Lucas nodded thoughtfully. "I'm glad to hear it. I liked both of your parents. Your mother seemed the type who'd happily flay me if I did anything wrong by you, though."
Celia had to laugh at the accurate description. "Well, you're right about that. But she found you very charming, and she's a difficult critic to win over. I think you left a good impression with everyone at court. Especially with the ladies." She looked at him slyly.
"Ugh, don't say it. Celia, please don't say her name-"
"Whose name?" she stared at him with wide eyes. "I don't suppose you mean the illustrious Viscountess Gerrard?"
"Dammit! I told you I didn't want to hear her name!" Lucas winced.
"Well, she definitely liked you. I feel sorry for Lauren, to be honest. I know deep down, she's unhappy." she said with a sigh. "But the way she pursued you, even when she knew I didn't like it…and I knew she wasn't doing it because she genuinely cared about you."