Celestine’s eyes widened when she saw Edward coming.
For a brief moment, Edward held his breath as if he expected her to glare at him. They had not spoken for over a week, and there was still a chance that she hated him. However, as soon as their eyes met, he realized that his fears were unfounded. Never before had he seen such relief, such utter gratefulness… and such love.
Lord Grundon turned and his visage was of a different nature entirely. He sneered and spat and seethed and the darkness was such that the fire behind his eyes burned hot and unmistakable.
“Oh, well, this is wonderful!” Lord Grundon chuckled darkly. “Your Grace, so good of you to join us. Much time will be saved.”
“I said, step away from my wife!” He charged ahead and his first thought was to take Lord Grundon by the throat and out an end to him.
What stopped him from doing so was a dim memory… a need to be better… a promise he had once made to Celestine that he would not make a fool of himself and embarrass him or her.
So, he stepped past Lord Grundon and put himself beside Celestine. She clutched to his arm immediately, and it sent awave of undulating hope through his body. She did not hate him…
“Edward, I did not know… Lord Grundon, he followed me –”
“Quiet!” Lord Grundon snapped. “You… both of you! You are like black mold, Your Grace. Try as I might to scrub you clean, you refuse to take the hint!”
“What is it that you want, Lord Grundon?” Edward shook with fury, but he forced calm. Likely, Lord Grundon wanted him to rise to anger and do something foolish. He would not give the man the pleasure.
“I want you gone!” Lord Grundon hissed. “I want you – No! I want everyone to see you for what you are. You are a stain on theton. You act with impunity, you befoul us all! And nobody gives a damn!”
“You clearly do.”
“I see you for what you are,” he continued, his temper rising. “And soon, everyone will see it too. Your gaming hell is just the beginning. Oh, yes,” he chuckled wickedly. “You niece is next, then your dear wife. By the time I am done, your name will be worth less than the mud on my boot!”
“Celestine, did he hurt you?” he asked his wife.
“No,” she said. “I am fine.”
“As if you care!” Lord Grundon cried. “Oh, how rich! We all know that you only care about yourself, Your Grace. But is that not the point? That is why I will break you. That is why I will make you hurt.”
Again, the urge to drive his fist into Lord Grundon’s face took hold of Edward. Oh, how he wanted to punish the man like nothing else. And he might have done it too. He was not just threatening Edward, but his family. A family who Edward cared deeply for.
Only then, a scuffling sound echoed from behind Lord Grundon, followed by the appearance of several people. Too dark to make them out clearly, it mattered not who they were. Having made such a scene in the ballroom, a collection of guests had followed Edward outside.
They had come to see him embarrass and shame himself further, as was his way. But this time, with an idea coming to mind, Edward realized that he could put an end to Lord Grundon for good.
What was more, he might just save his and Millicent’s reputation while he was at it…
“I spoke earlier with someone whom you might know, Lord Grundon,” Edward began, projecting his voice as the crowd behind them grew.
Lord Grundon opened his mouth to snarl but started in surprise. “What?”
“Sally Sanderson? I wonder if that name rings a bell?”
“What is this?” He snapped. “What are you –”
“She used to work for you,” Edward continued. “So, I suppose it is too much to hope that you would remember her. But we spoke of you, believe that we did. And I must say, she had some interesting things to say.”
Lord Grundon reared back, a flicker of worry passing across his face. He turned, noticed the crowds, and chuckled. “You are stalling, Your Grace. Or trying to divert attention. Whatever it is, it will not work.”
“What of the name Miss Wexley?” Edward asked. “Surely, you remember her?”
Lord Grundon’s eyes turned wide with realization, and he took a step back. “I… I do not know –”
“She was just seventeen, Lord Grundon. Still a child, yet to make her debut.”
“Quiet!” Lord Grundon barked. “Lies! You speak lies!”
