Provoking a Graceful Bloom Novel

---- Chapter 182 "This courtyard may be small, but it is quiet and spotless. Ina way, it's quite a fitting place for one to find peace of mind," said Selena. Before long, Dora, the female guard who stood ever at Aurora's side, stopped Selena. "Lady Campbell, Lady Aurora has always kept to herself and avoids company. | must ask that you not trouble her." There was no preamble or politeness, simply a firm declaration that Aurora would see no one. The courtyard had few attendants. Aside from Dora, there was only a maid who kept the place tidy and a cook. There wasn't even a gardener in sight.

Dora's expression was stern, her manner respectful but entirely devoid of warmth. Selena didn't take offense and smiled gently. "| intend for the Duke of Blackmoor's household to participate in tomorrow's Autumn Hunt under its own banner. The letters have already been delivered to Mr. Smith, and His Majesty has given his approval." Dora's eyes flickered, and before she could stop herself, she asked, "In years past, did you not always join Prince Frederick's team?" ---- However, she immediately realized she had spoken out of turn and hurriedly closed her mouth. Selena's smile remained soft.

"Yes, we relied too heavily upon Prince Frederick in the past, and | had forgotten that my family has earned its share of honor too. We have brought shame to my grandfather and parents, and I'm certain that Aurora resents me for it." "That is the matter of the Duke of Blackmoor's household. My mistress has no right to interfere," Dora replied Yet, a fleeting glimmer of resentment crossed her eyes, and it didn't escape Selena's notice. "lam sorry," Selena said quietly. Dora opened her mouth in surprise. "Lady Campbell, what-" "| must apologize, not only to Aurora, but to you as well.

You and she once served as officers in my mother's women's corps, yet after my parents were gone, | handed the Campbell Regiment entirely into Prince Frederick's command." Selena bowed low to Dora with deliberate solemnity. "It was childish folly before, but now | have truly grown. | beg not only Aurora to forgive me, but you as well, General Mason." Dora was struck dumb with astonishment. She was merely a ---- guard, and Selena was the lady of the Duke of Blackmoor's household!

From the direction of the rear courtyard came a low, commanding voice, "If you have something to say to me, come to the back yourself." Selena's eyes brightened. "Yes!" She left Sally behind and hurried toward the rear courtyard, where she found Aurora practicing with her spear, faint beads of sweat upon her brow. When Selena arrived, she lowered the weapon, but didn't hand it to anyone. Instead, she tossed it toward Selena. "My lady!" Dora exclaimed, rushing forward to catch the spear before it struck Selena. "My lady, Lady Campbell knows nothing of arms.

What-" "If she knows nothing of arms, then she has no right to lead the Campbell Regiment. In that case, what business has she seeking me out?" said Aurora, turning to leave at once. A sharp metallic sound rang out behind her. She glanced back, and the spear was already in Selena's hands. Dora's jaw dropped. When had Selena seized the weapon? She had not seen the movement, it had been done in the blink of an eye. ---- Selena inclined her head gracefully toward Aurora. "Please put me to the test, Lady Aurora." Meanwhile, Frederick had waited at Blackmoor Estate for half a day.

When William returned, he reported that he hadn't seen Selena. He heard that she and Aurora had departed together to somewhere unknown, with even Sally having been left behind. Frederick couldn't wait for her any longer, and had no choice but to return to Hawthorne Estate. Little did he realize that while he waited fruitlessly for Selena, someone in his own house had been waiting for him far longer still.