Chapter 19

CHAPTER NINETEEN

" Y our Grace, such glad tidings your arrival brings! We are most delighted to have you with us this evening."

As the clock chimed the hour, Evelina heard her father's voice from where she stood and glimpsed his overly friendly smile as he greeted the Duke at the entrance of the Elderglen estate.

Gabriel, his demeanor reserved yet polite, shook the Viscount's hand firmly. "Lord Elderglen, a pleasure to be here."

"Oh, please." Seeming to note Gabriel's offhandedness, James waved his hand, attempted to bridge the gap between them, "The pleasure is all ours. Your presence is a most appreciated sight, Your Grace."

The forced formalities continued as James led him down the grand hall, where Evelina and her sisters stood in a line, their expressions neutral, as he'd instructed.

Evelina curtsied gracefully as the Duke approached, and her sisters followed suit, each offering their greetings with practiced poise.

"Your Grace, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Elderglen Manor. We have been?—"

"Ah, girls, isn't this such a delightful day! Here he is, our esteemed guest, right on time!" James voice cut his eldest daughter off without a care, not even sparing a glance in her direction.

Evelina knew this was on purpose. She was not the one he intended for the Duke, after all.

She grimaced as her father's loud laughter created an awkward atmosphere. The tension in the air was nearly suffocating, only growing as he tattled on.

Despite his efforts to engage Gabriel in conversation, Gabriel's responses remained polite but distant. His eyes betrayed a hint of discomfort at the forced familiarity, but that did not stop the Viscount's effusive gestures.

James, oblivious to the tension, continued his attempts at small talk.

"I must commend you as well for being a man of such impeccable timing. A true mark of a gentleman, not a second is spared in your wake, oh great heavens, ha-ha!"

Gabriel appeared appreciative of the compliments as they kept on coming, yet maintained a composed facade, his responses measured and courteous as always. Evelina could tell that he didn't believe James' words. She knew how he looked when he truly appreciated something.

Stop thinking of him!

Ever the eager host, James smiled widely as he gestured to the girls. "Your Grace, allow me to introduce my daughters." His gaze swept over the girls. "There's Margaret, who just debuted this Season. I am sure that you must have noticed her before." His expression gave away his agenda. "And Evelina, her elder sister. Then there's Louisa, Alexandra, and Penelope." He glared at the girls. "Quickly now, greet His Grace."

With no other choice, the sisters curtsied once again.

An unfathomable emotion crossed Gabriel's face for a moment. As his gaze shifted and his eyes met Evelina's, a fleeting warmth rushed through her whole body.

"And what do you think of the weather, Your Grace? I am glad I picked out today for our dinner. There was something I could smell in the air. Did I tell you, I am quite good at predicting the weather? Not to toot my own horn, but it is a hereditary thing, I believe."

Evelina averted her eyes, completely embarrassed by her father's endless chatter.

"My father and grandfather had it. Perhaps if the heavens had blessed me with a son, he would have had the same talent. Ha! These girls… they do not know anything, I believe."

Gabriel's expression shifted at this. Evelina drew in a sharp breath as she recognized the look well. As she had expected, he spoke immediately after.

"Being a father to a girl myself, I can tell you, My Lord. They do know a lot. Perhaps you might need to pay them a bit more attention." His gaze shifted to the Balfour sisters lined up beside them. "From what I can see, and have witnessed, your daughters seem to be very well-behaved, respectable, intelligent ladies."

From the corner of her eye, Evelina saw her sisters smiling and blushing lightly at his words. She tried to suppress her own grin as she regarded him, feeling somewhat grateful for his comment.

"Ah, but of course, Your Grace!" James exclaimed, shaking his head as he forced a laugh. "Sometimes I do forget, but I am grateful. It took me a lot to instill these manners in them, being a widower, but I persevered."

Lies! Lies from the pit of hell!

Evelina's disgruntled expression slightly mirrored Gabriel's. He raised an eyebrow, easily calling the Viscount out with just one look.

