Page 35 of The Lady’s Great Escape

Celia nodded. “I shouldn’t be so put out with him. As brothers go, he’s not so bad. He doesn’t run up large tabs at the gambling tables and leave them for me to cover. He hasn’t sent me off to some cottage in the far reaches of the wilderness to get away from me.”

“He loves you, even if he enjoys taunting you entirely too much. He will want to protect you.”

“Is it so bad that I wish to protect him as well?” Celia let out a breath. “I know he loves me. Even though he teases me mercilessly.”

“You give as much as you get. That’s why you’ll get no defense of me.” He winked to let her know he was joking. They were quiet as he helped her dress and finished buttoning his waistcoat. “You need to tell him what Lord Hamlin has said to you so he’s prepared.”

Celia nodded and offered a strained smile.

“Will you attend the Addingshire Ball tonight?” she asked as she pinned up her hair. Seeing her neck exposed, he couldn’t help but to place a kiss there and watch her smile in the mirror.

“I was planning to, but now I’m not sure. I mean, things have changed in my situation.” He had no desire to search for a wife so soon after leaving Celia’s bed.

She turned to look at him. “Not permanently though. This arrangement between us is temporary.”

He knew her plans for having a lover only, but hearing her confirm them now caused a painful twisting in his stomach. She didn’t want to marry. He could take relief in knowing it wasn’t him specifically, but that she didn’t want to marry anyone. But the rejection felt oddly the same as it had the last time he’d experienced it. He had to wonder if at least part of the reason was because she thought him unable to keep her in the luxury she had from Hamlin’s settlement. She’d chosen wealth once, it served it would still be a factor today.

He would be wise to remember Celia would never be his wife. Which made his situation more dire. If he could find a woman he cared for, it might not hurt so much when Celia cast him aside.

“You’re right.” He pushed a brittle smile to his lips. He’d wanted to find a wife. Now it was as if he needed to find one. “Yes, I will attend.”

“Then I shall see you there.” She nodded once.

“You’re going?”

“Yes. My situation is not permanent either. I planned to go to the ball to find a lover and while I have one currently, you might snatch up a bride tonight and then I’ll be on the hunt for someone else. I might as well see who interests me so I’m prepared when the time comes. Besides, this is my first step. Remember?”

“Then, yes, I’ll see you there. Will you save a waltz for me?”

“If you haven’t already promised them away to the beautiful young ladies in attendance.”

“I already know no one will entice me as much as you, Celia.”

“Then the first waltz is yours.”

*

Celia entered thehome on Bolton Street on Kit’s arm. He looked incredibly handsome in his formal attire, with a sash of tartan across his wide chest. She’d rarely seen his clothing while still crisp and clean. Generally, she saw Kit in the mornings after a rough night of drink and whatever else they’d gotten up to.

But this Kit was a welcome sight.

When he’d suggested they attend together, she’d considered refusing so not to give anyone the wrong impression. However now, she welcomed having a friend by her side.

He assured her it wasn’t uncommon for a friend to escort a sister of another friend. Whether that was true or not, it was too late as they had arrived.

Once they were announced, they picked up a glass of refreshment from a passing footman and stood out of the way to observe and formulate a plan. Except he was looking at her instead of the room full of guests.

“What is it?” she asked.

“You’re absolutely lovely.”

“As you’ve said four times already. Not that I mind hearing it a fifth time, mind you, but you’re supposed to be looking for your future viscountess.”

“Seems a waste when there’s a perfectly good countess right here not being utilized.”

“You utilized me so well this morning, it’s a wonder I was able to make it down the stairs.”

They laughed at her lewd joke and turned to the crowd. Kit waved and a couple headed in their direction with bright smiles on their faces.