“Is he very handsome?”
“He is… sharp, all extremes. Not classically attractive, but I find him handsome.”
“Sharp?”
“It fits him. He has an edge, quick to irritation but softens easily. His face fits as well, his cheeks and jaw are finely honed, and his eyes are the bluest I’ve ever seen.”
“Not charming then?” she asked.
“On closer acquaintance, yes.”
“He need not be charming to others. How does he treat you? You said he is easily irritated?”
“He is unwilling to suffer my very occasional nonsense. But he is considerate and brave.”
“Do I wish to know how you determined he was brave?”
“No, certainly not.” That earned me an indulgent chuckle, the same one I used to receive when I was caught sneaking biscuits from the kitchen.
“How does he support himself? Does he own property?”
“He is a solicitor. He works with Kate’s brother, Lord Leighton. You remember Kate, Viscountess Grayson?”
“Vaguely. The pretty one whose aunt put her in the unfortunate gowns?” she asked before waving the thought away. “A man who knows the value of hard work, that is not to be underestimated. Life itself can be hard work, and a man accustomed to it will be well served by his experience in those times.”
“Yes, that is her. But I must admit, I expected a bit of disapproval for his position.”
“Perhaps at one time. But having seen how you suffered these past years, I rather think that anyone who makes you happy will delight me. Regardless of his circumstances. I would like to meet this man. Have him come for dinner?”
“But…”
“Celine Cadieux… if you are considering this man with any kind of seriousness, I wish to meet him. If you prefer, you may host.” My mother had never adopted the Hasket name when scolding me. Nothing made me feel quite so young and insolent as being addressed by my maiden surname.
“I do not know if I am considering him. I do not know if he is considering me.”
“Well that is ridiculous. Every man with a pulse has been considering you since you were far too young to be considered.” I merely rolled my eyes, something Mother was kind enough to indulge.
“I should be going soon. He will call this afternoon and I have another stop to make. Is Marie still abed?”
“Oh, likely so. She is a late riser. I will give her your good wishes. And you can see her when you bring your young man to supper.”
“Yes, Mama.”
“Celine? Say hello to Gabriel for me.”
“How did you know?”
Her eyes softened when she replied. “I always know.”
The walkto the Hasket family home was more than warm—it was sweltering. The sun was high and bright, and the temperature was unseasonably hot for so early in the summer.
The past week was the longest I had ever gone without visiting Gabriel. The oppressive heat and more oppressive guilt slowed my pace. Each step was a fight, as though I walked through mud.
The trip took nearly twice as long as it ought to due to my theatrics, but eventually I made it to the plot outside of Hasket House. The family was used to my visits, and I was free to slip through the wrought iron fence without announcing myself.
Unlike the Cross Bones Graveyard, the fence and grounds were well-tended and maintained. The contrast between Gabriel’s final home and Adriane’s was more stark than I ever could have imagined. Brushing away that unhelpful comparison, I found myself at my usual spot in mere steps.
Usually on a day as warm as this one, I would sit on the ground, my back resting against the cool stone. Sometimes if I closed my eyes I could pretend I was in his arms. Today the bench was more tempting. It had the irrational effect of making me feel that I was facing him.