James chuckled awkwardly. He averted his gaze and snapped his fingers in an odd manner as he added, "Well, yes, we're only glad we do not have to suffer the thunderstorms we had only two nights—that is all I mean, of course. What a day that was!"

At the mention of that eventful night, Evelina's cheeks reddened. She felt Gabriel's eyes on her, but she could not bring herself to face him.

"Indeed, My Lord. What a day it was."

His loaded statement made her flush a deeper red.

James prattled on after, his words a desperate attempt to fill the silence. At this point, Gabriel hardly acknowledged him, making the scene more painful to witness.

Embarrassed by her father's lack of tact, and grappling with the emotions that the Duke's fervent glances stirred within her, Evelina felt as if the walls were closing in on her.

This would certainly be quite the night.

"Announcing the arrival of the Earl of Oakwood," the butler's voice declared suddenly, a most welcome sound.

"Ah, yes!" James turned to the door of the drawing room, his eyes twinkling at the sight of the Earl.

Lord Oakwood stepped into the room with a wide grin, extending his hand politely to the Viscount. "Good evening, My Lord. Delightful to see you looking so well."

The man's greeting was warm, easing the wrinkles that seemed to have formed on James's face from forcing an interaction with the duke.

His tone was almost thankful as he responded, "My Lord, what an absolutely, great pleasure it is to have you here,"

Their camaraderie was evident as they shook hands firmly, laughing and exchanging pleasantries as though they shared a long history. The Earl's chuckles came easily, his charm effortlessly captivating the room.

Evelina, however, felt sick at the sight of it all.

"I made sure to adjust the menu today," James spoke, his smile overly broad. "All of the dishes you shared you do not like, you shall not find them on the table this evening."

"Oh, goodness, you truly did not have to do any of that." The Earl's false humility and chuckle grated on Evelina's nerves further.

"Nonsense!" James shook his head vigorously. "It was not a problem, none at all. Ensuring you have a good time is of the utmost importance."

Evelina balled her fists behind her dress. It had, in fact, been a problem—a huge one. Given the precarious state of their finances, the Earl's picky choices made it harder to cut down on unnecessary costs.

When Evelina pointed out this problem to her father, however, he snapped at her and started ranting about how disrespectful she had become over time. She struggled to understand his sudden anger towards her.

Not even in the slightest did he provide a solution. Instead, the rations for each person had to be reduced.

"Thank you, My Lord. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated," Evelina watched in annoyance as the Earl replied with a gracious nod.

Evelina wondered if it was her rage making her see the maliciousness behind the man's eyes, and if perhaps the Earl's food choices had not just been a way to belittle her family.

He cannot be so wicked, can he?

"You're most welcome, My Lord. And these are my daughters."

She was pulled out of her train of thoughts as her father boastfully introduced her and her sisters to the Earl, this time in the correct order of their ages. She swallowed her resentment and curtsied gracefully along with the girls, their movements mirroring the etiquette they already displayed in the presence of the duke.

The Earl, with a genteel smile, remarked, "Ah yes, of course, what a pleasure it is to find such beautiful faces here."

Being the seemingly believed suave gentleman he thought himself, he strode over to Evelina, clasping her hands and bringing it to his lips in a gesture that bordered on over familiarity.

"It is a pleasure to see you again, my dearest Miss Balfour," His words dripped with a charm that barely cloaked a deeper intention. Yet Evelina had noticed the Earl avoiding Gabriel's intense presence.

Evelina's entire system screamed with horror, but she managed to keep most of the discomfort off her face as she forced herself to muster "Yes, it's an honor to see you again, my lord."

Attempting to reclaim her hand, she gasped lightly , his smile that was carrying a show of something more sinister as he peeked up at her from her hand.

The air was thick with unspoken discomfort as the exchange prolonged more than an acceptable period. Evelina's eyes darted around, seeking an escape from the unwelcome familiarity that was being imposed upon her.

Her sisters watched however, so clearly helpless. Her father, cautiously watching in the corner, seemed to care more about bidding off his child than his daughter's honor and chastity.

