Page 55 of Unraveled By the Duke
“If you wish to see the evidence, go and look in the chest,” Celia said.
She pulled at a delicate chain that she wore around her neck and under her dress, revealing a small silver key. She unclasped the chain and handed it to Aurelia.
“If it convinces you to be wary of Miss Dunnings, then it is worth letting you see my sketches.”
Aurelia hugged her tightly again. “Oh, Celia! Dear Celia. I shall spend all day leafing through them and marveling at your skill!”
CHAPTER 17
“Ido wish Aurelia could have accompanied us,” Celia said.
Seated next to her in the carriage, Alexander grunted. “It is best that she does not. It’s been barely a day and a night since the scandal. Give the dust time to settle.”
He glanced at her, wondering if she was worrying about her sister, alone at Finsbury House. She looked back at him, and he felt the familiar frisson he experienced whenever her eyes landed on him.
By God, but I must get a grip on myself. Since when did a pretty pair of eyes unman me? I do not desire attachment.
“I do not like leaving her alone after such an event,” Celia sighed.
“This is the opening night of this particular play. Most of the ton will be attending. We must be seen together for this charade tobe worthwhile for the sacrifice we are making. Aurelia is safe at Finsbury,” Alexander assured her.
“Safe, but it is a dark, neglected place. Safe but not comfortable,” Celia pointed out.
“She is an adult, and if she is able to attend Almack’s, then she can endure an evening of reading or needlepoint. You make Finsbury House sound like Newgate Prison.”
He was annoyed, but it stemmed from guilt. He had avoided thinking of Finsbury House, the original Cheverton Estate, because the memories were painful. Memories of happy times with his mother. Even now, he walled off thoughts of the place, not wanting to contemplate what he had lost.
“You would defend Hyacinth and Violet and feel protective over them. Is there a reason you object to my feeling the same for my sister?” Celia asked.
Alexander looked at her before he could stop himself.
She is so beautiful. That face, so perfect, the paragon of femininity. And behind the innocence of her face lies an unrivaled passion. I had firsthand experience with it.
“No, I would not deny you the right to care for your sister’s welfare,” he said. “I would have done the same for Hyacinth. Let us talk about something else, shall we?”
Celia smiled. It was a secretive smile that tugged at the corners of her pouty lips. Alexander watched those lips before tearing his eyes away, seeking the solace of the city passing by.
“I visited the Theatre Royal before, but never as a spectator,” Celia admitted.
Alexander could not suppress his curiosity at the cryptic comment.
“How else could you have visited? Are you saying you were an actress?”
The idea was shocking. It was hardly a reputable activity for a gently bred lady. But neither was disguising oneself as a man and mixing with the commoners of London. Shocking, but also arousing.
The implication of a wild side to Celia was intensely exciting.
“I infiltrated the establishment in disguise. Once as a chimney sweep and once as a stage hand. I’ve watched plays from atop the gantry that holds the curtains and from the wings, but never from a seat.”
The notion of her smearing her face with soot to pass as a chimney sweep struck Alexander as comical. He smiled before he could stop himself, and she smiled in return.
“Which part did you find most amusing?” she asked.
“That you disguised yourself as a chimney sweep,” Alexander admitted.
“I almost ended up climbing a chimney before I was able to make my escape,” Celia said. “I was chased halfway to Hyde Park by the stewards.”
Alexander laughed aloud, throwing his head back. For a moment, he let the absurdity of the vision override his self-control and undermine his fortifications.
