The Duchess Of Drury Lane by Janna MacGregor

Author:Janna MacGregor
Language: eng
Format: epub

CHAPTER TEN

Malcolm rose from the table and walked to the nearest footman, who held a tray filled with glasses of port, whisky, and brandy. Without a word, Malcolm took a whisky and swallowed it in one gulp.

A perfect night had turned into a nightmare. And Celeste hadn’t said a word to him. When they’d touched under the table, it seemed as if they were in their own world where no one would intrude. Perhaps he’d been the only one who believed in that enchantment.

Pelham came to his side and clapped him gently on the shoulder. “Go find her. If she’s with the other ladies, send my butler into the room and ask her to follow him.”

Malcolm just stared at him as if he were speaking another language. “Why would I do that?”

Pelham lifted a perfectly arched blond brow and regarded him. “You couldn’t see her face, but Celeste was as shocked as you were by that betrothal announcement.”

“Who is the Marquess of Grolier?” Malcolm growled in a low voice. Just saying the name made him want to pound his fist into a wall.

“I’ve heard the name but never met him.” The duke glanced over his shoulder for a moment. “I’ll ask Ravenscroft's mother. She studies Debrett’s Peerage religiously. Her aunt is well-connected in society. If anyone has information, Lady Ravenscroft will.”

Malcolm glanced at the Duke of Exehill. “I swear the man is baiting me. He knows I have an interest in his granddaughter.”

Pelham nodded. “It looked like more than an interest tonight, my friend.” When Malcolm narrowed his eyes, Pelham lifted a brow. “Go. I’ll keep the old goat entertained and ask him about Grolier while you find out what happened with your Celeste.”

Malcolm wanted to roar, but instead, he nodded at his friend and then placed his empty glass on the table. Inconspicuously, he left the dining room and started down the hall.

What should he say to her? Did she know the man? When were they to marry? She’d been truthful about her expectations. He was a fool, a damn fool, to believe he could change her mind.

The door of the music room was ajar. Conversations floated in the air, but there was no hint of Celeste’s voice.

Celeste was the definition of a celestial being who had come into his orbit then blown his world to pieces. Her betrothal announcement reminded him of the disappointment he experienced when one of his experiments failed. Only tonight, the pain felt like he’d been stabbed in the gut.

The card room’s door was open. All the other rooms down the hallway were closed. He took a chance and entered. Celeste stood, staring out the windows. Quietly, he closed the door. She was lost in another world with her arms wrapped around her waist as if she were protecting herself.

The sight of tears on her cheek undid him. Her grandfather had hurt her without a care. Celeste was the duke’s flesh and blood, and he ignored her as if she were dirt beneath his feet instead of treating her as a prized jewel he should have been proud of.

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