Clearing my throat, I stepped back. “See you soon.”
He didn’t say anything, just nodded his head with a small smile.
“I’ve called and rescheduled the afternoon tea with Duke Challins.” Selene looked at me from the corner of her eye as we walked to the car.
“We’re running late?” I looked down at my ever-present watch and frowned. “We’re an hour behind.” I waved at the people outside as we walked down the steps.
“I didn’t want to interrupt while you were enjoying yourself.” She smiled as we slid into our waiting car.
“You?” I looked at her questioningly. “You thought I should skip an official event?”
“I did.” Selene shot me a look that only a mother should be able to give. “I thought you should be happy.”
“I’m happy.” I frowned briefly before schooling my features back into something content.
“No, you’ve been existing. You do what is expected of you, what should make you happy, and always put everyone else first.” She set her clipboard down and brushed at her skirt. “It’s time to focus on you, Cathy.”
“I’m in school for something I love. I’m reading a book!” I snorted. “I go shopping!”
“You’re going to school where there are expectations of your grades, assignments, and even what you’ll do with your degree.” Selene frowned. “You go shopping for clothes to wear to formal functions, to do charity work. You buy clothes that you won’t wear because you don’t go to clubs or parties anymore—not that I’m saying you should.” She sighed. “I’m saying you should have some fun, make some mistakes, live a little more.”
“You’re saying I should be reckless?” I almost threw my hands in the air. Hadn’t David just accused me of that, and now Selene—the Prim and Proper Fan Club president—was telling me to go be crazy. Okay, not crazy. But to cut loose.
“Absolutely not.” She shook her head. “No drugs, or craziness. Nothing that could hurt you. And by all means don’t get pregnant.” She looked at me over her glasses and I felt my eyes widen. I sputtered but she held up her hand. “While I have a feeling that David is a gentleman, it’s easy to forget yourselves when involved in certain things—”
“Selene!” I gasped. “We didn’t—I mean I wanted—it didn’t happen. Nothing happened.”
“Catherine.” There was that sharp mother tone again. I quieted instantly. No matter how old you were, it triggered something inside you that made you put your hands in your lap and look at the other person expectantly. “It doesn’t matter. No, that’s not true. If you’re saying what I think you’re saying then I think even more of your new friend. But what I said stands; be careful.”
“Yes, ma’am.” I took a deep breath. “Have fun. Don’t be reckless. Wear party clothes.”
Selene reached over and pretended to slap my knee, much the way she had when I was younger and refused to cross my legs. “Stop that. Have fun. Don’t overthink it. You loosened up a lot today. It’s good.”
“So, if I loosen up some more can we maybe cut some more appointments?” I wiggled my eyebrows.
“I think I’ve reached my quota of rule breaking for the day.” She sat back and picked up her clipboard.
“Well, a girl can dream.”
She shook her head but didn’t look back up at me. “You should be dreaming up things to say to Lady Nancy. She’s going to try to rope you into her charity auction again.”
“If I give her any more heirlooms my mother will skin me.” I sighed.
“You know that’s not what she wants,” Selene tsked.
“You just told me to live a little. If I donate any more of my time, I’m going to need a clone to brush my teeth and shower.” I sighed as I flipped through the e-mails on my phone. “You and I both know she just wants me to work with her oldest son.”
“Phillip wouldn’t be a terrible choice.”
“You say that like it’s the fifteen hundreds and I have to marry to support my family in some way.” I ground my teeth. “If I ever get married it will be for love. Something of my own—something that belongs to no one but me and the other person, but most of all not to the crown.” I frowned. “I give enough of myself as it is.”
“I only meant that Phillip is a very nice young man.” Selene rubbed at her chest briefly.
“He is nice. And boring.” I frowned. “Indigestion, again?”