Chapter Two“Your mother is very lovely,” the Earl commented after a moment’s pause.
As Celesta did not speak, he went on,
“I remember the gossip when she ran away with the Marquis of Heron. They were, and still are, very much in love.”
“We – loved her – too,” Celesta stammered.
The words seemed to be forced from her and there was a pain in them that was unmistakable.
“I can understand that,” the Earl remarked, “but I think your mother, like many women before her, felt the whole world was well lost for the man she loved.”
Still Celesta did not speak and after a moment he said,
“One day when you fall in love yourself, you will understand.”
“That is something I shall never do!” Celesta’s voice was sharp.
She walked back to the hearth to sit down opposite the Earl.
“That is – one of
