—especially since she had no desire to find a husband. David had assured her that she could keep her dowry and buy a small seaside cottage if she so desired, or, if she wished, she could remain in his household indefinitely.

She did not know what she truly wished, but the fact that she now had options thrilled her. Selena had never imagined what life might be like once they were no longer impoverished. In truth, she had never truly expected David to climb out of the debt his father had left him in. She stopped by one of the shelves and ran her fingers over the leather-bound books, pausing on one of the Bard’s tragedies. That seemed fitting; her life had been one long tragedy for as long as she could remember.

Though perhaps she should try to find something that would not mirror her life so closely. A comedy, perhaps? She plucked one from the shelf and took it over to one of the settees in the library. She sat down and opened the book. Ah, yes, this one would do. She started to read with a smile on her face. What would it be like to be bold and brave like the fair Rosalind? What would it be like to be so in love that one would disguise oneself just to be near the object of one’s affection? Selena could not imagine such an act at all. Having never known love, she found herself relating far more to Rosalind’s cousin Celia.

“What are you reading?” a familiar man’s voice interrupted her.

Selena closed her eyes and prayed for patience. Why had she not retired to her bedchamber as she had originally intended? She sighed and turned toward the Duke of Castlebury. He was leaning on one of the tables, staring down at her intently. She hadn’t heard him enter the library, so engrossed had she been in the story. Selena narrowed her gaze. “Why are you in here bothering me?”

“I did not realize you had claimed ownership of this room.” He lifted a brow. “Tell me,” he said in a mocking tone, “does Lord Harcrest know you have decided all of this is now yours?”

She rolled her eyes. “Do not be ridiculous. I have made no such claim.” Selena slid a ribbon into the book and closed it. “That is not what I said, as you well know.”

“It seems to be the day for misunderstandings—or purposeful ones.” He shrugged. “Either way, we have taken a turn I did not wish, and I would like to rectify that.”

“Is that so?” It was her turn to raise a brow. “And why ever would I wish to do that?”

“Because you are a reasonable woman and must know that I mean you no ill will.” He smiled, and it sent shivers down Selena’s spine. That man was too bloody handsome, and she had no desire to encourage him. “Come now, be a good girl and play nice.”

She raised both brows this time. “Why must I be good?” She tilted her head to the side. “What if I wish to be wicked?”

“You may certainly be that, if you so wish,” he said, “though I do suggest you reserve that side of yourself for private matters.” He winked. “Some things should not be shared in polite company.”

Selena considered what he said. Was he flirting with her? She could not be certain. Gentlemen did not engage in such behavior with her. She was the impoverished cousin of an earl, tolerated but never considered eligible for marriage. “What game are you playing, Your Grace?”

“Who is playing at anything?” He folded his arms over his chest and boldly met her gaze. “I meant every word, and none of that ‘Your Grace’ nonsense between the two of us. You may call me Kingston.”

She laughed. “I think that is inherently worse.” Selena shook her head. “That implies you are above even your own station. You are no king, Your Grace.”

His lips twitched as he continued to stare at her. “I never made that claim.” The duke shrugged. “I cannot help the name I was given at my birth.”

Her smile widened as she considered that. He was correct, of course. His parents had given him his name, and apparently, they were the ones with lofty ambitions. Still, she could never deign to use his given name; it was far too informal. Even she had boundaries. “Be that as it may…” She nibbled on her bottom lip. “I cannot agree to refer to you in such a fashion. It would be unseemly.”

This time he laughed, as if she were suddenly more amusing than anything he had ever encountered. What had she said? Selena sighed and waited for him to calm himself so they could resume their conversation. Oddly enough, she found it stimulating so far and wanted it to continue. She leaned back into the settee and folded her hands in her lap as she waited. Her breath hitched slightly as she studied him. Selena liked him like this—so handsome and happy… It was almost too much. It was a good thing "almost" did not count.

Kingston finally managed to regain control of the laughter that had burst from him. Shaking his head, he smiled. He genuinely liked her. Lord knew he had not wanted to attend this bloody house party; he would much rather have stayed home. But he had promised his cousin Hayes, the Earl of Thornton, that he would come. They had only recently discovered their family ties, and Kingston wanted to nurture that closeness, especially now that Hayes was recently married. All his friends seemed to be falling in love and settling down. It was most disconcerting. Only he and the Marquess of Ardmore remained unattached. Perhaps they should have stayed together to avoid falling prey to the house party curse. The other three had found themselves headed to the altar after a house party, and now here they were, once again, at one.

And suddenly, he now found Selena Brooks fascinating…

He should run—and quickly; however, he would not do that. Kingston was no coward. If they were meant to find their way to each other, so be it. Besides, he truly liked her. Why fight what might very well be inevitable? He strolled over to the settee and took the book she still held in her hands. “You never did tell me what you are reading.”

