Almost, Completely His

Chapter 12

The entire carriage ride back home I felt my heart a flutter.

Arthur had insisted on staying behind and socialize with friends while I returned home, which whether or not I liked, I agreed was best.

My mind was in a whirlwind. Had Arthur confessed his feelings for me? Or attraction? Or both?

Could a handsome, older, and experienced young man like him want someone like me? And even if he did... could anything happen?

“My dearest are you alright?” Theodora looked at me concerned and the Earl too noticed my silence.

“Yes of course, just a bit tired really.”

Theodora smiled and nodded. “Yes the Finley balls can be a bit much. Especially for one’s first night out.”

That was an understatement.

When we arrived at their home, the Earl helped his wife down and then me. Theodora excused herself briefly to make her own tea, she didn’t want to wake the servants.

The Earl then turned to me with a grave expression.

“Is everything alright Miss Celeste?”

“Why yes of course my lord.”

His eyes were intense and I felt like he could see through me. Before I said anything he spoke again. “I am aware of the incident with Lord Whitley. Of his carelessness and disrespect towards you.”

I opened my mouth to say something but couldn’t manage anything except “how did you know?”

“It’s rare to see Charles in such an intense state. And when I saw Arthur fuming over a slice of cake I assumed something was very wrong.” He smiled at me. “And not to mention your brother trying to hide his bruised and bloody knuckles.”

“You are quite observant my lord.”

He shrugged casually. “And when I noticed Lord Whitley’s missing teeth, cut lip and purple eye it all came together.” He laughed. “Good riddance.”

“Does father know?!” I asked alarmed.

“Why else do you think he volunteered to stay behind and socialize?” The Earl said grinning.

My face twisted in horror and he patted my shoulder. “It’s alright my dear, I’m sure your brother did most of the work already. Your father would just want to... put on the finishing touches .”

I was in shock at first but then laughed. “I do hope father has no sword around.. Lord Whitley will be impaled by morning.”

The Earl laughed too. “Get some rest Celeste. I’ll wait up for the men. I’ll also inform my wife.”

“No! Please don’t stress her!” I pled.

The Earl grabbed my hand and squeezed it gently. “You are our guest and our friend. We are all one. No one is alone here.”

He smiled at me and made his way towards the back of the house where his wife was. I waited for a good 30 seconds when I heard a blood curling scream.

“THE BLOODY HELLL WITH HIM!!... GERARD DON’T TRY AND STOP ME.... HOW DARE THAT WEASEL... GIVE ME THE KNIFE BACK!!”

Despite my fear of Theodora upset, it warmed my heart to have a strong woman at my side.

I headed towards my room, tired and confused but happy knowing that I had people that cared for me.

I knew I was fully capable of defending myself, and they did too, but that didn’t stop them from stepping in.

I changed into my nightgown and curled in bed. It had been a long night and my mind was exhausted. As I began to drift off my mind wandered back to Arthur.

Was he ok? Was he confronting Lord Whitley too? Or was he on his way home?

But most of all.. was he thinking about me as much as I was thinking about him?

Arthur

Enrique, Charles , the Viscount and I arrived home around 4 am.

It took a great amount of effort to talk the Viscount out of dueling Lord Whitley. Charles got through to him by reminding him that not only was it illegal but Lord Whitley held no chance of surviving and the Viscount couldn’t afford getting into any trouble. Celeste still needed him.

So instead, he settled for three good punches and a kick to the gut. Lord Whitley was a weeping mess.

He deserved worse.

But when we got home everything was calmer, Charles had managed to get us all safely and calmly home. How he kept himself composed even through his anger was beyond me.

The Viscount excused himself and said he was going to bed. The fight with Lord Whitley had exhausted him, along with the liquor.

Charles too excused himself for the night but Enrique and I lingered outside in the cool air.

“Thank you Arthur, for what you did today.” His black eyes were tired and sincere. “I don’t even want to think about what would have happened if you hadn’t showed up.”

A shiver ran down my spine.. I didn’t want to think about that either. But a laugh came out my mouth and he looked at me confused.

“I think that even if I hadn’t showed up, your sister would have probably killed the man with a simple candelabra.” Enrique smiled and I shook my head. “Remarkable that girl is.”

“Yes she is,” he agreed.

We both stood quietly, enjoying the peace after the eventful night.

“Well, I’m going to check on my sister. She will be asleep by now.” Enrique began to turn and I grabbed his arm.

“Would you mind if I joined you? I don’t need to come in... I just need to see that she’s ok.” I gulped, hoping he’d let me see her. “Just for one second... for my peace of mind.”

Enrique contemplated it for a minute but he nodded. He led me up to her room and I felt my heart quicken. What did Celeste look like as she slept? Would she be awake still?

Enrique softly knocked before entering. He poked his head in and then gestured me to stay by the door. I looked inside as he walked over to the bed.

There was a figure hidden beneath the duvet, curled up into a ball. Was she ok? Was she scared?

“She always sleeps like this... she’s ok.” Enrique whispered to me as if reading my thoughts.

He leaned down and kissed the top of the blanket lump and I heard a soft sigh. It immediately warmed my heart to know that Celeste was getting a restful sleep.

As Enrique walked back, Celeste turned. She rolled over to her side and was facing me.

She was still asleep, but I stopped breathing as if she had caught me staring.

Her dark curls were like a lion’s mane around her small face, her mouth pouted, she snored lightly and she had a peaceful glow to her. Absolute perfection.

I looked away quickly but I had seared the moment into my brain.

Enrique bid me goodnight as we both walked to our rooms.

I didn’t remember changing or getting into bed. All I remembered was accepting that Celeste meant more to me than I ever expected. More than I even understood.

I accepted that all I wanted was for her to be safe, happy and be able to sleep peacefully at night knowing she didn’t always have to fight... that there would be someone to fight for her.

She was strong, brilliant, stubborn, witty and independent. And I adored that about her.

I accepted her for who she was.

Completely.

I accepted all of this... and I accepted that after tonight, I’d never be the same man again.