Page 34 of Celestes Forever Marquess
“Let me speak with her first,” Caleb said. “We were on the cusp of becoming betrothed, and then your mother met with her.”
Lady Burrows gasped. “My mother-in-law was angry that your interest in Eloise seemed to wane. I remember her mentioning something about Miss Hathaway from your ball.”
Burrows wiped at tears. “Please tell Miss Hathaway that whatever threats my mother made will not happen.”
Caleb nodded. “Is there anything you would like me to tell her?”
Lady Burrows squeezed her husband’s hand. Burrows said, “Can you tell her I would like to get to know her? Please let her know I wouldn’t have ever abandoned her had I known.”
He nodded. “I can’t promise you anything, but I will tell her.”
Caleb rose, but Burrows remained seated, devastated. His wife walked with him to the foyer. “Please tell Miss Hathaway she is welcome here.”
He was surprised at how much Lady Burrows knew about Celeste’s mother and how much she seemed open to her being in Burrows’ life. As if reading his mind, she smiled softly. “When my husband and I met, he was still heartbroken over Anna Hartly. He didn’t hide that. Our love grew over time. I can’t explain how much of a shock this is or how much I think he would want her to be part of our family.”
“Thank you, Lady Burrows, and I’m sorry I barged in here so angry.”
She smiled softly. “You were protecting her. An apology isn’t necessary.”
He nodded and thanked her before departing. If he took the train in the next hour, he could make it to Derry Hall today. He was going to see the woman he loved. Caleb shook his head at all the heartache the Dowager Lady Burrows had caused. He hated the judgment of the elite, and it infuriated him that hers had ruined so many lives. He hoped knowing the truth would bring comfort to Celeste. Regardless, he would be there to support her forever.
***
Celeste walked into the grand hall of the Derry Estate and stumbled to a stop. Caleb stood by the hearth, staring into the flames. A muffled cry escaped her, and his head jerked up. Their eyes connected.
“What are you doing here?”
He made his way to her, and her heart hammered. Caleb frowned at her. “Did you think I would let you go? I love you, Celeste. I don’t say those words lightly. In all honesty, I’ve never said them to anyone outside my family.”
She bit her lip, resisting the urge to throw her arms around him. Instead, she said, “Caleb, this is for the best.”
He grabbed her hand and kissed her palm. “How could giving up the woman I want as my wife be for the best?”
Celeste pressed her lips together, trying not to give in and beg him to stay. She wanted him so much and forever.
“Devons told me about Devil’s Acre. I don’t care.”
“Lord Burrows’ mother said she would make sure the newspapers were aware. Your family would be gossiped about because of my life.”
He grasped her chin. “A life you survived and then went on to make something of yourself. There is no shame in that.”
This American lord was so different and still didn’t understand the way of London society. “The gossipers will be awful and cruel.”
“I don’t care. My family has vowed to support us. I love you, that is all that matters.”
Celeste placed her hand on his chest and said softly, “Caleb, be reasonable.”
He smirked at her. “No.”
She stared at him, unsure of what to say or do. He brushed his lips over hers. “Here is the most important question. Do you love me, Celeste?”
She shouldn’t. Celeste should go back to her life at the Den and forget this man, but she couldn’t say the words. Instead, she said, “Yes.”
“I love you, too, and that is all that matters. I will court you this Season, and it is my goal to convince you to marry me soon. If thetondislikes it, then we will find friends and associates who welcome us.”
“Why does it all seem so simple when you explain it?”
He smirked. “Because I’m brilliant.”