“Give it back,” she said, standing and trying to snatch it from his hand. “I am not done with it.”

“Easy now, love,” he said in a soothing tone. “You may have it back in a moment.” He flipped open the book and read the title, then smiled. “‘ As You Like It .’” He handed the book back to her. “I must admit, I do enjoy this one. Some of Shakespeare’s plays can be… how shall I put it…”

“Tedious?” she offered.

“That is as good a word as any. I do not care for many of the tragedies, and I suspect many find them dreary. Yet there are lessons in all of them. That is why we still read them to this day. Shakespeare was quite the writer—and a visionary for his time.”

Selena shrugged. “Perhaps. He might lose popularity in time.”

“After all this time? I doubt it. He wrote in the sixteenth century, and we are now in the nineteenth. That’s quite a span for him to suddenly be deemed unimportant.” He gestured toward the book in her hand. “Have you read this play before?”

“I have,” she admitted. “It is my favorite.”

“Let me guess,” he began. “You wish to be Rosalind—to disguise yourself and pursue the love of your life.”

She wrinkled her nose. “Of course not. That is a bit of foolishness.” She sighed. “Though she is brave.” Selena stared down at the book. “No, I would not do that. Not because I lack boldness, but because love is not something I have ever sought. I would be more likely to accompany someone on an adventure to find their true love. I would be Celia every time.”

“Do you not believe in love?” he asked in a soft tone. He had never heard a woman speak as she did. Most ladies on the marriage mart had lofty expectations for their future husbands. Surely Selena was no different. Did she not hope to fall in love with the man she would spend her life with? Kingston struggled to understand her outlook.

“Certainly, I believe in love,” she replied. “It’s just not for me. I’ve seen love between people—some of our friends, for example.” Her lips tilted upward. “Especially those we never expected to fall for each other. That love is very real.”

“But you do not believe you will find love with a man?” he asked, intrigued. He did not like that she expected so little for herself.

Selena shook her head. “I do not know. I might fall in love one day, but I do not plan on it.”

“One does not plan to fall in love,” he said sardonically. “As I have been told, it just happens, whether we like it or not.” He motioned to the play. “In contradiction to the title, As You Like It. It would most definitely not be as we like it.”

“Perhaps,” she replied thoughtfully. “This has turned into quite the philosophical discussion.”

“Indeed. I do not know about you, but I had no desire to attend a house party at Christmastide.”

She sighed. “Nor did I. I feel as if my Christmastide solitude was stolen from me, but I honor my commitments. Emma wished to have me here, and I endeavor to be a good friend. So, here I am.”

Kingston smiled. “How about we make a pact.”

Selena narrowed her gaze. “What sort of pact?”

He chuckled softly. She was right to be cautious. Though she could not read his thoughts, he suspected she might have an inkling of what he was considering. He wanted to kiss her, but he would not give in to that urge. Not yet. Before the end of the house party, however, he might indeed yield to that temptation and taste those enticing lips of hers. If he were lucky, he might even find an opportune sprig of mistletoe to justify it. Something told him he might be that fortunate. He could be patient.

“Since neither of us enjoys our current predicament,” he began, “and neither of us has much patience for the niceties of social gatherings, we should use this time to become better acquainted.”

“That might prove to be a foolish endeavor,” she replied, flashing him a coy smile. “What if you fall in love with me, Your Grace? Then what would happen?”

“That is unlikely,” he assured her, though he knew full well that if he did, he would be prepared to marry her. He simply didn’t offer that part. “I do not believe in love, even if my friends claim to experience such an emotion.” It sounded reasonable enough, and he hoped it sounded convincing.

Selena considered his proposal, then slowly nodded. “Very well,” she said. “We can spend some time together. But I am not committing to the entire house party. I might wish to be alone, and, truth be told, you are insufferable at times.”

His lips twitched at her honesty. How refreshing… “Now that we’ve settled that…” He held up her book. “I’ll return this to you on one condition.”

“I fear what that might be,” she replied, frowning. “Go ahead—tell me your demand.”

“I insist, once again, that you refrain from addressing me as ‘Your Grace.’ My name is Kingston. Use it.” He wiggled the book before her. “Do you agree?”

Selena tapped her chin thoughtfully. “I could always find a new book.”

“And I’d steal that one, too.” He was not above using any means necessary to get his way. He hated all the ‘Your Grace’ nonsense.

“Oh, very well.” She blew out a breath and then, begrudgingly, said, “Kingston, may I please have my book back?”

He held it out to her, and she snatched it from his hands, then leapt out of his reach. “I must go,” she said, nodding at him. “Until we meet again, Your Grace.” Her cheeky grin was all he saw before she darted out of the room. Lord above, but he adored her. He was in so much trouble.