no wonder the woman had given every part of her to that man.
And that thought, the understanding of her mother’s actions, scared the wits out of Selina. Because she knew she could very easily make that same decision now.
And that meant she needed to keep her distance from the earl.
She needed to help the boy and then get away from them both as soon as humanly possible.
“I’m not my mother,” she finally said, though her voice trembled. “And as you said, we’re late. It wouldn’t do to keep them waiting.”
“Hmph.”
With no more than that grunt of clear disapproval, Agnes turned on her heel and marched toward the staircase, leaving Selina to trail behind her.
Neither of them were used to the dinner hour in a grand house, yet where they should have been sticking together and supporting each other, they were now at loggerheads because of Selina’s stupidity.
Yet, Selina didn’t know what to say to bridge the gap. Besides, she couldn’t concentrate on trying to mend things.
Not when her mind was still filled with memories of being in Philip’s arms.
“You must stand up when the ladies enter the room, Timothy.”
Philip watched with a sense of pride as Timothy jumped to his feet and straightened his coat.
Philip glanced nervously at the ormolu clock. It wouldn’t be long before he’d see Selina again, and he knew he needed to get himself under control.
Earlier, when he’d finally managed to drag his lips from hers and step away from her and the temptation she represented, he’d just stood there staring at her like a dolt.
And then – it had all come crashing down around him. The guilt, the confusion, the shame that she’d awoken in him a desire stronger than anything he’d ever known.
He’d known that an apology was in order, yet could he even say that he was sorry?
Finally, being the coward that he clearly was, he’d simply turned and walked away from her.
It was inexcusable. But then, so much of his behaviour over the last few years had been. Perhaps he just wasn’t a good person.
Kissing Selina had been a mistake. He’d let his body control his actions, and he couldn’t make that mistake again.
When he’d eventually wandered to the kitchen earlier, he’d come across Timmy chatting happily with Mrs. Healy while stuffing Cook’s lemon biscuits into his mouth as he went.
When he’d questioned why Timmy was eating biscuits so close to dinner time, he’d been informed in no uncertain terms that he should worry about his own stomach and not his son’s.
He’d left then with no argument. Partially because he was glad that Timmy was happily munching on biscuits and not picking at his food as he’d been doing before they’d arrived in Ireland, and partially because he was too scared to argue with the redoubtable Mrs. Healy.
And now he awaited Selina’s arrival with no idea how to act when she came through the door.
“Papa?”
Timothy’s soft voice interrupted Philip’s thoughts and brought his focus back to his son.
“Yes, Timmy?”
“I’m glad Miss Selina is here,” he said, his wide, golden-brown eyes filled with a relief that damn near broke Philip’s heart. “I always feel better when she’s with me.”
“I do, too, son,” he said, willing himself to get his emotions under control.
The truth was he did feel better when Selina was with him. The problem was that it wasn’t just because she was going to help Timothy. It was because of the feelings she was awakening in him.
Before either of them spoke again, the door opened, and Mrs. Healy entered. Perhaps she’d changed her gown for dinner. In truth, Philip couldn’t tell.
Mostly because he couldn’t drag his gaze from Selina, who was just behind.
She had definitely changed her gown.
Earlier she’d been wearing bright, violet skirts. Now she was in a deep, midnight blue.
And though the gown was simple and nothing like those usually worn by his female guests, she was the loveliest thing he’d ever seen.
Philip couldn’t speak. Couldn’t move. He could only stare.
Eventually, as the silence stretched to a breaking point, Timothy stepped forward, acting every inch the gentleman his father was fast forgetting how to be.
“Good evening, Mrs. Healy, Miss Selina.”
He executed a perfect bow, and all three adults grinned in response. The tension dissipated, much to Philip’s relief, and he was able to carry on a perfectly acceptable conversation about nothing of significance.
When the bell rang for dinner, he moved to offer Selina as escort.
However, before he could utter a word, Mrs. Healy appeared in front of him, her face