“The loss of your integrity.” On that declaration, Aldric led them down the pavement and away from the resident pest.
Pierre blustered a bit behind them, but Aldric paid no heed. Céleste understood why. Aldric had just landed a verbal blow and refusing to acknowledge any response would allow him to have the final word between them.
“I do not like that man,” Marguerite muttered.
“Which speaks well of your character, Mme Fortier.”
Marguerite smiled up at him, and for the first time in years, Céleste thought her sister-in-law might have been sincere in the approval she was bestowing. Usually, Marguerite tempered whatever reaction she had based on whatever was most likely to gain the approval of those she wished would include her in their circles.
The moment of sincerity slipped away, and a calculating glint entered her eyes. “You are so very attentive to Céleste, finding her a place to sit last evening, returning now and then to make certain she was well.”
“Her oldest brother didn’t seem intent on assuring that she was looked after. I felt someone ought to.”
Either Marguerite was horribly lacking in self-awareness, which was often true, or she was far too focused on ensnaring Aldric to realize he had just delivered a stinging setdown of her husband. “You are so very thoughtful. So many last evening noted how very like your mother you are. She, as I understand, was very much loved and liked in Society.”
“She was the sort of person one could not possibly help loving.”
Marguerite seemed about to say more, but Aldric cut her off.
“You are aware that your sister-in-law grows increasingly tired with excursion. I cannot imagine why she’s being made to walk about the streets of Paris.”
“I need to obtain ribbon,” Marguerite said.
“This ribbon is incredibly important, is it?”
Marguerite nodded emphatically. “Yes, it is. You understand these things, I see.”
“I am beginning to understand that you consider ribbons more important than the well-being of your family.”
Marguerite was taken aback. Céleste, for her part, was too surprised to do much beyond stare. She knew of Aldric’s tendency to be very forthright and frank. And she knew he did not suffer fools. But after navigating the house party without him coming to her defense when she’d needed him to, she wasn’t at all prepared to hear him do so now.
“Of course I don’t think ribbons are more important than family,” Marguerite insisted.
“Then why is Mlle Fortier not in your carriage, on her way back home?” Aldric watched Marguerite, giving every indication that he was willing to wait for her to summon an explanation.
“I suppose I hadn’t realized how weary she was growing. She has hardly done anything.”
“Which should secure her your greater concern.” Aldric turned his scrutinizing gaze on Céleste. “How much farther is this very important ribbon shop you’re meant to drag yourself to?”
“I don’t know, Lord Aldric. I was simply told to come along.”
“Lucas and Julia are using our carriage; otherwise, I would summon it and insist you return home swiftly. I am truly sorry I don’t have that option.”
The kindness of his words and the gesture he wished he could offer sent a little flutter through her heart. If she weren’t very careful, he would have her feeling and thinking very foolish things.
“The shop is only a little farther,” Marguerite insisted.
“I will walk with you there and see what can be done to summon your carriage immediately.”
He was as good as his word. Marguerite talked almost ceaselessly during the remainder of their walk and while waiting for the carriage. He offered the occasional acknowledgment but nothing else. And though he didn’t appear to be entirely ignoring Marguerite, it was clear most of his attention was on Céleste. And that attention was solicitous and concerned and kind.
Do not be foolish.
He saw her situated in the carriage. He dipped his head in acknowledgment to Marguerite before looking at Céleste once more. “Take care of yourself, Mlle Fortier. Your brother would be heartbroken should you grow truly unwell.”
Marguerite interjected. “Oh, Jean-François would—”
Aldric held up a hand to stop her declaration. “I meant the brother who cares about her.” With that, he stepped back from the carriage and snapped the door closed.
