Page 38 of Celestes Forever Marquess
He stared at her silently. Lady Burrows frowned at her husband and opened her mouth to speak, but before she could, Burrows burst into tears. Celeste rushed to him. “My lord, please, it is fine.”
He grasped her hands. “I thought you and Anna died.”
“I know. Lord Haven told me,” Celeste said quietly.
Burrows took a deep breath and composed himself. “There is so much I need to tell you.”
Lady Burrows said, “We thought perhaps you and Lord Burrows could go for a walk in the gardens and talk privately.”
Concern flared in Caleb, and he glanced at Devons and Derry, who were frowning. Burrows added, “Only if you are comfortable with that.”
Celeste seemed to ponder his request and finally nodded. “I would like that.”
Burrows held his arm out, and Celeste accepted. He squeezed her hand as if confirming she was real before escorting her outside. Sadness filled Caleb that Celeste had gone so long without knowing her father because of a cruel woman. Burrows had sent word a few days ago that his mother was permanently settled in the countryside.
Lady Burrows smiled. “Shall I fetch us some tea or something stronger?”
Caleb smiled. “I think something stronger would be best.”
Derry and Devons nodded in agreement.
She smiled. “Please sit.”
They settled in the sitting area. Eventually, Lady Burrows joined them and provided them each with a glass of brandy. Derry asked, “How are you handling all of this, Lady Burrows?”
She sat. “I’m happy that Thomas’s daughter will be in his life, and angry that his mother lied to him. He truly believed his mother when she said Anna Hartly and their child had passed away in childbirth. We plan to tell Eloise and her brother later this week. Thomas wants Celeste to know her family. We hope she wants the same.”
“This is a good first step,” Caleb said.
They all glanced at the glass doors leading to the terrace. Celeste and Burrows stood talking. Whatever they were sayingwas serious; Burrows’ face was filled with pain. Lady Burrows bit her lip, her face covered in worry. Yet, she didn’t rush to him. She took a deep breath. “I agree.”
Further discussion halted as Celeste and Burrows entered the room. Both had red eyes. Caleb frowned and stood. “Are you fine?”
She nodded. “It is just difficult. For both Thomas and me.”
Lady Burrows smiled at Celeste’s use of Burrows' given name. It made Caleb happy as well. He wanted Celeste to be embraced by this family. Celeste added, “I think we will leave, but Thomas mentioned a dinner next week.”
“Yes,” Lady Burrows said. She walked to Celeste and grabbed her hands. “I know this is overwhelming, but you are always welcome.”
Celeste’s eyes watered at the lady’s kindness, and she nodded. “Thank you.”
Burrows hugged Celeste, shocking everyone. He said, “Thank you for allowing me the opportunity to get to know you.”
“You are always welcome to visit me at the Den.”
Everyone said their goodbyes, and he, Celeste, Derry, and Devons made their way back out to the carriage. Once settled and the vehicle began to move, Devons asked, “How was it?”
She smiled sadly. “He is more wonderful than I could imagine. He loved my mother. For years, I thought it was something my mother had imagined.”
Caleb held her hand. “That is a good thing.”
She nodded. “It is. I couldn’t tell him all of it.”
“Only share what you want,” Derry stated.
“His memory of her reminds me of who she was before Devil’s Acre. Part of me thinks that should be the version of her he keeps.”
“You get to decide that. No one else,” Caleb assured.