Just as the awkwardness threatened to suffocate the room, Gabriel's voice cut through the tension like a sharp blade. "Shall we eat dinner? It's best to not waste any more time before the hour turns late."

Evelina looked up at him, her eyes widening in surprise upon encountering his thunderous expression that lurked beneath his composed words. The intensity of his silent fury sent a shiver down her spine, despite his composure, she knew him well by now to tell his displeasure. Her cheeks flushed, her heart quickening at the heavy tension filling the air. The Earl must have noticed the same. His eyes never meeting the Duke's.

"Indeed, Your Grace," James' awkward laughter bounced about the room, breaking the charged silence as he declared. "Yes, let us all adjourn to the dining room."

Finally, the Earl released Evelina's hand, his smile now directed at her father as he graciously remarked, "Lead the way, My Lord."

The room seemed to release a collective breath, the focus shifting from the unsettling interaction to the main reason for the gathering. However, the weight of the Earl's gaze lingered on Evelina for a moment longer before he turned his full attention to James.

Evelina tried to catch her breath as they made their way to the dining room, and her eyes could not help but stray towards the Duke. His words had been a lifeline in such a great moment of discomfort.

She silently urged him to turn to her to see the gratitude in her eyes. However, his eyes were fixed ahead, not sparing her even a glance. Her heart sank.

Thankfully, she could not dwell on the feeling for long as they soon entered the dining room.

Evelina took a deep breath, her ears reddening at the poor sight. She had done her best to spruce up the modest setting with the help of the housekeeper, but the limitations of their resources were starkly apparent.

The table, though neatly arranged, bore the marks of scarcity, a fact that could not escape the notice of the discerning eye.

In an attempt to defuse the awkwardness, James chuckled lightly and, with a sweeping gesture towards the table, remarked, "We decided to make this a cozy family gathering. We're no strangers now, after all, are we?"

"Oh, certainly not. We are all tight as twins," the Earl chimed in agreement, his words carrying a subtle edge that Evelina sensed once again.

The subtle glint in his eyes almost imperceptible, hinted at a hidden layer of mockery that rocked her, planting further seeds of doubt and suspicion in her mind.

Gabriel remained silent. Only after James showed everyone their seats did his stoic demeanor falter slightly, his eyebrow rising at the dynamics.

The Viscount strategically positioned himself at the head of the table, flanked by the Duke and the Earl. Evelina found herself seated beside the Earl, her pulse quickening with a mix of nerves, while Margaret occupied the seat next to Gabriel.

Louisa sat next to Evelina, her only protective barrier of familial support, while Alexandra and Penelope sat next to Margaret.

"It is good to see us all together, at last." James grinned broadly as he gestured towards the table. "Dear ladies and gentlemen, you may feast away!"

Evelina took a deep breath as she dug into her food, trying to find a way to eat at a pace slow enough so as not to finish her measly dinner quickly.

"My dearest Miss Balfour." The Earl's voice drew her attention. his words carrying a playful tone as he leaned in, beaming at her. "Isn't it nice being seated next to each other? A little preview of what's to come, perhaps," he remarked with a chuckle, his eyes once again lingering on her a moment longer than necessary.

"I… Well, it i-is quite all right, My Lord," caught off guard by such a suggestive comment, her response stumbled out, barely coherent, betraying the discomfort that churned within her.

Her racing heart echoed the unease she always felt in the man's presence, a discomfort that seemed to grow with each passing moment. Just his gaze was enough to make her feel trapped.

"Perhaps I might come over for dinner tomorrow? Or possibly even breakfast. I am ever eager to spend more time with you." His slimy grin made her body itch. "What say you, my dear?"

She tried to keep the repulsion out her tone as she gave him a polite smile. "I fear I cannot answer that question, My Lord. It would depend on my father, and, of course, your schedule, if you might ever find the time."

"Oh, but we always make time for what matters, do we not?" From the corner of her eye, she watched his eyes roamed over her figure almost shamelessly.

Disgusting man.

"It would not at all be a problem, my dear Miss Balfour. And on second thought, I'm certain your father would love to have me around. He and I have grown quite close, you see."

