Almost, Completely His

Chapter 23

Arthur

“I can’t believe you’re really here!” My mom said, tears streaming down her face. “My dear Gods, we thought you were dead!”

“I’m sorry Mother. I had no way of contacting you. And I didn’t want to risk sneaking a letter and putting you in harms way.” I gave her a tight smile through the mirror where I was tying my hair back.

I didn’t like seeing mother cry, and I didn’t want to imagine the fear she and father had felt for so long.

I quickly finished tying my cravat and walked to her. She was sitting on a chair by the door, her face in her hands.

“Mother.. please don’t cry anymore.”

I lifted her face and wiped away her tears. She was still as beautiful as I remembered. My mother looked older now, tired, but she still glowed.

Her golden hair was in an elegant updo, she wore a dark blue dress and diamonds clung to her ears and her chest.

“We all missed you so much Arthur..” she said.

“I know mother.. I’m sorry. I really am.”

She nodded, caressing my cheek. She straightened up and gently patted her hair.

“Now why won’t you tell me who that young gentleman is that you brought with you.”

“That’s Frank.” I said. “He’s my best friend. I don’t think I would have survived without him. He was my family.. and he has no one to go back to. No wife, siblings or parents.”

“Does he not hold any inheritance?”

“Not that I know of.”

Mother nodded. “Well he can stay here as long as he wants. If he is your family, then I welcome him. Lord knows this house has been quiet for too long.” She laughed as she got up. “At least now Charles will have someone to talk to than just Celeste.”

My heart dropped.

I had tried my hardest not to think about her since Mother pulled me away to get cleaned up.

I tried not to think about the way she looked at me.. the horror in her face. And I wanted to forget seeing the ring on her finger and the way she clutched to Charles’s arm.

Mother must have seen my reaction because she cleared her throat.

“Don’t worry, I adore her. She’s sweet and very brave. I just never expected them to be interested in one another.”

I simply nodded.

“I always knew they were good friends. Charles was so kind to her as a kid. And she respected him a great ton. But I thought her heart lied.. elsewhere..”

Mother looked at me with sad eyes.

Did she know?

A part of me wanted to ask her if she knew about Celeste and I. About the way we fell in love five years ago. About the promises made.. the same promises that were now broken.

Luckily, before she could say more, Father and Frank knocked on the door and strode in.

Father grinned when he looked at me.

I had never seen him smile so much.

“Why Frank! May i say you look extremely dashing?” Mother said with a smile.

Frank bowed and took her hand, gently kissing it. He looked up at her and grinned. “I thank you, Your Grace.”

I saw a tinge of a blush on my mother’s cheeks. But I couldn’t blame her or be mad at Frank. He was effortlessly charming.

Mother was about to reply when Charles appeared by the door.

A strong impulse to go to him ran through my body. At first the urge was to hug him, to sit him down and apologize for not writing and tell him everything that happened.

But that quickly faded and a new urge rose-the urge to punch him bloody for taking the woman I loved.

Charles nodded at me. A quick gesture of acknowledgment.

“Mother, Father, our guests are beginning to get restless. I am told by Pearl that they are asking for their hosts.”

Father let out a deep sigh. “Lord, one of the great downsides of hosting an event.”

“Oh stop it dear.” Mother said narrowing her eyes at him. But her face quickly lightened up and she smiled at him. “Now, allow me to take your arm and escort me back to our guests.”

“Of course dear.” Father smiled fondly at her.

“Boys I expect you to come down as well.” Mother called back.

Charles, Frank and I stood in silence for a moment. Frank looked between Charles and I and Charles just looked at me. He stood tall and even though he stood by the door, he seemed to command it.

He had stepped in greatly into his new role.

“Well, we must be heading down.” Frank muttered.

“Yes of course.” Charles responded. “I would also like to thank you Frank. For being by my brother’s side. I can’t express my gratitude enough.”

“It was no problem at all Your Grace.” Frank said bowing. “Thank you for letting me stay here. And.. congratulations on your.. engagement.”

Frank’s eyes flicked to mine. I saw Charles’s shoulders tense and his jaw clench.

My hands tightened at my side, I desperately wanted to hit him. To hurt him.

But at least he had the decency to look uncomfortable.

Charles knew about Celeste and I. Who knows for how long but it didn’t matter because he still pursued the woman I loved.

“Thank you.” Charles said and walked away.

Frank looked at me, waiting for me to say something.

“Arthur..”

I shoved past him and through the door.

“Mother is waiting. Let’s go.”