Chapter 18

CHAPTER EIGHTEEN

" E velina, where on earth have you been? Oh goodness, Sister, we were so worried!"

The moment Evelina stepped out of the carriage, a flurry of questions, screams, and embraces enveloped her.

Margaret's voice was the first she could pick through the chaos. Her younger sister rushed towards her before the others and threw her arms around her.

"Oh, my dears, I've missed you all so much!" Evelina exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with affection as the rest of her sisters joined them.

"You did not respond to my question, Sister." Margaret raised a skeptical eyebrow. "Where have you been? We were beside ourselves with worry!"

Louisa clasped the book in her hand. "Yes, please do tell us everything. Poor Margaret struggled quite a bit trying to take on your duties this morning." She eyed Evelina as she added, "So it better have been for a good reason."

"I beg your finest pardon? I think I did a pretty good job today." Margaret looked around for support. "Everyone's dressed, everyone's eaten." Her eyes narrowed as she glared at her sister. "You've been quite snappy all morning, frankly. Do you have a problem with being under my care, dear Louisa? I don't think I quite understand."

"Perhaps I have been snappy. I missed Evie, clearly." Louisa shrugged. "And I was only stating what I witnessed, Sister. I have no problem with you filling in for her on very rare—" She coughed. " Extremely rare occasions."

Margaret scoffed, eyes nearly bulging in offense, "I'll have you know that if our sister gets marries this Season, it'll be my turn to care for you, girls. You cannot?—"

Evelina laughed at the sight before her, raising her hands to stop the argument and shaking her head. "Girls, please. If we could just go inside, I'll tell you everything?—"

"Sister, you look a bit pale. Are you all right?" Alexandra, ever observant, noted. "What happened?"

"Oh, do I?" Evelina placed a light hand on her forehead, then gave the young one a smile. "I assure you I am quite fine, no need to worry yourself. I was only in the rain for a short moment last night. No danger of falling ill here?—"

"You got stuck in the storm?" Penelope, unable to contain her excitement, bounced on her tiptoes. "I knew you were up to something thrilling! You must tell us now, how was it? How did you get out, Sister?!"

Oh no.

"The storm?!"

"Oh, great heavens!"

"Evelina, that could have ended badly. How could you?"

"Girls, please." Taking a moment to catch her breath, Evelina raised her hand again, cutting them off. "It indeed has been quite a journey. And I will explain inside if you will."

Margaret placed a reassuring hand on her arm and smiled. "Take your time, dear sister. We're just glad you're back safe and sound."

Evelina returned her sister's smile and then let out a chuckle. "I can barely notice, what with all the yelling and incessant talking."

The sisters eventually turned around and walked back to the house.

"Did you encounter any dashing gentlemen on your travel? Someone to help you get out of the rain?" Margaret asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She nudged Evelina playfully. "Is there a blossoming love story here?"

"What?" Evelina let out a loud laugh.

"Or perhaps you stumbled upon hidden treasures? I read in one of Louisa's books that there are some treasures that can only be found during a storm," Penelope piped up excitedly.

Louisa's head snapped to her little sister in horror. "Pen, why on earth are you reading my books?"

"I haven't read that many. I only find some entertaining."

"Pen, some of those books are not meant for you to read."

Evelina raised her eyebrows at Louisa's crimson cheeks. After making a mental note to find out the cause of her sister's embarrassment in those books, she turned to face the group as they reached the door at last.

"Inside voices, girls, please?"

As they stepped inside and made for the drawing room, Alexandra's tone echoed through the hall, "We truly were worried sick, Sister. Next time, please send word so we can ease our minds."

"I promise I sha?—"

"Miss Balfour! You made it back in one piece!" Mrs. Higgins' voice suddenly cut through the air. "Oh goodness gracious, we were all so worried!"

Murmurs of agreement filled the room, and Evelina rubbed her temples, guilt weighing heavily on her.

Unfortunately, Penelope's lips were quicker than Louisa's hand. "She got caught in the storm, Mrs. Higgins. Can you imagine it?"

"Oh goodness! Miss! You ought to know better!"

"Oops!" Alexandra and Penelope giggled simultaneously as the horrified Mrs. Higgins rushed over to place her hands on Evelina's forehead, checking her temperature.

Louisa and Margaret made faces at each other as well, grinning at the sight before them. They all knew Mrs. Higgins was the only one who watched over Evelina as she did them.

"I am fine. Please, do not worry yourself." Evelina barely managed to shift from the woman's grasp, dodging when she tried to reach out again.

"Oh, but how could we be sure, Miss? The last thing we need is you falling ill!" Mrs. Higgins' face was pinched with worry. "We barely have enough money to call for a doctor, and?—"

"I am certain if I was ill, I would have felt it by now. Is that not how it works?" Evelina shifted out of reach again, laughing affectionately as the housekeeper grumbled in response. "Mrs. Higgins, please! Thank you, but I am fine."