Evelina nodded, desperate to end the conversation, and to shift his eyes from her.

Thankfully, the Earl seemed satisfied with her responses, and his gaze returned to his plate.

For heavens' sake, someone make this end.

As she nervously glanced across the table, her eyes met Gabriel's, only to find the intensity in them nearly caused a gasp to escape her lips.

Why is he staring at me like that? Have I done something wrong?

The daggers he shot at them with narrowed eyes felt almost physical, his irritation obvious. As dinner continued, she tried to avoid his gaze, resulting to the air she felt growing increasingly tense.

The clinking of silverware against fine china was the only sound filling the room, emphasizing the awkward silence that enveloped the table.

"My Lord, have you heard about the novels that were published recently?" James's voice was strained as he attempted to steer the conversation away from the weight of the quiet. "Authors are a bit too forward these days, would you not agree?"

The Earl, ever the polite guest, responded with a courteous smile. "Indeed, My Lord. However, I must admit that I have found the latest works quite intriguing."

"Oh, certainly!" The Viscount's tune changed immediately. His laugh was painfully boot-licking. "The writers are acting out, being unconventional—it is truly a treat. Our society needs honesty. Something to shake them up, I mean."

The Earl let out an amused chuckle. "Of course, My Lord."

The clinking of glasses and utensils filled the air once more.

"Have you yet heard of the upcoming soirée at the Duchess of Devonshire's residence? It promises to be a delightful event. Are you going to attend the event?"

Evelina drew in a sharp breath as her father so desperately tried to ease the tension again. She wished he would finally stop.

"As you know, the Duchess always hosts the most splendid gatherings. Evelina is quite fond of them, actually. Are you not, my dear daughter?"

Her heart thumped in her chest as all eyes on the table turned to her. She gave a quick nod before her gaze fell to her plate. "Yes, Father."

James let out a laugh as he continued. "So, will you be in attendance as well, My Lord? Perhaps you can both share a couple of dances—get to know each other better."

"That would be quite nice. I shall be in attendance," the Earl responded. Evelina tried to focus on her food, yet she could feel his eyes drilling a hole into her skull as he spoke, but she did not look at to him.

"Excellent." James grinned. While the seconds ticked by, he hesitated, then his tone fell, a tinge of caution filling his overly polite voice when he spoke again. "I heard you are quite the admirer of the arts, Your Grace."

For a moment, Gabriel continued to eat quietly, and they seemed to hold their breath as they waited for his response.

"Yes, indeed, I am."

His engagement to the conversation spread A wide smile spread across James's face. "Oh, how wonderful!" he practically squealed.

Suddenly, in a stark shift of focus, he turned his gaze to his second daughter with an air of forced enthusiasm. "Margaret, my dear, tell His Grace about your latest painting. I know how eager you are to speak about it."

Margaret, caught off guard by his request, shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting nervously between family members before she mustered the courage to respond.

"It's nothing of much consequence, Father. Just a simple landscape I've been working on." Her voice wavered slightly, betraying her unease.

"Nonsense. You are far too humble, my dear." James chuckled as he waved her off, "I tell you, she's always this way, Your Grace. Very meek and agreeable. Such admirable qualities in a lady."

Noticing her sister's discomfort, Evelina offered her a supportive smile, silently conveying her sympathy.

"Your Grace, I don't believe you have had the pleasure of witnessing her latest artistic endeavors?" James asked.

"Hopefully, he plans to stop at some point?" Louisa's hurried whisper as she leaned in were like echoes of Evelina's own thoughts, as their father continued to rave on.

Evelina sighed inwardly as her father probed further, his tone filled with a newfound enthusiasm clearly seeking to continue shifting the room's attention towards Margaret's talents.

Gabriel gave him a polite smile. "I must admit, My Lord, my tastes are very different from the norm."

"Oh, but she could well adapt, I am certain. After all, she's been looking to broaden her perspectives. Have you not, dear?"

Margaret's eyes were trained on the table. "Yes, Father."

