Chapter 5

CHAPTER FIVE

“ D o my eyes deceive me? Are you really here — gracing my home with your esteemed presence?”

Aaron sighed, mildly regretting his decision to seek out Samuel Gale, Duke of Bancroft after he left Selina to her devices. But then, his friend’s pleased expression reminded him why he had decided to extend his search for a wife to this party.

“You and Benedict are truly far too dramatic for my liking,” Aaron said, still taking the hand Samuel had extended to him in a firm handshake.

“You would not appreciate us as much if we were any other way,” Samuel grinned. “It is good to see you friend. You look well. I am glad you could take some time away from your important duties to come all this way to see me.”

Aaron scoffed — a habit he realized, to his horror , that he had picked from Selina — and shook his head.

“Do not flatter yourself, friend. I have more pressing matters at hand – matters which cannot be dismissed solely to gaze upon your face. It is merely a fortunate coincidence that you happen to live on the same grounds as the potential solutions to my problem.”

“Charming as always,” Samuel stated dryly.

“If I were any other way, you would not appreciate me as much,” Aaron pointed out sarcastically.

It was easy to communicate with Samuel. The other man was close friends with Aaron’s cousin, who had taken it upon himself to introduce the two men to each other, bemoaning that Aaron required more companionship in his life.

Selina hadn’t been far off the mark when she said it might be difficult for Aaron to get along with other people. Rather than ‘difficult,’ he found it bothersome as he knew firsthand how unreliable and untrustworthy others could be.

Samuel had somehow proved himself to be an exception. Although Aaron would never admit it, a part of the reason lay in how easily Samuel could see through him.

“You are truly a menace,” Samuel said without heat, glancing around for a moment before dropping his voice to sound quieter. “I saw you with a woman in the foyer earlier. Have you already begun courting her? I know you value efficiency in all your dealings, but it has only been a day.”

Aaron felt his brow rise in incredulity, trying not to laugh at the absurdity of Samuel’s assumption.

“No, I haven’t. I haven’t started courted anyone, and even if I had, it wouldn’t be Benedict’s sister-in-law.”

A look of recognition crossed Samuel’s face.

“Oh, Thalia’s sister? Nora told me they’d spoken yesterday. She said that she was quite lovely. Are you dismissing her on the basis that she is your cousin’s sister-in-law?”

Ah. That was it.

All morning, an odd nagging feeling had plagued Aaron whenever he thought of the way he had escalated the challenge between himself and Selina into something more… dangerous.

Other than the fact that it was highly inappropriate, of course. And now, he had come to realize that his games could jeopardize the relationship between himself and Benedict if he let things get too far.

Aaron had no intention of causing Selina harm – to her person or character, no matter the level of distaste he had for her. But if he got too carried away by the lesson he was desperate to teach her, his actions would have dire consequences.

That will not happen, he assured himself. I will be as careful, as I always am.

“No. If it were anyone else, perhaps I might have given it some thought. But I am looking for a wife, Samuel. I need a woman with a spotless reputation, impeccable manners and good character. I need to marry a perfect woman — someone who will make the ton forget the nature of my birth. That can never be Lady Selina. She is an embodiment of everything I dislike in a woman. She is rather discourteous —”

“And yet you looked as though you were enjoying your time with her. I think I even saw you smile,” Samuel intoned with a grin.

“— and she is in no way an ideal candidate to be my wife. Especially not if I intend to curb the issues that have plagued me for far too long now,” Aaron finished with an unimpressed glare.

It had been made public knowledge that Aaron was the illegitimate child of his father. And as a result, he had to fight thrice as hard to look worthy of his title. He worked tirelessly and kept himself out of trouble and away from anything that might ruin his already slandered reputation even further.

And yet, he still fell short somehow.

“I thought you did not care what people said. You have kept yourself away from the ton for this same reason, and you have accomplished so much with your own strength and abilities,” Samuel pointed out.

“I do not care what they say. But I cannot deny that I am fed up with letting circumstances out of my control dictate my future. I have fought for my place — for my rightful title — and despite all my efforts, there is always someone who will judge me for who my mother was and not who I am. And my stepmother has only helped in adding flames to the fire she started,” Aaron replied with frustration.

No one would have known. His mother had died birthing him, and his father, devastated over the death of his mistress whom he had come to love, had taken Aaron in so he could be raised by his father and his stepmother.

