Page 10 of Celestes Forever Marquess
“She works too much,” Derry muttered.
Devons slapped him on the back. “But if you want to see her again, she will be at the Ball of Sin.”
Derry’s gaze darted to Devons. “Don’t do it.”
He laughed. “What? I’m doing nothing.”
Caleb frowned at them, confused. Derry added, “She will be furious.”
“I planned to attend,” he verified.
Derry sighed, but Devon grinned at him. “That is a fantastic idea. You will have a grand time.”
Later in the afternoon, Caleb joined his brother and sister on a horse ride across Derry’s land. His estate was spectacular, making Caleb antsy to travel to the Haven property.
“I think I will take a detour to the family estate before returning to London.”
Courtney's brows shot up, surprised. “Mother will be upset.”
“I have to see it,” he said quietly.
Both Courtney and Cordell nodded, understanding his desire to see the land their father had spoken so fondly about during their childhood. All their parents’ memories before arriving in America were centered around the estate Caleb now owned.
Cordell said, “I will join you.”
He smiled at his brother, grateful. Courtney let out a sigh. “Mother has been apprehensive about returning. I will stay with her in London.”
“Are you sure? I want you there if you desire it?” he questioned.
His sister shook her head. “While I want to see it, I think I would like to be with Mother the first time, and she isn’t ready.”
Cordell frowned. “I wish she weren’t so afraid of missteps. Mother is a force in New York City. Here, she always seems to be apologizing. She owes London society nothing.”
His brother was right. As much as she would deny it, their mother was terrified about being back in England.
“Will you be back for that scandalous ball?” Courtney asked in a mock whisper.
Cordell frowned at her. “You shouldn’t know anything about that event.”
Their sister snorted. “Of course, I know. I also am aware that Caleb may fancy one of the owners.”
Caleb glanced at his sister, who grinned back at him. Cordell chuckled.
“Miss Hathaway does interest me.”
Courtney's eyes widened. “You must like her a good deal to be so open about it.”
“I would like to get to know her.”
“To marry her?” his sister wondered.
“Perhaps.”
Courtney and Cordell looked at him in shock. He blushed. “I’ve only just met her, but Mother wants me to marry.”
“I doubt she is planning for it to be the owner of a gentlemen’s club,” Courtney mused.
Cordell laughed. “When have you known Caleb to do anything that was expected of him?”
