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Bloody blistering ballocks. That could have gone better.Dominic downed the whisky he had at the ready and then tipped his head back to stare at the ceiling. The cavorting cupids above him were still impervious to the drama that had just played out in this room.
It was his own fault of course, that he hadn’t discussed his intentions with Celeste until now. It didn’t sound as though she had any particular objections to Artemis per se. She simply didn’t want him to marry at all.
With a sigh, he poured another whisky from the bottle at his elbow. Despite Celeste’s volatile outburst, he would still encourage her to accept a visit from Artemis tomorrow. He’d broach the subject after she’d calmed down. He was certain she’d see reason. Surely she’d give Artemis a chance.
He also trusted that his clever fiancée was experienced enough to weather the swiftly changing, oft-times turbulent moods of an adolescent girl. Perhaps Artemis would easily smooth things over and help Celeste to see that her stepmother-to-be wasn’t wicked or evil. In fact she was genuine, understanding, and could be amusing company.
Dominic ran a hand down his face. There was the rub. There was no guarantee that Artemiswouldbecome Celeste’s stepmother. And that would be disappointing. Hedidgenuinely like and admire her. There was no denying his desire for her. But could it be more than that?
He sipped his whisky. He’d never thought that he’d find love a second time. Or more to the point, that he’d ever have the guts to give his heart completely to someone again. And he still didn’t. No matter that Artemis beckoned and beguiled like a flickering will-o’-the-wisp or pixie light in the far distance, he wouldn’t follow. He wasn’t ready to let down his guard again and he might not ever be.
He’d endured enough heartbreak to last a lifetime.
In any event, he’d warn Artemis that Celeste might be less than amenable to any of her overtures. She had a right to know that she was potentially walking straight into the line of fire on a battlefield on the morrow. And if she decided not to come straightaway, he would understand that too.
