There is a pin drop silence on the table after my statement. I don’t know whether I’ve shocked myself more or the three of them with my sudden and unexpected outburst. But now that the words are out, I’m glad I spoke up because his mother needed to be told off.

“How dare you?” The Duchess sputters in outrage. “You have no right to interfere in matters that do not concern you in any way.”

“Well, you’re probably right about that. I should not have interfered. But it had to be said,” I tell her calmly.

Her face darkens at my words and her lips thin into a straight line. “You, girl, are nothing, but common. Damien does his family a huge disservice by cavorting with the likes of you.”

“She is anything but common,” Damien retaliates sharply. “Don’t insult her, Mother. While I’m quite used to your acidic barbs, one word against her and I will cut you off from my life, privately and publicly.”

Both the women look like they’ve swallowed something vile. They exchange a glance at one another and then stare at Damien. He returns their stare, calmly sipping his whiskey.

I’m sick of this air of contempt and general disregard that these two women have brought to our evening. Here I was, hoping to tell Damien the truth about our relationship, our marriage and our child. Instead, I’ve had to listen to his mother insulting him and declaring how I’m wrong for him.

I place my napkin on the table. “Please excuse me, I’m going to use the ladies’ room.”

Damien gives me a nod of acknowledgement as I stand while the two women stare daggers at me. I give them a challenging glare in return. I lean into Damien, capturing his face with my hands and brush my lips against his.

He’s mine. They better get used to it because I’m not going anywhere. With that petty but feel good display, I give myself a mental high five and amble to the ladies’ room with a bounce in my step.

Celia is waiting by the mirrors in the lavish restroom as soon as I step out of the small cubicle. I ignore her as I wash my hands and reapply my lipstick.

She comes to stand by my side and powders her nose. “He will never be yours.”

I make one more swipe of the dark berry red lipstick on my lips and rub my lips together. I look at her through the mirror. “That is where you are mistaken, Celia. He’s already mine.”

“I did not give you leave to call me by my name. It is Lady Celia to you.”