Page 23 of Celestes Forever Marquess
She rolled her eyes. She didn’t need or require anyone’s assistance when it came to obnoxious lords. The staff member arrived with a glass, and she handed it to Gareth. “Miss Hathaway, please join us for a game. You never play, even Devons and Derry sit with us from time to time.”
She forced herself to smile at Gareth. “I wouldn’t want to take even more of your money.”
His eyes wandered down her, fixating on her bosom. One of the men the Den kept on for security stepped closer. She gave a tiny shake of her head. Celeste could handle him.
“How about you sit next to me?” Gareth pleaded.
She smiled and looked at everyone at the table. “Enjoy your game, gentlemen.”
Shocking her, Gareth grabbed her arm, but she didn’t have time to react. So many people were suddenly in motion. She stepped back and gasped as she realized it was Caleb who reached Gareth first. He’d punched the man. Burrows was there as well. He frowned at Gareth. “You shouldn’t put your hands on a woman.”
She stood there in shock, staring at the commotion. Caleb asked, “Are you hurt, Miss Hathaway?”
Celeste wasn’t, but she was surprised to be standing next to her father and shocked by Caleb’s actions. A hand on her arm had her swinging around to find Devons studying her. Quietly, he said, “Why don’t you let me handle this?”
She shook her head. Celeste glared at Gareth. “You know the rules, Lord Gareth. You are banned for the next month.”
The man rose from where he’d toppled over, rubbing his jaw. For a moment, he appeared as if he would come closer to her, but she didn’t flinch. She didn’t cower before bullies. Staff members escorted him out. Lord Burrows looked at her with concern. “Are you hurt, Miss Hathaway?”
So many thoughts raced through her mind. Why was he talking to her now and after all these years? She forced herself to nod and remain calm. “I’m fine. Thank you, Lord Burrows and Lord Haven, for your assistance. Everyone, please go back to your pursuits.”
Caleb watched her silently. She needed space. Celeste turned to Devons. “Do you mind if I step away?”
He shook his head.
Chapter 10
Caleb sat with Lord Burrows in one of the smaller rooms of the Den. They’d played faro for a bit and were now relaxing. Celeste hadn’t reappeared since the fight with Gareth. He heard Devons laughing out in the great room, entertaining lords.
Fury filled his chest that Devons allowed Celeste to be around men like Gareth. Burrows silently watched him, and he was sure he was wondering what existed between him and Celeste. “I’m sorry I lost my temper. I don’t like men like Lord Gareth.”
Burrows nodded. “Do you know Miss Hathaway?”
“I do,” he said, not bothering to lie.
The lord smiled. “Is she why you have no interest in my Eloise?”
Caleb flushed. “Your daughter is a wonderful young woman.”
Burrows chuckled. “She is, but also has no interest in marrying right now. Eloise often tells me that women are marrying later and that she needs time to find out who she is. I think she allowed herself to be escorted around by you because she knew it wasn’t going anywhere.”
Relief coursed through him because he really liked this man. He respected him and hoped to maintain a friendship. “Thank you for that clarity.”
“Women, they are marrying older, owning clubs, and doing as they like. I wonder if the world is ready for it.”
“They need to be,” Caleb stated.
An amused expression flitted across the older lord’s face. “I suppose you are right.”
Burrows stood and said, “I think I will depart for the night. Perhaps you should speak to the woman or at least check with Devons to make sure she is fine. He just headed towards his office on the second floor. We can meet next week to discuss opportunities for collaboration.
Caleb nodded. “I would like that.”
The older man said, “I wish you well with your wooing. If I may impart a bit of advice?”
He nodded.
“Don’t allow London to dictate who you want as your partner for life. It may seem that all this society stuff matters, but truthfully, this world is a cold place without someone you love. I lost someone long ago because I was too much of a coward to fight for her.”
