Chapter 23
Chapter Twenty-Three
It took a full week to organize the event.
And Celestine, whose idea it was, was involved every step of the way.
What was more, it appeared to her that Edward wanted her input.
Every lord that he considered, every decision he was set to make, he asked for her opinion before making it.
Mostly, she agreed with him. But when she argued or countered his suggestion, he was just as agreeable and willing to listen.
A change was in the air, and Celestine noticed it without having to look.
Strangely, one thing that she noticed was how little Edward paid attention to her physically.
The first week of their marriage, every time they were together, he was all over her.
He made it clear that he wanted her as bees wanted honey, and he was never shy about showing it.
But that following week, as they organized the event of Millicent, he was careful to keep his distance.
He is just distracted, is why. Focused on Millicent, as he ought to be.
Not that Celestine worried so much. While he was not as physically demanding, he was emotionally available like he had never been before. He talked constantly about his concerns for Millicent, what he needed, how he feared ruining everything. And as was her duty, Celestine was always there for him.
A week of planning and the big day arrived.
Millicent was more curious than excited.
While they did not explain directly what the day’s purpose was, she was not such a fool that she failed to see its meaning.
‘Friends and business partners’ were whom Edward told her were coming, but that they were all men, and all eligible bachelors, gave the game away.
Edward was far more nervous. He spent that morning rushing about the back garden, double-checking everything, leaving nothing to chance. And when the first of the guests arrived, he looked like a man whose skeleton might just tear out of its skin.
“It will be fine.” They stood in the foyer, and Celestine clung to Edward’s hand. “There is no pressure today. Nothing is expected.”
“But there is…” He focused on the door, waiting for it to open. “If today goes poorly…”
“Which it will not do,” she assured him. “None of the guests know the true reason they are here, so none will force the issue or make fools of themselves. As far as they are concerned, Duke Blackthorne has invited them to a private garden party and that is it.”
“And what of Millicent? What if she does not take a liking to any of them?”
“Doubtful,” Celestine said. She had looked over the list herself and was certain that several were sure to catch the young lady’s eye.
“And if that is the case, it is not worth fussing over. At worst, Millicent will use today to make a good impression so that next Season she will be far more capable and prepared.”
Edward took a deep breath, and Celestine smirked with humor to see him so undone. It was not like him at all. When she had first met Edward, he had seemed the living embodiment of self-control and stoic poise. But that just told her how much this all meant.
As well as how much he cares about Millicent, as do I.
“Millicent is upstairs?” he asked, glancing behind them.
“I have told her to come and greet your guests an hour after they arrive,” Celestine told him. “She is dressed appropriately, and while she has not admitted to knowing today’s reason, she suspects.”
He grimaced as if that was bad news.
“She wants this, Edward,” Celestine eased him. “As she knows its importance. Truly…” She laughed and squeezed his hand further. “You have done everything you can. At some point, nature must be let to take its course.”
Edward did not look convinced, and she was certain he was about to argue. Thankfully, the front door suddenly swung open, and the first guest was announced.
His name was Lord Calderwick, a viscount from the north who was in London for the Season. Twenty-five years old, dashingly handsome with his blonde hair and blue eyes, and of esteemed reputation.
Next came Lord Hawcrest, an earl of thirty years who was not so much handsome as he was charming. Obscenely rich, his sense of humor dry and cutting, but with kind eyes and an earnest about him that Celestine rather liked.
Then there was Lord Pembourne. After that came Lord Rothbury.
And next arrived Lord Thornwall. They were all different in their own way, some tall, some short, some ruggedly handsome, some more regal and sharp of feature.
Their ages ranged from the mid-twenties to the early thirties, as did their titles, as did their personalities.
However, what they all had in common was that they were single, currently looking to wed, and a perfect match for Millicent in all the ways that mattered. Personally vetted by Edward, each one was agreeable and worthy.
So it was that the day began.
The first hour was pleasant and without issue.
Celestine stayed with Edward as he moved from lord to lord, engaging in pleasant conversation that was in no way suggestive of the day’s purpose.
The sun shone overhead. Drinks flowed but not excessively.
And the mood was relaxed as the guests slowly eased into the day.
An hour later and Millicent arrived.
She wore a golden gown that challenged the sun’s own shine.
