Page 22 of Celestes Forever Marquess
Her eyes became watery. “I just miss him so much.”
Caleb joined her on the sofa and squeezed her hand. “I will do everything in my power to honor Father’s legacy, but marrying Lady Eloise is not part of that. I agree with Courtney, and I suspect even jaded Cordell does. It is hard to consider marrying for anything other than love, with you and Father’s relationship as the example.”
She nodded. “You are right. I have been pushing too hard. Your father would not be happy with me.”
Cordell snorted. “He was always happy with you. He would simply tell you to let Caleb be.”
Their mother smiled. “All of you have his best traits.”
Caleb kissed her cheek. “If he were here, he would say they were all from you. Let’s not worry about my future bride because I will only marry for love.”
Courtney giggled. “I’ve never heard you or Cordell be so romantic.”
He and his brother snorted but didn’t deny her words. Deep down, Caleb had always known love would be the only thing that would get him to wed anyone. He suspected his siblings were the same.
His mind flashed to Celeste, and pain flared in his chest as he thought of her and her partner. Perhaps seeing her enoughwould make his feelings go away. Caleb suspected that was foolishness, but what other choice did he have? He would think of her if he saw her or not. His only option was to reach a point where he was comfortable being around her, no matter how difficult it was.
He stood. “I’m off to the Den.”
Cordell smirked. “You are finally visiting. I wish I could go. I already promised our sister I would escort her to some dinner.”
Courtney grinned, “We could all go out for a scandalous night at the Den.”
“Courtney,” their mother admonished.
His sister crossed her arms and sulked. “Why do you both get to have all the fun. I know you went to the Ball of Sin, even though you won’t admit it.”
Cordell frowned. “How do you know about that event?”
She flushed. “I just do.”
Caleb laughed, departing the room as his brother and mother peppered Courtney with questions about who was sharing such scandalous details with her.
***
Celeste stood on the balcony overlooking the great room of the Den. The room was packed with lords placing bets, conversing, and enjoying the evening. She made her way down the grand staircase, smiling and greeting those she passed. Devons and Derry were seated with a group of lords who appeared to be telling some story.
She smirked. While her partners' relationship with their clients was more friendly, Celeste’s had always been more formal. She didn’t mind that and suspected neither did they. Shedidn’t linger in one place too long, not wanting to interrupt a tale or shift the conversation to herself.
Stopping by a faro table, Celeste grinned at Lord Haddle. “Are you doing well, my lord?”
The older man groaned. “No. I need to leave, or my wife will be furious.”
“We don’t want that. Have a drink on me in the library,” she stated.
Lord Haddle had requested a loan more than once from the Den. His debts were currently settled. While Celeste enjoyed taking money from lords, she didn’t want to leave anyone destitute.”
He kissed her hand. “Thank you for being so smart.”
She grinned at him before looking around the room. Her heart skipped when Lord Burrows and Caleb walked into the space. They were here together. Celeste’s stomach knotted, hating what that likely meant. A betrothal between Caleb and Lady Eloise was likely imminent.
Ignoring them, she walked to another table where gentlemen played whist. Lord Gareth leered at her. The man was a lecher, and she would gladly take all his money. Fortunately, he knew not to put his hands on her.
“Can we bring any of you a drink?” she asked the table.
The other men declined, but Gareth waved his glass. “I want more brandy.”
She nodded to a staff member who hurried away to fetch him a new one. The man was obnoxious, but she could tolerate it. Unable to resist seeking out Caleb, she turned back to where he’d entered to find him watching her and Gareth. Burrows pointed to another faro table on the other side of the room, and Caleb nodded. His gaze darted angrily to Gareth before he followed Burrows to the gaming table.