"Just as I said." James grinned triumphantly. "Now, how about you bring His Grace one of your works? It won't take you long to go up to your room and back down, wou?—"

"During dinner , My Lord?" Gabriel snapped at the man, his eyes full of disapproval and judgement.

The Viscount could barely hold still at the imposing man's gaze. He tried to mask the awkwardness of the situation with another chuckle. "But only to serve as entertainment for a short period." He gestured towards Margaret. "We are all like family here. I'm sure she does not mind, she is always eager?—"

"I don't believe Miss Margaret is a jester, My Lord. There would be no need for any of that. She shall remain seated."

Evelina balled her fists and kept her eyes downcast to hide her simmering anger as her father quickly acquiesced.

"Oh, how kind and considerate you are of her already!" James praised as he shifted his gaze to Margaret. "Isn't His Grace kind, my dear? Shan't you be grateful for a such a show of care and consideration?"

Margaret however, did not raise her head as she nodded meekly without a word. Evelina caught the flash of anger in their father's eyes before he turned the charm back on.

"Also, I don't believe I've mentioned her exceptional piano skills. The way her fingers move over the keys is truly a sight to behold," he declared proudly soon after, dragging the conversation.

Margaret blushed slightly at the effusive praise. "Father, you flatter me too much."

"Oh, but I only speak the truth." James barked out a laugh. "On that note, Your Grace, you must know that she not only excels in music but also possesses a grace in her dance that rivals that of the most accomplished ladies in the ton."

His words were met with only a stoic grunt from The Duke, who continued focusing on his food. Almost ignoring the Viscount completely.

James cleared his throat before he tried again. "Margaret, you must allow me to tell His Grace the marvel of your embroidery skills." His smile never left his face as he carried on. "The delicate stitches you are fond of creating?—"

Suddenly, with deliberate force, Gabriel placed his fork on the table causing a clatter, as well as jolts among the diners, startling everyone. His piercing eyes locked onto James, his tone cutting as he spoke, "My Lord, while I understand your pride in your daughter's accomplishments, I find myself bored with the endless praise. One can only endure so much of it before it becomes tiresome. Some things are meant to be uncovered. "

The room fell into a hushed silence as his words hung heavy in the air. The intensity in his eyes betrayed a depth that brooked no dissent.

James nodded once, clearly intimidated by such a formidable presence. "Goodness, Your Grace, you certainly know how to silence a table."

Suddenly, the Earl let out a chuckle, and all eyes turned to him in shock. Evelina watched as Gabriel's eyes narrowed on the man beside her, making him squirm in his chair.

"I mean, it is a gift, that is certain. No wonder you excel in business," the Earl laughed and his eyes suddenly shifted. "Unfortunately, such strong character isn't so popular with the ladies these days. Aren't I right, my dear Miss Balfour?"

Evelina's heart thumped as she came to the quick shocking realization that the spineless cad was dragging her into the conversation to cover for his cowardice.

"I-I cannot speak for all ladies, My Lord." She glanced at her father, only to find him already judging her with his eyes.

She caught the Earl's eyes flicking from her to Gabriel suspiciously, his brow furrowing in irritation. Her hesitance seemed to fuel him further and he started again.

"Still, you must admit that women prefer men like me—not that I'm placing myself on a pedestal." He laughed as he shrugged. "I mean, I hear the whispers in the ballrooms. I am not deaf. I know well enough about the crazed mamas pushing their daughters my way."

When his declaration was met with her silence, his brow furrowed even further. "I would appreciate to hear your thoughts, Miss Balfour. We must admit, His Grace is a formidable, respectable man, but when it comes down to…" This was her small rebellion. Refusing to give him what he wanted was all she could. Yet she was planning to do regardless.

Evelina squeezed her eyes shut, wishing for his sake that he would shut up. Unfortunately, luck wasn't on her side this evening.

"… understanding how Society works, he is still learning. Perhaps soon he may be?—"

"It seems you have mistaken my character, My Lord," Gabriel cut him off, his voice calm yet menacing. "I am not desperate for popularity, neither among men nor women."

