Almost, Completely His

Chapter 9

Three weeks passed and Arthur and I barley interacted. I rarely saw him and when I did we either kept our heads down or briefly said hello and were on our way.

I still thought about him time to time but I would distract myself with something else. I read about 6 books in three weeks, Theodora taught me some piano and Enrique taught me the basics of shooting. Even father and I took daily walks and Charles took me horseback riding.

But I still saw his smile in my mind, I smelled his clean mahogany scent and felt his heat at the most unexpected times.

It was Friday night and I walked to the small library on the first floor to put away a book when I saw father leaving with one.

“Celeste, what are you doing up so late?”

“Just returning this.” I said holding up a thick book.

“Herbology?”

I shrugged. “Why not?”

He laughed and waited for me outside the library. “You’ve been keeping busy Celeste, is something on your mind?”

I shook my head when I walked back out and he smiled. “Are you nervous? Tomorrow is your first night out.”

“Oh... I guess so.” I took a deep breath remembering the Finley Ball the next night. “I’m not exactly looking forward to the stuffy environment and unbearable company.”

“You’ve been putting off large events for such reasons... I know that. You’ve only ever gone on a quick trip to the city with your brother and spend time by yourself either reading or walking.”

I frowned. “That’s not true, I spend time with you, the countess, my brother and Charles.. and I even had lunch with the Earl the other day.” I took a deep breath and tried to compose my face. “I even walked with Arthur a couple weeks ago.”

He smiled fondly. “My dear Celeste, I now it’s intimidating to be here, to be pressured to start thinking of marriage so quickly... but I only want your future to be set.”

“I don’t need a husband for that father.” I lifted my chin. “I can survive on my own.”

“Oh my dear I know. You don’t need a husband, you’re very capable of being well on your own.” He hugged my shoulders as we kept walking. “And I hate that this world is trying to cage you in... but it’s the world we live in..”

I sighed sadly.

Father and Enrique had always encouraged me to stay true to myself, to remain independent. But with time I had been forced to hide away some parts of me, because I knew I could only be so much of myself in order to survive.

“Before I leave this world I want to make sure you’re safe, that you’ll have a good life.”

I rolled my eyes, “Father don’t talk like that. And even then, I’m more than capable of finding a husband to provide a good stable life for me. Even if I have to fake interest and proprietary . I have learned to master my charms with Enrique’s help.”

“That’s not what I meant my dear. Yes I want you to be financially taken care of... but I want you to have a life full of love as well.”

We had reached my door and I squeezed his hand. “Father, not all of us are so lucky to have both.”

He smiled sadly. “That’s the sad truth... but not a truth that I’ll let be yours.” He kissed my forehead and patted my hair.

“Sweet dreams my sweet girl.”

I kissed his cheek. “Goodnight father, sleep well.”

It was Saturday evening and Pearl was in my room helping me prepare for the Finley ball.

“Will the blue dress be the choice tonight miss?” She asked as she pulled out a royal blue dress and my satin white gloves.

“Yes Pearl thank you. Are you able to do my hair with white pins and white flowers?”

“Absolutely.” She smiled and helped me get dressed and apply light rouge.

There was a light knock on the door and Charles stepped in. His auburn hair was slicked back neatly and his thin mustache was trimmed. His eyes were glistening with joy as always.

“You look radiant Miss Celeste.” He said in his calm voice.

“You are quite a sight yourself Charles.” I said bowing.

He laughed and shook his head. “Please no ridiculous notions as such Celeste.”

I nodded at him as I finished adjusting my gloves. When I looked up I saw Pearl was looking at Charles and blushing madly. Even he looked away.

Did I miss something?

But in less than a second Charles held out his arm. “May we Celeste? Your father and my mother are waiting downstairs.”

“And Arthur?” I blurted out. I mentally punched myself. I shouldn’t have asked that.

“I haven’t seen him unfortunately. He may be choosing to join us later at the ball.”

I nodded and took his arm. He looked at Pearl with kind eyes. “Thank you Pearl, for assisting her.”

Pearl bowed and kept her eyes down. “Of course my lord.”

Charles cleared his throat and we left.

I wanted to ask if there was something between him and Pearl, what the stolen glances meant. But I bit my tongue. A lady shouldn’t pry... at least so openly.

We reached the bottom steps and joined my father and Theodora in the carriage.

“Where is Enrique?” I asked looking around for my brother.

“I believe he’s already at the ball my dear,” Theodora said. “And I’m sure all the young ladies are thrilled about that.”

“Knowing my son, he will have both broken and mended numerous hearts tonight.” Father said laughing.

“No doubt indeed,” Charles said tightly and forced a smile.

I frowned at his tone. Did he feel overlooked with my brother present? My brother was devilishly handsome and no woman ever thought otherwise, but Charles was handsome too.

Maybe it was the pressure of finding a wife to provide an heir that was bothering him. I knew very well how overwhelmed Enrique too got with the topic.

I leaned over and patted his hand. “Don’t worry Charles, you won’t break any hearts, just soothe them. It’s one of your many talents and that in itself will draw in the perfect lady.”

He smiled at me and barley noticed the quick glance between Father and Theodora. But I kept to myself to not push the conversation and looked outside the carriage. The rolling hills turned to cobblestone streets and then grand buildings appeared.

Time passed quickly and before I knew it we were standing in front of the Finley house. It was large and imposing.

There were faces everywhere in the crowded entrance. Young men smiled at me and I felt their gaze follow me.

Laughter, music and chatter rang in the air. The flowers and candle lighting were beautiful and extravagant but despite the luxury and expensive decor, I found myself searching for something entirely different.

A pair of bright green eyes, a strand of long golden hair or broad shoulders. I hated to admit it but I didn’t care about anything or anyone at the ball.

The magic of it all caused me to want to find the one thing that was the most luxurious of all.

I was looking for Arthur.

And I would spend all night trying to find him.