The Dowager Duchess, Bridget, had hated Aaron from the moment he arrived in her home because he represented her husband’s unfaithfulness — the actions she had been unable to stop and the consequences that had come along with it.

She always saw Aaron as unworthy which is why when he took over the dukedom following his father’s passing, she exposed the fact that he was an illegitimate child.

“All right, I understand. But if Lady Selina isn’t an option for you, why did you two look so close? If I didn’t know any better, I’d say there was a game afoot,” Samuel teased.

When Aaron did not answer, the smile on his friend’s face slipped right off.

“For both our sakes, I shall pester you no more on the matter. The less I know, the better,” he said.

“A wise choice,” Aaron agreed, unable to keep himself from looking at Selina as she walked by.

She was now speaking with a small group of ladies, cheeks flushed as she laughed about something momentarily before excitedly speaking up among them. Whatever she said must have been interesting because the women around her gasped in surprise before raising their voices in disagreement.

It was odd how she seemed to glow. Although Aaron had enumerated all the reasons why he disliked her moments earlier, he couldn’t think of them then, his mind echoing a single thought.

I want to ruin her.

“As the host of this wonderful gathering, it is within my abilities to aid you in your quest to find the lucky woman who will be the new Duchess of Crauford,” Samuel announced as he slung an arm over Aaron’s shoulder to tug him closer, effectively startling him out of his thoughts.

Aaron blinked, doing his best to follow the finger subtly pointing to the left part of the courtyard.

“Lady Annabeth,” Samuel said before shifting his to point a few feet away. “Miss Charlotte.” And then he gestured to a different woman standing among the group Selina was a part of. “Lady Eleanor. These are the women I believe are likely to fit the description of who you are searching for. There might be a few more — Miss Sarah seems quite lovely, but she isn’t here now. I’ll keep my eye out for other potential candidates as well.

“Thank you. I really appreciate your assistance,” Aaron told him gratefully.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Aaron. What are friends for? Don’t answer that,” Samuel warned him playfully before stepping away from him slightly. “If you’ll excuse me, I would like to return to my wife and son. Damien has been particularly craving attention lately, and I was informed he missed me dearly yesterday.”

Aaron noticed how his friend’s tone had taken on a softer edge when he spoke of his family, and Aaron wondered if his search for a wife would eventually yield such warm results.

I doubt it , he answered himself, knowing that some things were out of his ability. Love, for example.

“Extend my kind regards to your Duchess. I shall seek her out soon.” Aaron smiled slightly.

“See that you do before she hunts you down herself. And Aaron?”

“Hmm?”

Samuel’s expression lost some of its mirth, and Aaron grew concerned about what he might say next.

“You are not like us — me and Benedict. It is true that you do carry a darkness within you, but you are also the more honorable one of the three of us. You would never compromise a lady’s reputation. And you would never ruin Selina.”

It was irritating how often Samuel reminded him of the reasons why Aaron wasn’t fond of him at times. Because only he could see Aaron’s innermost thoughts and recite them with such frightening accuracy.

“Do not worry, friend. I will not tell her of your bluff,” Samuel smirked as he wandered off with a mock salute.

Aaron stood there for a moment longer, and then he gave into the urge to look back at where Selina was, feeling strangely content watching her move around the courtyard.

“I think a lovely way to end the day would be with a winter picnic.”

Someone had uttered such a suggestion minutes earlier, and it was almost fascinating how quickly the idea had spread, collecting easy agreements from the other guests who had heard of it.

Nora had been walking by with some guests and overheard the commotion, excitedly clapping her hands. “That is a fantastic idea! The weather is quite lovely today and our grounds are perfect for a picnic. Mathew?”

The butler appeared seemingly out of nowhere, as though he had been summoned into existence by the call of his mistress.

“Go down to the kitchens, quickly, and inform them to put together baskets of what we can eat out on a winter picnic. Have a few maids spread some blankets over the lawn and arrange some cutlery and other necessities. Also ensure that our guests are sufficiently covered for the weather — lest they catch colds.”

To the marvel of the guests in attendance, it had taken less than an hour for everything to be arranged according to the Duchess’ taste.

“Please, go forth and enjoy yourselves!” Nora urged as the front doors of the manors were opened to let the guests outside.