It glittered as she appeared on the balcony overlooking the garden, and it shimmered and flowed as she slowly made her way down the steps to join her uncle and his guests.
Her hair was worn back, pinned by a silver tiara.
Her make-up was minimal, allowing her natural complexion to show.
And her smile… the way her eyes lit up… she really is a beauty, a true lady of the ton.
Naturally, her arrival changed the complexion of the day. While the guests did not trip over themselves to approach her, the way they stared, the way they whispered among themselves as they watched her, made it clear that they wanted to.
Before she arrived, Celestine and Edward had discussed which of the guests they believed to be best suited, so they subtly navigated Millicent through the garden and toward each one.
“Lord Calderwick…” Edward guided Millicent toward the dashing lord. “Might I introduce you to my niece, Millicent.”
“It is a pleasure to meet you,” she said with a curtsey, her cheeks already tinged pink.
“The pleasure is all mine.” Lord Calderwick bowed deeply. “His Grace has spoken little of you, Millicent. Which I am now thinking has done us all a deep disservice.” He shot a joking glare at Edward. “Tell me, why have I not seen you before?”
“Oh, it is my first Season.”
“Ah, that explains it,” he said with a smile that showed all his white teeth. “And how are you finding it so far? I know from experience how chaotic it can be. Worse for you, I am sure. No doubt there has been a litany of men chasing you about.”
Millicent’s cheeks colored further. “Not at all.”
“Another disservice,” he purred. “Although, I should be grateful. At least I won’t be fighting men back with a stick for your attention.”
Celestine and Edward stayed back during the interaction. Edward bit into his lip, listening closely. Celestine shook her head at him and then smiled when he saw her. He exhaled slightly, and his smile was found when he saw how much Millicent enjoyed Lord Calderwick’s banter.
However, they did not allow the conversation to linger. A few minutes only and they pulled her away, guiding her to meet the next eager lord. And then the next.
Each was charming in his own way. Each was eager. And every single one so obviously had Millicent’s attention.
“You see,” Celestine whispered out the corner of her mouth as Millicent spoke with Lord Hawcrest. “All she needed was proof that there are better men on offer than Lord Grundon.”
“Remind me to never doubt you again,” Edward said.
“Oh, don’t worry, I will.”
The day was going perfectly. A little too perfectly, to be fair.
It was one of those days when things were so easy and so right that Celestine should have prepared better for something to go awry.
And it was because she was so unprepared, blissfully ignorant of any wrongdoing, that when trouble arose, she was not ready for it.
And nor was Edward.
It came just as Celestine and Edward led Millicent away from Lord Thornwell, the fifth lord she had spoken with. Millicent chatted excitedly, apparently quite taken with the earl, and Edward nodded along as if he expected nothing less.
Celestine cast her gaze wide, searching for their next target.
As she did, her eyes landed on the balcony, where she saw a new arrival.
His visage was expressionless, his air dripped with arrogance, and the second that he spied Millicent, a thin-lipped smile spread over his face and he started toward them.
“Oh no.” Celestine stopped short, clinging to Edward.
“What?” Edward turned back to look at her. “What is wrong?”
“Lord Grundon…” She indicated toward Lord Grundon who came for them. “He’s here.”
“What?” Edward turned and sneered when he saw the man approach. “What is he… how dare he!”
“He must have heard what was happening,” Celestine said as her stomach dropped. “Edward, remain calm. Please…”
It was a pointless request because, already, Edward’s body shook with quickly building rage. He had Millicent by the hand, and it turned white as he squeezed to hold her in place. And that wasn’t to mention the look of abject fury found on his face.
“Oh, Lord Grundon is here,” Millicent said when she saw him. “I did not see him earlier.” She then looked at her uncle and her face dropped. “Edward, please…”
“It looks as if I have arrived right on time.” Lord Grundon reached where they stood.
As always, his face wore little real emotion, making it nearly impossible to guess what he was thinking.
“And Millicent, I must say, it is a pleasure to see you again. How I hoped that I would have the chance, after our last conversation was cut tragically short.”
“Lord Grundon…” Millicent smiled politely but did not show any of the same infatuation that she had the last time.
Well, that is a small victory, at least.
