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 forMillicent 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.
