The duke’s brows knit together, and he picked up the scrap. “This is helpful.”
“Go on ahead.” Selena plopped back down. “Tell them you are my answer to their demands.”
“I am aware that this is none of my business, Lady Selena, but I’ve learned, in a world full of wretched beings—people with dubious intentions whose actions howl louder than your own thoughts—all you can do is trust your gut.”
She sighed. “What is there to trust? My gut drove me to find and join this group.”
“But you did not.”
“Only because their second half of my membership fee was a bit too steep.”
“Allow yourself to acknowledge your worth a little more, my lady. And then dance to the tune that moves you—and that tune alone. You don’t need to change to prove anything if you do not wish to. After all, what is that but another version of allowing the opinions of others to dictate how you view yourself and what you do? You can simply stay as you are.”
“As I am? Are you sure? I’ve been called the princess of trouble, you know?”
“Amongst other things,” he agreed. “A person never carries just one title. If you are the princess of trouble, perhaps you should find your prince of trouble.”
Selena scowled at the man. “Is that your indirect way of suggesting I get married?”
A chuckle. “I never mentioned marriage.”
Such a sly man. If not marriage, then did he mean a scandalous relationship? Surely not. But...
She already had one.
She narrowed her eyes on the duke. Did he know about her and Warrick? It wouldn’t come as a shock.
A footman knocked on the door. “My lady, excuse me for intruding.”
“What is it now, Miles?”
“A note arrived for your ladyship. The person who delivered it said it was a matter of grave importance.”
She motioned the footman over and accepted the note, breaking the seal and removing a card with a single sentence scrawled at the center.
Bring the betting book in exchange for your Earl ofWarrick.
She flipped the card over. On the back, a time, location, and that annoying crest mocked her.
“Is something amiss?”
“Duke, I’m not sure if my eyes are deceiving me. Would you please read this note aloud?” She handed him the scrap of paper.
“Bring the betting book,” the duke paused, “in exchange for your earl.” His eyes lifted to meet hers. “Warrick.”
“So I’m not mistaken.” She shot upright. “I cannot believe they would go this far!”
“I will deal with this.”
Selena leaped from the sofa, placing the liquor on the side table. “I will come, too.”
He rose as well. “Lady—”
“I shall come whether you take me with you or not.” Her chin rose. “And if you leave be behind, who is to say I won’t accidentally thwart your strategy if I act alone?”
Silence. His gaze swept over her robe and then the half-full bottle.
She straightened her back. “Besides, I’ve dealt before with the woman who sent this note. You haven’t. Trust me, Duke, you need me.”