His smile was far from his eyes as he continued, his gaze sharp as it locked onto the Earl's. "In fact, I find men who strive to be ‘charmers' absolutely ridiculous. I don't believe them to be anything but self-conscious praise milkers."

Evelina grimaced as she heard Louisa beside her stifle a laugh. Alexandra slightly choked on her water, and the short gasp from young Penelope across the table.

Quiet engulfed the room. The Earl gulped and his smile was tight when he spoke at last. "Why, indeed. But every man has his own tastes."

Gabriel shot him another glare before slowly looking away, returning to his food.

Evelina sighed as silence filled the dining room again. However, her relief was short-lived, as she suddenly felt the Earl's breath on her ear suddenly, causing her to slightly jolt. She suppressed a shudder as best as she could.

"Things seem not to be working out between your sister and the Duke. But that is of no consequence to us, yes?"

From the corner of her eye, she noticed everyone's eyes turn to her. The Earl leaned back in his seat with a self-satisfied grin.

As the evening wore on, her skin crawled as the rakish earl kept his attention fixed on her. Repeatedly, he attempted to engage her in conversation, despite her polite attempts to curb his advances.

With a harrowing sly smile, he leaned in for the fifth time as he inquired, "Have you ever considered the thrill of a midnight carriage ride under the moonlight? I assure you, the experience is quite exhilarating. Perhaps you and I may try it out sometime soon?"

Feeling discomfort creep up her spine, Evelina kept her voice steady as she replied sharply, "My Lord, your offer may sound enticing to any other, but I must decline. Midnight escapades are not within the realm of my usual activities. In fact, I do not believe any proper lady would agree to such an offer, nor would a true gentleman ask such a question."

A hush fell over the table, the clinking of cutlery ceasing as all eyes turned towards them.

Oh goodness, no…

Evelina, hyperaware of the attention, felt a flush of embarrassment rise to her cheeks. Her eyes immediately flicked to her father as she realized she had been louder than she had intended. She bit her lip when she was met with his disapproving glare, which pierced through her like a blade.

As she struggled to maintain her composure, with a malicious glint in his smile, James opened his mouth, crafting his words as a twisted dance of indirect insults. "Our dear Evelina, everyone. Her spirited nature is truly unmatched. It's a terrible shame that such fire isn't tempered with the grace befitting a lady of her station or channeled into finding a husband, is it not?"

His chuckles filled the air, and Evelina's heart was left in tatters. The sting of his words cut deep, and her tears threatened to spill over, her resolve teetering on the edge as she contemplated bolting out of the room.

Suddenly, Gabriel's voice sliced through the tension. His eyes locked onto James's, challenging, and openly clouded with disgust. "I see now, My Lord. Your struggle to keep or increase your wealth lies in your inability to discern a gem from a rock. Value eludes you, even when it stares you in the face."

Shocked gasps echoed across the table from all corners.

James paled, and he opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water, at a loss for words. The embarrassment in his eyes was clear for all to see. Yet, he didn't dare utter a word in return. Gabriel's tone made it impossible for anyone to speak. And James was not in any position to talk back to a Duke.

The room seemed to shrink, every eye fixed on the unfolding confrontation. Gabriel stared at the Viscount a moment longer, then abruptly got up and gave a polite nod towards the table.

"Thank you for the dinner, My Lord. Any hospitality, despite how strained is always appreciated." He looked at Margaret, whose jaw remained dropped beside him, acknowledging her with a warm smile. "Miss Margaret, your company was delightful." Then, he turned to Evelina, his voice softening as he addressed her. "Miss Balfour, I hope to see you again soon. Your presence was the highlight of the evening."

His gaze lingered on her for a moment, a nearly unnoticeable smile playing at the corners of his lips. His gesture was so small yet filled with such a magnetic charm that it sent a rush of emotions through her.

Evelina's stomach fluttered, her heart rate quickening more than ever before.. The intensity of her feelings caught her off guard, a realization dawning on her with startling clarity.

As he departed, his parting smile etched in her memory, Evelina sat there, frozen. The realization went through her like a bolt of lightning – She was in love with Gabriel.