Her Sisters Challenged Her To Sit Beside The Duke Whom Everyone Feared — But His Treatment Of Her Astonished Everyone

CHAPTER FOURTEEN: THE MUSIC THAT NEVER PLAYED

The charity musicale was canceled before a single ticket could be sold.
William sent a courteous notice explaining that the invitations had been issued without his approval.
He added that the proposed school was under consideration and would be discussed with the families who might use it before any fundraising began.
Sir Lionel arrived at Oak Haven in a fury.
“You have made my daughters a laughingstock,” he told William.
The duke remained behind his desk.
“I have corrected a false announcement.”
“You might have handled the matter privately.”
“I attempted to do so,

” William replied.
“Your daughter Blanche insisted that the invitations were Selena’s idea.”
Sir Lionel turned toward Selena, who stood near the doorway.
“Why did you not accept responsibility and spare your sister?”
Selena felt the old impulse to apologize simply to make the shouting stop.
She pressed her hands together and waited until she could speak evenly.
“Because I did not arrange the concert.”
“You could have made it successful.”
“Perhaps,” Selena said.
“But I would have had to begin by lying.”
Her father looked toward William.
“You see how difficult she has become.”
“I see that she answers questions directly,

” William replied.
“It is a quality I value.”
Sir Lionel left without taking tea.
When the carriage disappeared, Selena sat down heavily.
“He will punish me for this.”
William moved toward her but stopped before touching her shoulder.
“Would you like me to intervene?”
“Not yet.”
“You need only ask.”
Selena looked up.
“I know.”
For once, knowing that help was available did not make her feel small.

CHAPTER FIFTEEN: A ROOM OF HER OWN

The following week, Sir Lionel informed Selena that she would no longer receive an allowance.
He expected tears, apologies, and a promise to persuade William to overlook Blanche’s conduct.

Selena listened without interrupting.
“Then I shall find employment,” she said.
Her father stared at her.
“You will do no such thing.”
“I have already written to a dressmaker in Bath.”
“You would disgrace this family by taking wages?”
“I would rather earn my living than be told every day that I have no right to one.”
Sir Lionel struck the arm of his chair.
“You are my daughter.”
“I am,” Selena replied.
“That has not changed.”
“Then you will obey me.”
“I cannot promise that.”
She left the drawing room before her courage deserted her.
Verity found her packing the small trunk she had owned since childhood.

“You are really going?” she asked.
“I have been offered a position.”
“Father will be furious.”
“He already is.”
Verity sat on the bed.
“Blanche says the duke will stop visiting if you work for a living.”
Selena folded her repaired blue gown and placed it in the trunk.
“Then I shall discover whether he admired me or merely the idea of me.”
Verity was silent for a moment.
“I am sorry about the dare,” she said.
Selena looked at her.
“You laughed.”
“I know.”
“You could have stopped Blanche.”
“I know that too.”
Selena closed the trunk.
“I am glad you told me,

” she said.
“But I need you to understand that an apology does not make the evening disappear.”
Verity nodded.
“I understand.”
She helped Selena carry the trunk downstairs.