“As you wish,” Theodore answered.
“We will perform the ceremony on her sixteenth birthday.”
“Of course, as we planned.”
“What do you know of the other two, the Carlyles?”
“Nothing. I was not aware they were accompanying her until late last evening. They arrived on Marquis Devereaux’s doorstep, unexpected, but with a glowing reference from Lord Blackburn. I believe the Marquis hired the eldest to tutor Celine in English with the possibility that she might accept him as a suitor.”
Marcus snorted in response. “She deserves far better than an ill-mannered and ill-bred American. And doesn’t she speak English? She seemed to do a fine job of it a few minutes ago.”
“Ah, yes, Celine is fluent in English, however, she doesn’t let on to her father. She fears he would find it a bit too modern for his daughter to have taught herself English.”
Marcus smirked, turning his gaze back to Celine. “Clever girl. Learn what you can about the other two. They may be of use to us. Our group for the upcoming ceremony is rather small, the addition of two others would be preferable.”
“Yes, of course. They seem like good chaps, I’m sure they could be brought around to it.”
“See that they are.”
They ended the conversation and moved to dinner where the group was, as Theodore had promised, entertained by tales of Duke Northcott’s world travels. He paid specific attention to Celine, whom Celeste had seated to his right. Mrs. VanWoodsen apologized for the lack of female companionship but without notice, she was unable to orchestrate a fuller party.
Everyone assured her the party was acceptable, and they found no fault with her proficiencies as a hostess. Michael and Damien paid careful attention to the relationship between Celine and the others. In private, they discussed that it seemed that the sisters were quite close; that she had not yet developed the animosity she seemed to exhibit later. It also explained the deep bond that existed between them despite whatever had caused the rift. Celine’s demeanor with the Duke was congenial and polite, but nothing more. She did not exhibit the hostility and loathing that they had seen in their time.
They discussed their plan for the following day. Celine’s birthday was in three days; they were to deliver the letter to her the next day. Michael would have felt more comfortable had they known the contents of the letter, but it had a seal. They could not break the seal without making it obvious that the letter had been opened. They determined to find the library the following day to try to locate the book.
Chapter 26
The following morning, they asked Celine about her plans for the day. She remarked she planned on taking a walk after breakfast. Michael said he would like to join her, and she graciously accepted the invitation. They used the time to ask her about a library in the house. While she told them where to find it, she was inquisitive about their interest in the library and the book they sought.
They had little explanation for her other than to say it was a passing interest. They had learned of the book before embarking on their journey here and they were curious to find out if the book existed. Celine did not appear as though she believed them, but she didn’t question them any further.
As they entered the house after the walk, they found Duke Northcott descending the staircase. “Ah, Celine,” he said, making his way down the staircase, “what good fortune that I have come across you this morning.”
“Good morning, Duke,” she answered, giving a small curtsy.
“I see you have been out for a walk,” he responded. “I was hoping to have had the pleasure to take in the views with you, but alas, it seems I have lost my opportunity. Perhaps though, we could engage in a mid-morning chat.”
“Oh.” Celine stammered a bit. “We were just heading to the library together. I’m sorry.”
Displeasure was apparent on Duke Northcott’s face, this was not the answer he had wanted. “Surely these fine gentleman can enjoy the library without your help,” he said, glaring between the two of them.
Michael opened his mouth to answer but Celine spoke before he uttered a word. “Oh, but they can’t. They aren’t very good at French and several of Teddy’s volumes are in French. I have promised to help them translate the passages of interest, so you see, they can’t possibly go without me.”
His patience was wearing thin; however, there was not much he could do without seeming impolite and risking Celine’s approval. “I see,” he grumbled, “well, perhaps I can fit into your rather busy social schedule for an afternoon cup of tea.”
Celine was growing tired of his requests but wasn’t sure she could refuse him any further. “Yes, that would be lovely.”
“Wonderful. Until then, my beautiful Celine,” he said, kissing her hand. “Enjoy the library,” he said to Michael and Damien before turning to leave.
The trio made their way to the library, Celine shut the door behind them. She sighed, closing her eyes for a moment as she leaned against the door. Opening her eyes, she looked toward Michael and Damien and said, “Thank you and please do not leave me alone with him.”
Michael raised his eyebrows. “Yeah, sure, is everything okay?”
“All right,” Damien said, correcting Michael’s modern English. “He means is everything all right?”
“It’s nothing. I just…” She paused as she searched for the words. “How can I say it, ah…”
“He gives you a bad feeling,” Damien finished for her.
“Yes, a bad feeling. Like ice going through my veins.”
“How much do you know about him, Celine?” Michael asked.
“Nothing, I’ve only just met him, but I get feelings. My Aunt Genevieve used to have them, too, and my sister. Something is amiss with him. There is something wicked, as you say, bad.”
“We’ll make sure you’re safe,” Michael said.
“Now, what is this book you’re searching for? It doesn’t sound like a normal book.”
“Just a silly prank, most likely,”
