Page 66 of The Chef and the Countess

Fiona scoffed. “He’s twenty-eight to my forty-one! It’s complete bollocks.” Fiona pulled her hand away to wipe away tears gathered at the corner of her eyes.

“Never!” Celia exclaimed. “Who cares if you are older?”

“What about children?”

“I do not hold to the notion that the only reason a man and woman should come together is to have children. There is so much more to a loving partnership than that. I did not have it with Winterwood, but I genuinely believe in it. My late parents had it.” Celia paused, then sighed wistfully. “I had no children with the earl, and maybe I cannot have them. While that possibility saddens me, it will not rule my life. So you should not let that be a deterrent to future joy.” Celia smiled. “Take love with both hands and welcome it. I intend to do the same—when and if the time comes.”

“Thank you. And you’re right. Everything you said.”

“Fiona, what are friends for?”

Fiona smiled and patted her hand. “Aye, ducks. We are that.”

“Maybe you could help me to my room,” Celia suggested.

“Liam brought you to his private place. Let him care for you.”

The outer door opened, and Celia recognized Liam’s heavy tread.

“Speak of the handsome devil,” Fiona whispered.

Liam entered the bedroom. “Fiona, cleanup has started. Can you supervise? I’ll be down soon.”

“Aye. I’m on it.”

Liam gently grasped her arm. “Please say nothing about Celia’s dowager countess status. Not yet.”

“No worries, love.” Fiona patted Liam’s hand, then departed.

“How are you?” Liam asked worriedly.

“I'm a little tired. With some rest, I will be as right as rain in a day, two at most. I’m ready to tackle sandwich making once again.”

Liam picked up the quilt folded at the end of his bed and gently laid it over her. “Then sleep. I must help downstairs.”

“Yes, Chef.”

Liam chuckled softly.

“I will be fine, I promise,” Celia added.

“Aye, love. I know you will.” Liam caressed her cheek, then turned down the gas light on the wall. After he left, Celia pulled the quilt up to her nose. It smelled of Liam, his shaving soap, a faint odor of enticing food scents, and a masculine scent all his own.

Feeling comforted and protected, Celia smiled as she drifted off to sleep.