Lady Fairbrook’s three daughters stood deeper in the room.
The youngest two, Miss Isolde and Miss Marigold appeared terrified. They stood together, their heads bowed, their postures withdrawn as if they hoped he might not notice them. They were both beauties, with their dark hair and fair skin and curvaceous bodies. But they were not who he was there to see.
Miss Celestine stood in front of them as if in protection.
Unlike her sisters, she held his gaze and he saw the fire in her eyes that had been there the previous evening. There was fear there too, a hint of worry, but she smothered it the best that she could. She was brave, was the point, and not one to back down.
Good. Last night was not an accident…
Edward met Miss Celestine’s eyes as he entered the room further. He would not be cowered by her rancor, and he wanted her to know that she could snap and snarl all she wished, as it would not make a difference.
Despite his best efforts, Edward’s eyes dropped just a little… sweeping over Miss Celestine’s body… noting her narrow waist, her wide hips, and the size of her bust; trapped in a gown that struggled to contain her. His heart started to race, just as his pulse quickened, just as his mouth salivated…
No, Edward! You are not here for that! Control yourself.
He tore his eyes from the softness of her body and fixed it on her face once more. A pretty face, that was undeniable. But it was hard to notice behind the harrowing glare that she held on him. She would not be tamed.
“I see that a welcome party has been called for me,” Edward noted of the three sisters. “I ought to have visited sooner.”
“We…” Lady Fairbrook could not have looked more worried. “We were surprised by your visit, Your Grace. And consideringour brief conversation last evening, I was not certain who… which of my daughters… I can only surmise that –”
“There is no need to be so worried,” he said as he waved the woman down. “I do not bite. I am merely here to have a conversation. You mentioned last evening, which is apt, as there was a particular conversation had that I was eager to continue in.” He made sure to be looking right at Miss Celestine.
“I thought I made myself clear,” she said sharply.
“Celestine!” her mother cried.
“It is quite fine,” he said simply, not once looking away from Miss Celestine. “Lady Fairbrook, although it is unorthodox, I was hoping to have a moment alone with your eldest daughter. There is something I would like to discuss with her and while it might be prudent that you remain in the room for such discussions, I cannot help but sense that she is more than capable of looking after her own interests.”
“Celestine…” Lady Fairbrook’s eyes widened. “What do you… whatever you have to say, you can say to me, Your Grace.”
“It is fine, Mother,” Miss Celestine said, also not once looking away from Edward. She continued to glare as if she might attack him the moment that they were alone. “It is best if His Grace and I speak alone.”
That made Edward smile to himself.
He had been right about Miss Celestine from the beginning. Funny that when he first started to consider what he needed to do for Millicent, that she had not entered his frame of thought. Oh yes, he knew of her, of course, as most of the ton did. That she was said to be ‘mad,’ the type that would likely end up alone as a spinster, who young boys would tell stories of to scare their friends away.
But that was what made her so perfect.
Edward realized now that Miss Celestine, above all, would understand his plea. What was more, assuming she accepted his bargain, that she might be the last person he needed to worry about.
My only fear is that she might slit my throat while I sleep. Or when I am awake so she can look me in the eyes as she does.
Lady Fairbrook did not look pleased about leaving her daughter alone with Edward. But a few terse words exchanged, and Miss Celestine managed to shoo her and her sisters outside. As she did, he noted her quick exchange with Miss Marigold, what looked like an assurance given… even a promise.
And he certainly noticed Miss Marigold looking between her and him with an expression on her face that told of just how rotten Edward’s reputation was.
To be changed soon, should this go to plan…
“What are you doing here?” Miss Celestine asked as soon as the doors were closed. She stood with her back to them, as if she was guarding them against him.
“Straight to the point?” he asked innocently. “No asking how I am? Seeing if I would like something to drink?”
“What do you want?” she asked again, her voice sharp.
He chuckled. “Yes, straight to the point then. Which is good, truth be told, as I am not here to exchange pleasantries. And after our conversation last evening, I sense that you are not the type who would appreciate such efforts.”
“I thought I made my feelings last night perfectly clear,” she said.
