“It was right to do,” she assured him. As she spoke, she reached across the table and took his hand. “And you have done everything you ought. Especially considering where you began.”
He chuckled. “I suppose it could have been worse.”
“My point is, she has become obsessed with the first man to show her true interest. It is not such a surprise, truth be told, as she does not know any better. And now that Lord Grundon has shown interest, it will deter other suitors from approaching her.”
“Which I suspect he knows,” Edward muttered.
“What if we were to change that perception?” She raised an eyebrow at him. “You wish for Millicent to meet someone other than Lord Grundon? Better, for her to understand that there are men of far greater appeal than he. Men who will fawn over her, who will offer her the world, Men worthy of her.”
“And how do you suppose we do that? The Season is almost over, Celestine. Time is not on our side…” He curled his upper lip. “I was so focused on my own reputation that I did not pay nearly enough attention to her.”
“Oh, it is not such a hard thing.” Her smile was coy, and her eyes flashed with a sense of triumph. “My suggestion is that we host a small… gathering, of sorts. Let us scour thetonand make a list of all eligible suitors who we deem might suit Millicent. Then, we might invite them here to meet her. Let usshowher that there are options beyond Lord Grundon.”
Again, Edward looked at his wife as if he was only seeing her for the first time. She spoke so calmly. So confidently. She spoke as a woman who knew her business beyond what he ever would.
“How did you…” He let the question trail.
She shrugged. “I have three sisters, remember. Two of which I have spent the last few years guarding with my life. Ironically, my mother once suggested the same thing for me. I, however, refused, as is my way.”
“Celestine…” She had one hand rested on his; Edward placed his spare hand on top. He squeezed, never once looking away, wanting her to see how grateful he was. “That is a brilliant idea. It is…” He shook his head. “Beyond anything I would have conceived.”
“It is a good thing then that you married me.”
“A truth I am coming to understand better with each passing day.”
Oh, how he wanted to pull her forward and kiss her. How he wanted to drag her upstairs and show how grateful he was. But their marriage was slowly transforming into one beyond pure carnal desire, and Edward also wished to prove to Celestine that she meant more to him than what she offered physically.
Of course, he could never tell himself that… or her, for that matter. For now, all he could do was focus on the physical side of things, that which he knew was safe.
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.
