Page 60 of The Good Girl's Guide to Rakes
She curtseyed before hurrying away, though she had no particular person or destination in mind. All she knew was that she had to be somewhereelse, and give Kieran the necessary space to appear a potential suitor to Miss Goswick.
Celeste wove between chatting guests, heading toward the terrace at the back of the house. A tiny parcel of time on her own would help her gather her thoughts, and rein in her emotions.
She reached the terrace, where a handful of other guests had gathered in small groups to converse, discuss the musical program, and naturally, gossip. Chatting with these people, some of whom she knew, required more fortitude than she had at the moment, so she went to stand on her own near the balustrade.
Lord Hempnall’s gardens were well maintained, though a trifle too formal for Celeste’s liking. Back in Ratcliff, she and her mother used to tenderly nurse a miniature collection of plants that they set on the narrow windowsill. Ma often dreamt of a green growing space of her own, somewhere that didn’t require careful balancing on a cracked sill, but when they finally had enough money to establish themselves in Hans Town, Da had insisted that their staff would manage the gardens.
“You’re here with him again,” a familiar voice said behind her.
She turned to face Lord Montford, whose pleasant countenance was slightly marred by the crease of displeasure between his brows.
“Good afternoon to you, too, Lord Montford,” she answered. “I didn’t know you were in attendance at the recital today.”
“The engagement I had prior to this one ran late, so I came in after the concert had begun. This isthe second time I’ve found you in Mr. Ransome’s company.”
“I thought the selection of music to be charming,” she said, facing the garden once more. “Granted, my tastes are somewhat less cosmopolitan than many others’, but I can appreciate a pretty melody.”
“Miss Kilburn,” Lord Montford said as he stepped closer. “Celeste. Are you going to answer my question?”
“I didn’t hear a question, Lord Montford. Merely a collection of statements.”
His jaw went tight. “Ah, you are in one of your humors.”
“If having opinions and beliefs of my own might be considered as such, then yes, I am in one of my humors. Tell me, precisely, what you want to know.” Irritated beyond measure, she continued to only offer him her profile.
“Does he have any intentions toward you?”
“His family and mine are on intimate terms,” she answered tautly. “It’s perfectly reasonable to expect that Mr. Ransome and I might be sociable together without drawing conclusions that he might have wicked designs on me.”
She wouldn’t speak of the fact that only three nights ago, Kieran had kissed her senseless and that his hand had been up her skirt.
Lord Montford opened his mouth, then closed it. He drew in a breath, as if marshaling his patience—which only increased Celeste’s annoyance. She did not want to bedealt with.
He visibly smoothed out his expression and attached a mild, indulgent smile to his face. “If youwant to maintain a friendship with Mr. Ransome for the sake of your families, I shan’t prevent you. In truth, I find it refreshing that men might form platonic relationships with females. We can’t live at the club and talk exclusively to other men, or else our conversations will grow stagnant.”
“How fortunate thatfemalesare here for you to prevent that from happening.”
He laughed as if she’d made a jest. “Truer words, my dear. I do hope you forgive my brief sojourn in the land of jealousy, but I’m so eager to make you mine that I see any other man as a potential threat.”
“Rest assured that no one is more concerned about my welfare than I am,” she answered. God knew if she didn’t look out for herself, her life would consist of almost exclusively pleasant, empty diversions where nothing she did or said had any significance.
“I nearly forgot,” Lord Montford went on cheerfully. “I want you to dine again with my parents next Friday, say, seven o’clock.”
She didn’t miss the fact that he’d issued a command, rather than a request. Clearly her time belonged to him, and they weren’t even married yet.
Kieran approached, all polish and sophistication. He nodded at Lord Montford with perfect politeness, but was there a shard of hostility in his gaze?
“Delightful to see you again, Ransome,” Lord Montford said.
“It is,” Kieran answered.
Celeste pressed her lips together.
“Well,” Lord Montford said in the ensuing pause that stretched on, “I must go take supper, beforegoing to the Marquess of Hursley’s ball tonight. Quite an exclusive event, you know, but the marquess insisted I make an appearance. Will I see you there, Ransome?”
“Alas, I am engaged to attend the theater this evening,” Kieran drawled.
“Pity,” Lord Montford replied.
