Her forthrightness struck Alexander. He wondered again if she could read his mind. Given her effort to assuage his fears, he stood to depart. “Thank you for your reassurances, Celine. I apologize for my faintheartedness.”
Celine stood. “There is no apology necessary. My husband can drive even the fiercest men to cowardice. However, I find no such weakness in you. You shall prove a staunch ally, Alexander.”
“Good day, Celine,” he said, bowing to her. “I look forward to your visit with much anticipation.”
“I shall see you in two days, Alexander. Safe travels.”
He departed from the Northcott residence. His mind swam with deliberations. The events of the past few days were dizzying. While not directly involved in most instances, he had watched Duke Northcott’s power grow over the years. Without warning, a visit from the strange and mysterious Carlyles had thrown him into dealings with the Northcotts. In addition, it now appeared Duke Northcott’s chokehold on the world may be coming to an abrupt end.
Despite Celine’s reassurances, he worried for his family. He was no stranger to the battle between good and evil, but he was familiar with the concept of self-preservation. Some battles were merely beyond his abilities. This may prove to be one of them. Celine was a strong ally, as long as she remained an ally. Her words rang in his head. Could she be trusted? Would the allure of the Duke’s power sway her? That remained to be seen.
He hurried home, anxious to get on with his journey. The next two days would prove tedious and be filled with apprehension. He prayed he could trust Celine. Otherwise, he and his family may be doomed.
Marcus entered Celine’s bedroom to a flurry of activity. Trunks were strewn about the room, and articles of clothing lay across the bed.
“Celine? What is the meaning of this?” he questioned.
“Alexander Buckley called this afternoon to invite us to stay at his country home. It is meant as a thank you for arranging the invitation for his cousins to Lord Blackburn’s ball,” she informed him, holding up two shawls, one in each hand. “This one,” she said to the maid who hurried to pack it.
“And you accepted?”
“Yes,” she answered, glancing at him. “We leave the day after next.”
“You did not consider it wise to discuss this with me before accepting the invitation?” Marcus queried, annoyance creeping into his voice.
“No, I did not. He was quite earnest, and I did not see the harm in it. Truthfully, I pitied him and could not find it in my heart to decline.”
“I understand this is his second call. He called upon you yesterday as well?”
“Yes,” Celine answered without skipping a beat, “he called yesterday to ask if I was keen on the countryside. I told him I find it quite relaxing. He returned this afternoon to extend the invitation.”
“Do you not find his sudden interest odd?”
“No, I do not.” She glanced to him. “You could use a few days in the country, away from your work. You must make time to relax, Marcus.”
“You attempt to draw my attention from the subject at hand and flatter me into agreeing.”
“I do not,” she answered, returning to her packing. “I am stating a fact. Your machinations are quite taxing, no doubt, dear. If you are unable to depart in two days’ time, I shall travel ahead, and you may follow.”
“You will do no such thing, Celine!”
“Marcus, I will not argue about this. I have already accepted the invitation.”
“Celine...” he protested.
“Marcus, please,” she interrupted him. “I do not wish to argue. If you do not find the invitation acceptable, I shall make your excuses for you when I arrive. However, I will carry on with the planned journey. I do not wish to appear rude.” The maid approached with a gown. “No, no, Winston, that is most unsuitable. It is a country estate, not Buckingham Palace!” The girl departed with the dress to select something more suitable, murmuring her apologies. “Please remember a warm capelet, there could be snow!” Celine shouted after her.
“I find this most unacceptable, Celine,” Marcus said once they were alone.
“Do you, really, husband? I am unsure what you envisage as an appropriate response, however, I suggest you adjust your expectations.”
“I will not be spoken to in this manner, Celine,” he warned her.
“And I will not be treated as a child. You are displeased, I understand. The invitation is below your normal standard. However, I expect the trip to be most interesting.” She approached him, caressing his face with her hand. “Try to see the positive in it, dear.”
He sighed. “I shall follow you in three days hence. Please in the future do not make a habit of accepting such invitations without first discussing it with me. Buckley is after something, Celine. I warn you to be wary of him.”
“Of course, dear,” Celine answered, returning to her packing. “Though I see nothing malevolent in his intentions.”
“You are too trusting, Celine. This is why you should consult with me before consenting to requests.”
Celine stopped for a moment, turning to face him. “You are quite right, my dear. I am far too trusting. A fact I’ve grown to learn of late, more and more with each passing day.”
He offered her a slight smile before departing from the room. Celine returned to her packing.
Present day, Bucksville
“Absolutely not! No way, no how, over my dead body!” Gray shouted.
Celine stood near the fireplace; arms crossed. “We have little choice,” she responded.
“We’ll find another way,” Gray argued.
“What way, Gray?” Celine countered.
“I don’t care for the idea either. However, Celine makes an excellent point,” Alexander interjected. “We have no information about Alterra.”
“Then we’ll find information. We’ll go to Germany if we must. Anything except…”
“We don’t have time, Gray,” Celine responded.
