Almost, Completely His

Chapter 2

Celeste

My lady’s maid Antonia pinned my hair as I yawned for the 5th time in 10 minutes.

It had been ten years since we had visited Earl Harris and I detested the journey. I had to wake early which was the worst part. But I wish got seasick easily and detested packing. Not to mention that I wouldn’t be getting a good night’s sleep for days.

“Are you excited about the social season in London miss Celeste?” Antonia smiled sweetly at me and I rolled my eyes in response.

“Even you know the answer to that Antonia.”

She laughed and finished my hair.

“I know you detest being shown off to men and having to marry, but I’ve heard there is many eligible men to choose from.” She patted my shoulders. “Maybe it is the best to find a man who isn’t from your social circle here that has an... opinion of you.”

I glared at Antonia but knew she was right. Not only had men stayed away from me because I spoke my mind freely and shut down acts of idiocy, but because I had been caught spending time alone with Lord Rosales.

We were at a dinner party and her was a dear friend and was confiding in me his anxieties about marrying a young woman who was much younger than him. He was 28 and was betrothed to a girl of 15. She was my age and was nervous too.

I knew him to be a kind man and someone who hated making anyone uncomfortable, and yet, it was the way the world worked. I had met him through my brother and was one of the few men that didn’t annoy me.

I was in the middle of comforting him and telling him to talk to the young woman and share his concerns in order to build trust, when a guest walked in on us embracing.

Lord Rosales and I declared that nothing happened and explained the reason for our conversation but gossip still spread. Enrique and my father stood by me, knowing that I would never do anything improper, but there was still talk. I hated that people talked.

I rose from my chair and patted my dress. It was a light shade of pink silk. It was time to get going, and prepare myself for my time in London. Yay.

But most of all, i had to prepare myself to spend a summer with the Harris boys. Charles, the eldest, was to be Earl soon and the younger brother Arthur probably held no responsibilities and only money and freedom. As usual.

He had always annoyed me. Charles was kind and patient from what I remembered. He had neat auburn hair and small green eyes that he got from his mother. He played with me when I was a kid and helped me sneak dessert into my room.

Charles was probably 27 now, exactly my brother’s age.

“Are you ready sister?” Enrique walked in. He was the definition of a handsome gentleman. Women, young and old, married or not, fell at his feet.

He was 6ft, muscular and had thick black hair and a beard like father. His black eyes glinted with joy but was ever so imposing.

“Yes. Let’s get going.”

He smiled and held out his hand.

“Ready to find a husband?”

I rolled my eyes and he laughed. “Absolutely not. Knowing me I’ll probably scare away half of London.”

He squeezed my hand and smiled. “Not the better half.”

Days later I stepped out of the carriage in front of the Harris estate.

It was a grand cream house with bountiful rose bushes and large trees. It wasn’t too far from the city but it was far enough to be able to breathe.

My father held his hand out to help me stand. It had been a long time just sitting.

“How are you feeling?” He patted my hand. Father was handsome as ever. His hair had grayed but like my brother, women still were drawn to him.

“Better now that I’m standing. But ask me in 5 minutes when I remember that I’m here to find a husband. I’ll have more to say then.”

He laughed and Enrique led us to the front door. “Please behave Celeste.”

“I will if they will.”

The door opened and we were led to the drawing room. I had forgotten how elegant the house was. There was expensive furniture everywhere but the house had a lot of green in it. I then recalled that the Countess loved plants.

I walked around the room, tea cup in hand. Father and Enrique knew better than to ask me to sit. I had to walk around to release some energy. I was walking by the large window when the door opened.

The countess walked in with her son by her side.

I immediately put my tea cup down and bowed along with my father and brother.

“Oh please none of that!” She laughed and waved it off.

“Of course Countess.” My brother replied.

“None of that either! It’s Theodora to you all.” She smiled at us and I smiled back. She was as beautiful as I remembered. She has long, silky, blonde hair that was pinned back and had large green eyes. She didn’t look like she had aged at all.

“I’m sure you all remember my son Charles.” She grinned happily.

I looked over at the man next to her and bowed.

“Please, none of that as well.” He grinned at us.

He looked at my brother and nodded. They were both 27 now and grown men. They were ready to take their father’s place.

Charles was definitely handsome. His auburn hair was cut short and had a thin neat mustache and his green eyes were kind. He was tall, probably as tall as my brother and was lean but strong. Not extremely muscular but still strong.

“Please forgive my husband and Arthur. They are out riding but should be back soon.”

“It’s no problem I assure you.” Father said.

Theodora looked at me and grinned. “My dear Celeste how much you’ve grown! And you look exactly like your mother, so beautiful!” She walked over and hugged me tightly.

I stiffened a bit but hugged her back. She pulled away and I laughed.

“I’m not one for showing affection. I do apologize, but it’s delightful to see you once again.” I said.

She laughed and squeezed my hands. “Ever so true to yourself and your boundaries. I’m glad that was never lost.”

Charles smiled at me as well. “It is great to see you Celeste. You look well.”

“Thank you,” I said smiling back.

“Well, we can lead you to your rooms. I have much to ask you all but it’s best if you all get some rest before dinner.” Theodora led us out the drawing room and up the stairs.

We all had our separate rooms and excused ourselves for an hour or two.

I walked around the room and leaned against the windows as I took off my shoes.

I had a perfect view of the garden, Theodora must have done it on purpose.

The sun was still up but i could see it slowly start to set.

I laid down on the large mattress and began to drift off.

I heard the neighing of horses and the voices of men outside. It must be the Earl and his youngest son.

I knew my father would expect me to immediately see them and thank them for hosting us. But I closed my eyes and decided to sleep. I’d see them at dinner anyways.