Page 63 of Unraveled By the Duke
Celia found herself nodding, smiling to herself until she recovered her senses. She looked away from the object of her feverish dreams, putting him behind her.
I must remember that once he has secured my dowry and Hyacinth’s debut has been arranged, he may decide he has no further use for me. Once the scandal has been forgotten.
She frowned, pursing her lips thoughtfully. The release of her dowry depended on her father knowing the condition of Alexander’s finances. She had volunteered to be shown his accounts and provide that assurance. She could prevent that from happening for a time.
“Aurelia, do you think you are ready to return home? With me, of course. I would not have you return alone.”
Aurelia took a deep breath and swallowed. “I suppose I must face the music, eventually. Perhaps Papa has not yet heard the rumor. He is not exactly a social butterfly, after all.”
The notion of the Earl of Scovell listening with bated breath to scandals being whispered in salons and drawing rooms behind fluttering fans was comical.
Celia burst out laughing, and Aurelia joined her.
For a moment, there was nothing in the world for either of them to worry about. They were returned to a more innocent time, before Celia had been caught on one of her nightly ventures. Before Aurelia had been tricked into being alone with a cad. Tricked byLavinia, Celia was certain of that.
“I can show you the picture I drew—if it is in my art chest, that is. There is always a chance it is in a portfolio of drawings that I took with me to Aunt Hilda’s house.”
Aurelia’s laughter died down like the light from embers doused in water.
“Are you so convinced that Miss Dunnings is not a good person?” she said. “She has been a good friend to me when I was missing you.”
“I do not judge her character. Merely that she has lied and tried to cast aspersions on my character to cover the fact. I suppose, in my eyes, that does make her of poor character.”
Aurelia looked disappointed, as though she had hoped that her new friend and her sister would get along and be the best of friends, so she could live happily between the two.
Celia wished she could just grin and grit her teeth, and accept Lavinia for Aurelia’s sake. But she would not compromise. Lavinia had lied to everyone and tried to destroy her reputation. She could not overlook that.
“I will look at your drawing, and if it is what you say, then I will accept your account and cut Lavinia off without another word,” Aurelia promised.
“That is a very mature decision. I am proud of you,” Celia said, patting her hand.
Aurelia smiled sadly. “I had to grow up these last few months.”
The criticism was there, unspoken but present.
Celia had not been present, so Aurelia had been forced to step into older shoes. But that was not entirely her fault. She had not been in control of her father’s decision to send her away.
I am responsible for my reckless adventures; that is all. He did not have to send me away. Did not have to punish Aurelia.
Celia bit back the anger she had never felt towards her father before. Previously, she was the only victim of the consequences of her actions, but he had made Aurelia a victim as well.
Or was it me? Did I do this? If so, I must make amends. I must find a way to make amends.
She looked back through the window, but Alexander was no longer in the garden. Before she could wonder where he had gone, a knock sounded at the door to her rooms. Alexander entered without waiting for a reply. He still held the letter in his hand.
“Celia, I have received word from my solicitor that the accounts are ready for your examination. We can go to his office whenever we see fit, and he will make himself available over any other business.”
Celia kept her expression neutral and folded her hands in her lap. “That is kind of him. My sister and I must go to Banfield first, though.”
Alexander blinked, glancing from her to Aurelia. His eyes fastened on her at the end, hard and sharp. “What reason is so urgent that it takes priority over this?”
“Are you so keen to obtain my money?” Celia asked archly.
She felt Aurelia’s hand on her arm, squeezing gently.
“Yes, for reasons I have explained. But I am happy to explain them again. I must secure my sister’s debut. At the moment, that requires additional funds while I bring my estates into order. Ido not see that any business you have at Banfield would take priority over that.”
His tone was becoming icy, but Celia could see confusion on his face. She hated the thought that she might be alienating him, after she had tried so hard to break down the walls he had erected around himself. But Aurelia was her blood.