"I shall find you something to eat. Something warm. Whatever is needed to keep your blood hot." Mrs. Higgins' gaze shifted to the rest of the sisters with an affirming nod, "A cup of spiced tea, girls? Would anyone prefer anything else?"

"Tea is fine!"

"Thank you, Mrs. Higgins."

Evelina smiled as her sisters echoed her response.

Mrs. Higgins scurried off quickly, urgency in her step.

As soon as they properly settled in their seats with their refreshments, Penelope, her eyes wide with anticipation, urged, "Now, tell us about the things you saw, Sister. What was the storm like? Was it as exciting and frightening as it sounded?"

"We thought you were simply running late after your tutoring session, as has happened sometimes," Margaret added, and bit her lip when she realized her confession. "I am sorry for sharing your secret, sister. But when the storm began, we couldn't help but fear the worst." her anxiety from the previous night lingering in her gaze.

"Indeed." Louisa shook her head slowly. "Father returned, and we couldn't bring ourselves to share our fears with him either. We had to retire quietly to our chambers, hoping and praying for your safe return."

Alexandra nodded somberly. "It was a very long night for all of us. We tried to stay calm, but we were so worried. Not knowing where you were, Sister, was truly unsettling."

Penelope, her eyes wide with the memory of the stormy night, admitted, "I woke up during the storm seeking comfort in your presence, as I would. But when I found it empty, my heart almost stopped. Oh, it was awful, Sister!"

"My goodness, I am so sorry." Evelina reached out, taking their hands in hers. "My dears, I am truly sorry for causing you such distress." She gave a warm smile. "I found myself caught in an unexpected turn of events, but I am fine, as you see. I am not cross with you Maggie. You did well."

Margaret, her eyes soft with relief, squeezed her hand gently in return. "All that matters is that you are here with us, safe and sound. Seeing you unharmed brings us more joy than words can express."

"You must tell us every detail of your escapade, Evie," Louisa teased, a smile playing on her lips. "I can already imagine it being a tale worth retelling for years to come."

Evelina laughed and leaned back in her chair. She bit her lip as the memories flooded her mind, some moments more than others. A blush bloomed on her cheeks.

"Hmm?" She looked up to find Margaret staring at her crimson cheeks suspiciously. "I, uh…" She quickly cleared her throat. "I spent the night at the Duke of Dunmore's estate."

" What?! " her sisters gasped in unison.

While the girls tried to steady themselves at this information, Evelina did her best to avoid Margaret's knowing eyes.

"You did what? The Duke? Sister, is that all right?"

"Oh goodness, the ton must not hear of this! Can you imagine it? The things they would say?"

"I guess that does make sense above anything else." Louisa's eyes were wide as she spoke. "I considered it. Though it is somewhat… unprecedented, given your station." She nodded slowly. "Still, I suppose it speaks to the Duke's good character, for he sheltered you nevertheless."

Penelope, however, was more concerned among the huffs and short breaths of the others. "But don't they say that the Duke is a frightening man?"

"Well…" Evelina's thoughts drifted to the care the Duke had shown her only hours ago, and a smile curved her lips. "I suppose that is why we cannot always believe rumors and assumptions, dear sister. His Grace is a kind man."

She let out a soft laugh. "He stopped me from staying out in the rain—said it was too risky. He cared for me and gave me a beautiful chamber to rest in for the night—made sure my every need was met."

Gabriel had woken up to see her off that morning as well. Evelina's smile widened as she recalled the way he instructed the servants to ensure that she was well-fed before she set off, and the meaningful glances they exchanged before she finally stepped out the door."Oh…" Margaret breathed.

The word was heavily loaded as it left Margaret's lips. Evelina snapped herself back to the present, her cheeks flushed as she avoided her sister's gaze again.

"It seems you think quite highly of His Grace, Evie."

The tease was subtle but enough to make Evelina's face flush a deeper shade of red.

"He does seem like a nice man," Alexandra chimed in.

Evelina was grateful for the distraction. "Indeed, he is. I am grateful. Thanks to him, I had a good night." She smiled, but then she hesitated. "Still, I cannot say the same for my dear sisters." A sigh escaped her lips. "Again, I am sorry. I should've sent word. But I did not find it right to ask a servant to go out in such terrible weather to deliver my message. I hope you understand, my dears."

"Of course, we do." Louisa reached out and took her hands in her owns softly. "As dear, stressed Margaret said, we are simply grateful you are safe and sound." She finished with a smile.

" Stressed ?" Margaret scoffed. Evelina nearly choked on her laughter, watching her sister's eyes bulge out of their sockets once more. "Honestly, you might as well let all of us know your quarrel with me this morning, won't you?!"

The sisters burst into fits of giggles. Louisa rolled her eyes in response, that seeming to infuriate Margaret even more.