The air filled with excited and eager chatter as they ventured out onto the lawn in groups, clearly charmed by the display of hospitality.

“It looks wonderful,” Selina told Nora with a grin once she noticed the hostess by her side.

“Why, thank you, dear. I pride myself in ensuring that no matter the event, my guests are always well taken care of. And this was a great idea, so I am glad I got to put it into action,” Nora replied kindly. “I had a special spot arranged some distance from the other guests for my husband and I along with a friend of his. Would you like to join us, Selina?”

“Oh, I wouldn’t want to impose —”

“Don’t be silly. The more the merrier. Come along, darling.”

Nora linked arms with Selina and led her in the direction of the edge of the estate, further away from the main property, answering questions about certain details of the manor that piqued the younger woman’s interest.

Selina had come to like Nora significantly. Much like her sister Thalia, Nora was kind and caring with a nurturing and calm air around her. It made Selina miss her sister greatly and worry about her well-being.

“I am sure they shall arrive any moment now,” Nora spoke up suddenly, as though she had read Selina’s mind. “I am certain everything is fair, and perhaps they are just running a little late. Your sister is quite adept at handling all sorts of tricky situations, but when it comes to Benedict, there is likely to be some trouble.”

Selina giggled, feeling a little more at ease. “That is true. He is never on time for anything. I am sure it drives the Duke of Crauford out of his mind.”

“Are you well acquainted with Aaron?” Nora questioned, taking a turn into what seemed to be a secluded area of the garden.

“I wouldn’t say that,” Nora shook her head quickly. “He is cousins with my brother-in-law, as you know, and Benedict asked him to watch over me in their absence. We’re barely what you would call acquaintances.”

“Oh, I see.”

Her voice sounded slightly strained at that response, but they arrived at the picnic arrangement before Selina could question why.

There was a frozen lake ahead of them that gleamed brightly beneath the warm sun, and meters away, a picnic blanket had been spread out, decorated with soft-looking pillows, cushions, and extra blankets. There was an elegant assortment of food, along with tea and juice.

“Darling!” Samuel waved at Nora, beckoning her over. “I was wondering if I needed to go and search for you myself. And you brought a friend.”

Nora tugged Selina forward and made the necessary introductions.

“This is Thalia’s sister, Selina. Selina, this is my husband, Samuel.”

“It is a pleasure, Your Grace —” Selina started with a curtsey.

“Oh, please. You may call me Benedict. Any friend of Benedict and Aaron is a friend of mine.” Samuel grinned with a dismissive wave.

“We are not friends,” Aaron stated dryly, glancing at Selina, who was startled by the sight of him.

She had been so distracted by Nora that she had failed to notice Aaron seated on the blanket… next to a woman who couldn’t look away from him.

She looked as though she was moments from climbing into his lap, her eyes sparkling as she stared intently at him, seeming as though she was utterly lovestruck.

“There’s a lot to not like about you, Crauford,” Samuel said with a stiff smile before pointing to an empty spot on the blanket. “Please, Selina, sit.”

The place he had gestured towards was between Nora and Aaron. Selina hesitated, sure that she had had enough of Aaron to last her until tomorrow at least. She was in no mood to have any more of him. But she did not wish to be rude, so she settled down wordlessly.

“Help yourself to whatever you like,” Samuel beamed at her before shifting his attention to his wife. “Aaron was just informing me that he hopes to find a wife during his time at our estate.”

“Is that so, Your Grace?” the woman sitting next to Aaron queried eagerly.

Aaron’s gaze met Selina’s, and it felt as though she had been struck by lightning, the intensity of his eyes sending shivers down her spine.

“That is true,” Aaron nodded eventually. “But I am particular about the sort of woman I wish to marry.”

“And what sort of qualities are you searching for, Your Grace?”

“I am… I have rather strict requirements – which I do not believe I could compromise on. While it might seem a little much, I merely wish to ensure that the woman I choose to as duchess will face every demand of her title without faltering,” Aaron explained gently.

It was evident from his tone that believed she might not be suited to the task and did not want to say so outright. It appeared that she realized as much because soon after, she slowly pulled back from him, sitting up straighter with a slightly embarrassed smile.

“I see. I must go and check on my sister. Pardon me, Your Graces. My Lady,” she hastily said as she stood up, practically running away.

No one said anything for a while, and then Samuel coughed awkwardly.

“Well. That was interesting.”