“What do you think you are doing here, Grundon?” Edward hissed a little too loudly. “This is a private event.”
“And yet I walked in without any issue,” he responded coolly. “It is as if I was meant to be here.”
“Leave,” Edward growled. “Before I force you to do so. With my own hands, if necessary.”
“Edward…” Celestine pulled gently on his arm, desperate to alert him to the attention they were receiving. Every single guest in the garden watched them, and each crept closer so they would not miss a thing.
“I will do,” Lord Grundon said. “But first, might I have a moment alone with your lovely niece? There is something I have been meaning to ask her, which I would rather do without so many watching on.”
Edward stiffened. “I will ask you again. Leave!” He barked that final word.
Lord Grundon exhaled in amusement. “Very well, then I will do it here. Miss Millicent…” He directed his gaze onto Millicent, who shied back slightly.
“While it is not the most ideal setting, I simply cannot wait any longer. You have stolen my heart, and I would be so honored if you would do me the pleasure of marrying me so that I might spend the rest of my life trying to steal yours.”
Gasps ripped across the garden.
Celestine too, she gasped and held a hand up to her mouth.
Edward clenched his jaw and his body turned rigged.
Thankfully, Millicent did not gush or appear too interested. Rather, she leaned back in surprise, certainly wary and caught off guard.
“That is enough!” Edward roared and stepped into Lord Grundon. “If you will not leave, then I will –” He snatched at Lord Grundon’s collar.
“Edward, no!” Millicent cried out.
“Do not defend him, Millicent,” Edward sneered as he seized Lord Grundon, who did not fight back. Rather, he looked pleased by the assault. “He is not worth it.”
“Should Millicent not be the one to decide that?” Lord Grundon asked.
“I do not care what she decides,” he snarled. “The answer is no.”
Lord Grundon chuckled. “I urge that you reconsider, Your Grace. Believe me when I tell you that I am one you want on your side. To make an enemy of me…” He clicked his tongue. “Such things will come to be regretted.”
“Is that a threat?”
“A statement of fact.”
“Edward!” Millicent grabbed her uncle’s arm. “Let him go!”
“There is no need for shouting,” Lord Grundon said coolly. “I will leave.” Slowly, he pulled himself from Edward’s grip. “I merely wished to make my intentions known. Miss Millicent…” He made sure to look at her. “Please, think on my offer. I do hope that you consider it.”
Lord Grundon turned and strode from the garden quickly. He was there for maybe five minutes, no time at all, but the damage had been done.
The guests stood around Edward and Celestine and Millicent. Each to the last looked utterly taken aback and a little embarrassed. None more so than Millicent.
“How could you?” Millicent shouted at her uncle.
“Me?” He defended angrily. “Lord Grundon was the one who… do not even think to tell me that you want to marry him?”
“It does not matter what I want,” she cried. “It matters that you would not let me if I did.”
“I would be within my right,” he snapped at her. “He is not what you think, Millicent. He is trying to use you!”
“Better to use me than to embarrass me,” she shouted at him, her voice high-pitched and cutting across the garden. “I am not a little girl, Edward.”
“Nor are you a woman,” he snapped again. “You are my niece and you will do as I tell you. And I tell you now, you are not to marry Lord Grundon.”
“I don’t want to marry him!” she cried out, tears falling down her cheeks. “What I want is the right to choose myself. And you…” She looked around the garden, taking note of all those who watched on. “And you won’t even allow that.” With those words spoken, she turned and fled inside.
“Millicent!” Celestine started after her.
“Let her go.” Edward took her by the arm. “If she wishes to act like a child, then so be it.”
“Edward…” Celestine looked at him with pain in her eyes. “She had no interest in Lord Grundon. I doubt she ever truly did. But you allowed him to get you to and now…” She indicated to the other guests.
Edward came into himself suddenly. He looked around, he only just then noticed how he was being watched and judged, and he winced with shame and looked away.
The day had been going so well and had it ended just five minutes ago, Celestine had no doubt that there would be a litany of suitors champing at the bit for Millicent’s attention.
But in one fell swoop, Edward had embarrassed the girl, ruined her reputation and his, and all but destroyed her hope of finding a suitor worthy of her hand.
Such things as this would not be forgotten… just as they were likely to get worse. Much, much worse.