"Girls! Girls, there you all are!"

The clock struck noon, and the sisters were deep in their conversation until an unwelcome voice shattered the moment.

Their father entered the room, his voice carrying an air of excitement that contrasted sharply with their somber mood.

"Girls, I have excellent news!" he exclaimed, his surprising enthusiasm sounded ominous as he addressed them.

The sisters, caught off guard by his sudden appearance, rose from their seats.

Evelina, masking her irritation beneath a facade of years-long practiced composure, was the only one with the courage to ask, "Papa, good day. What news do you have to share?"

Her tone hid well her disappointment at his ignorance of her absence the night before. She knew better than to have any expectations from him.

Despite being aware of her father's tendencies and his lack of attention to the affairs of the household, she couldn't help but feel a pang of hurt at his utter disregard.

Watching his carefree demeanor, his obliviousness to the night she had endured, added to her inner turmoil. She knew her father too well, and yet she couldn't stop the disappointment from settling in her heart.

"Oh-ho-ho, you lot should be grateful," James boasted, his words dripping with self-importance. "Especially you two, Evelina and Margaret." He gestured towards his eldest daughters dismissively. "I will not only increase our family's standing with my actions, but with my help now, you might actually find husbands!" his tone dripped condescension.

His cackle was like the screech of a carriage wheel against a rock. "Oh, truly, if only I had intervened sooner, you would have found suitors ages ago…" He shook his head and wagged a finger at them. "Yet, I wanted to give you the grace to give it a go yourselves, hoping you would be wise to bear fruition. How wrong I was. You failed, miserably. The Season has begun, and you didn't even manage to attract a fly!"

Evelina instinctively reached for Margaret's hand, a silent gesture of support in the face of the man's arrogance. She could sense her sister's anger at his belittling remarks simmering beneath the surface, mirroring her own. She could hardly believe her ears.

As he continued to chastise them for their perceived failures, she maintained her outward composure. With a steady grip on Margaret's hand, she mustered the courage to ask once more, "What is this big news you speak of, Father?"

Finally, James unveiled his grand announcement, rubbing his hands excitedly, ignorant of the discomfort and resentment his words had stirred. "I have invited some important friends over for a feast!" he declared.

In the midst of his self-absorbed revelry, Evelina and Margaret exchanged a look of shock and horror. Evelina's heart sank as the man went on about the extravagant feast he planned to host. Panic and frustration surged within her, emotions that became harder to contain with each passing second.

Summoning all her strength, she carefully chose her words, her voice a delicate balance of concern and deference. "Father, are you certain this is the opportune moment for such festivities? Perhaps?—"

"I have made my decision, girl!" James snapped, his impatience echoing in the air.

Penelope, startled by his abruptness, jumped slightly. She instantly went to Evelina, who wrapped an arm around her protectively.

"Of course, Papa. I only mean, perhaps a simple dinner would be more suitable?" Evelina suggested in a polite tone, doing her best to maintain her composure in the face of her father's stubbornness. Her tone polite as always. For this was the only way she could behave around him. As if he was a stranger.

"A simple dinner it shall be then," James declared gruffly, waving off her concerns with his hand . "None of that matters, anyway. Establishing connections is of utmost importance for the night."

Evelina's tense shoulders relaxed slightly, relieved that they wouldn't put more strain on their dwindling funds.

However, as the full weight of the situation settled upon her, she hesitated, her voice carefully measured as she asked, "Papa, may I ask who you have invited?"

James's grin widened as he basked in his self-believed grandeur. "None other than the Duke of Dunmore and the Earl of Oakwood, my dear!" The Viscount beamed with pride at the mention of his esteemed guests. But Evelina's stomach twisted. He clasped his hands together, letting out another cackle. "Oh, I had engaged in conversation with the Earl days ago introducing the idea, of course, and I just got word back from the Duke's himself today, despite how early the invitation was sent. Such a punctual man! What a delightful morning it is!"

Evelina felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to process his announcement. The mere thought of encountering the Earl of Oakwood again sent a shiver down her spine.

She found herself momentarily speechless, her usually composed demeanor faltering in the face of this unwelcome news.

Before she could gather her wits to voice her concerns, James in his characteristic brusque manner, interjected with a dismissive tone, "There is nothing to discuss." he declared, cutting off any potential objections. His authoritative demeanor brooked no argument, leaving her silenced and unsettled. "Now, you would do well to start the preparations for the upcoming dinner immediately. You have only a day." It was moments like this that made her remember how she hated his commanding tone.

With a heavy heart and a sense of resignation, Evelina watched her father storm out of the room in a cloud of indignation, leaving her to grapple with the upcoming social event that now hung over her like a dark cloud.

This was all she could do. Do as her father tells her, marry who he tells her. For she was not a son, not an heir. She was just a daughter…