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 realemotion, 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.”
