Settling her nerves, she dozed off. When she did, Duke Northcott filled her dreams. He pursued her relentlessly, calling to her as she ran through the house trying to hide. He told her there was nowhere she could run, nowhere she could hide that he wouldn’t find her; that he would pursue her to the ends of the earth and beyond.
Chapter 27
The following morning arrived, although not soon enough for Celine. Michael and Damien met Celine in the hallway. “Are you feeling better?” Damien asked.
“What happened last night?” Michael added.
“I am fine. I must confess,” she whispered, “I was not sick. I just wanted to rid myself of that dreadful Duke and his advances.”
“Oh,” Michael said, glancing at Damien. “Maybe we should forget about today’s plan.”
“No, absolutely not!” Celine said, raising her voice above a whisper. “You must find that book. We continue as we planned.”
They all agreed to the plan one final time before heading to breakfast. As Celine entered the dining room, she found Duke Northcott already at the breakfast table with Theodore. He stood as she entered the room. “How much brighter my morning has become,” he said, holding a chair out for her to sit. “It’s as though a ray of sunshine has entered the room.”
She smiled at him as she sat. “You are too kind, Duke.”
“I trust you are better?” he asked her.
“Yes, I am much better. Thank you.”
“I arrived early at breakfast today in the hopes of being the first to ask for the pleasure of your company on a morning excursion. It appears though that I may already be too late,” he said, glancing at Michael and Damien who had entered the room with Celine.
“Oh,” Celine said, trying her best to flirt. “No, you are not too late. I have no plans as yet.”
“Then you’ll accept my invitation?”
“With pleasure. I enjoy morning walks.”
“Wonderful, I look forward to the conclusion of breakfast with enthusiasm.”
Celine smiled, risking a glance to the two men with whom she shared the secret plan. She then returned to eating her breakfast, trying to maintain a neutral expression.
At the end of her breakfast, Duke Northcott offered her his arm. “Shall we, my dear?”
Celine accepted, standing from the table. As she stood, Michael and Damien also stood, excusing themselves. They followed Celine and Duke Northcott to the foyer, watching them as they passed out the door. Celine gave one final glance back to them. Michael winked as she disappeared out of the door.
Celine walked into the bright island sunshine. “What a beautiful morning,” she said, trying to make pleasant conversation.
“The beauty of the morning pales compared to yours, Celine.”
“Oh, Duke Northcott, you flatter me too much.”
“Please, call me Marcus. I speak only the truth. Certainly you are accustomed to the attentions of men.” Celine gave a nervous smile. “I know you find me too forward, yet your beauty compels me to be so.”
They walked through the garden, Celine took the time to admire the flowers. “I fear I may be giving you…” she began, trying to curb the discussion before it went any further.
“Celine, please,” he said, stopping to face her. “I must speak to you frankly even if it overwhelms you. I believe that we are an excellent match. I can provide you with a life of great means and position. As my wife, you would want for nothing.”
“Oh, Duke Northcott…” she began.
“Marcus, please, Celine. I am a far better match than the ill-bred American who has his sights set on you.” When Celine didn’t answer, he continued, “I can offer you something more, something that he cannot. Furthermore, I can provide you with something else that he cannot.” Celine met his eyes. He turned her toward a gazing ball which stood in the middle garden. She saw their reflection. Standing behind her, he put his hands on her arms, his head next to hers. “You are a stunning woman. What if your beauty could last forever?”
“But it cannot,” she stated.
“That is not true. Celine, I can offer you a life of status and position and so much more. I am a powerful man, Celine, in many ways. I can offer you more than just a lifetime, I can offer you an eternity.” Celine knit her brow, not understanding the whole of his comment. “Eternal life, Celine. Eternal youth and beauty.” He traced his finger down her jawline. “I know you know of what I speak, your Aunt Genevieve made you aware of the dark arts. But with my instruction you can become a powerful entity. And together no one could stop us, together the world will beg at our feet.”
Celine watched his face as he spoke through the mirrored gazing ball. The circular ball twisted and distorted it, making it almost gruesome at times. His breath on her neck made her ill and his grasp sent icy shots through her. Her mind raced to the letter, the warning that she had received. “All you must do is say the word, Celine,” he said, fingering a lock of her hair. “Say the word and the world is yours.”
“But at what cost?” she whispered.
“No cost that should concern you, my dear,” he said, kissing her neck. “Now, Celine, will you say yes?”
“No,” she exclaimed, setting her jaw and trying to stand firm.
He smirked, giving a small laugh. “I am not a man accustomed to hearing the word ‘no,’ Celine.”
“I’m sorry, Duke, but that is the only answer I have.”
“Oh, Celine, think carefully. I know you find my affections too forward but I am offering you the opportunity of a lifetime. Marry me, Celine, become my wife.”
She spun around to face him. “I said no!” she said defiantly. He grasped her arms tightly. “You’re hurting me!”
“You are being a fool. I suggest you take some time to give my offer more consideration. Perhaps to consult your sister, Celeste, who certainly has more experience in these matters.”
“I have my own mind, my answer is no.”
“I
