Chapter 27

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

" O h, goodness, just look at this estate! It's positively magnificent!" Alexandra's eyes were wide with wonder as she exclaimed.

As the carriage came to a halt in the Dunmore estate, Evelina followed as her sisters spilled out, their voices rising in excitement.

"It's like something out of a storybook!" she couldn't help but laugh at the bulging expression of surprise in young Penelope's eyes.

Margaret couldn't contain her awe either, "Indeed, it's certainly grander than I ever imagined."

"Do not tell me you're beginning to regret denying taking the duke for yourself, are you dear sister?" Louisa's tease elicited a light smack from her immediate elder sister.

"Impressive, indeed," As the girls burst into a round of giggles, their father stepped out after them at last, his recent quiet, mellow demeanor vanishing in face of the sight before him.

He hesitated for a moment, then his eyes turned to Evelina, "You have done well," he remarked, a rare hint of approval in his voice.

Her brows raised in surprise, and a shocked silence settled over the girls. Then at last, from the corner of her eye, she saw a grin spread across Margaret's face, who then slung an arm around hers.

"Yes, very well done sister. A rich suitor, who has shown to be irrevocably in love with you! You, dearest eldest, have set the best standard for the rest of us!"

Evelina felt her cheeks flush as she laughed, "Do try to keep your voices down, would you-"

"Oh, look! The duke awaits us!" Penelope's loud and excited tone cut her short, shifting her eyes towards the entrance of the house.

Surely, enough, there he was. Her soon-to-be husband, poised and ever handsome in the distance, a hand raised in welcome in their direction.

"He waits at the door to usher us in himself? How humble! Truly sister, you've struck gold with such a man," Louisa's words seemed to echo all their collective thoughts, and the girls nodded in agreement.

The air was filled with anticipation as the family walked towards where their host stood, the sisters' giggles carrying across the air.

"Welcome, Lord Viscount, the lovely Balfour ladies," Gabriel greeted them warmly, nodding at each person accordingly, his eyes however, returning to Evelina's nearly immediately.

She blushed under his gaze. It had only been a few days since they'd last seen each other, yet he had an eagerness in his eyes about her presence. Witnessing these new sort of expressions and behaviors from him felt like it'd take forever to get used to.

"My, my, Your Grace," Her father spoke, his tone filled with barely concealed awe as his eyes took in the magnitude of the mansion before them, "I had heard talk of the grandeur of your estate, however, this surpasses all expectations."

"Thank you for your kind words, my lord," Only for a millisecond did the duke's eyes shift away from hers.

"My Evelina."

Suddenly, he took a step forward and took her hand in his, causing a rush of warmth to spread through her at his touch, followed by his affectionate kiss which sent a blush to her cheeks.

"I've missed you terribly, my beautiful betrothed," Gabriel whispered, his words causing a flutter in her heart and an even deeper red to grace her expression.

As her sisters' joyful and surprised squeals and exclamations filled the air around them, Evelina giggled softly, unable to keep away the dopey grin that filled her face.

I love this man.

I love him so much, I can't believe this is really happening.

"I have missed you, and I'm happy to see you as well," she felt shy allowing the words to leave her mouth, yet the grin that filled Gabriel's face right after made it all worth it.

While another round of squeals erupted from her sisters, Evelina was reminded of the weight of her father's presence, his awkward cough and clearing of throat drawing attention back to the matter of the occasion.

"Ah, ‘less I forget, the Countess sends her regrets and love, as she would be unable to join us this evening." His smile was genuine as he gestured towards the door, "Now, before it gets further late, shall we then?"

As they crossed the threshold, the gasps and nods at the opulence of the mansion continued till they arrived at the lavish drawing room. The moment they stepped in, before Gabriel could utter a word, Eliza bounded towards them, her eyes alight with joy.

"Miss Balfour , you're finally here!" She exclaimed, wrapping her arms tightly around her. She nestled closer, her tone dripping with emotion as her voice fell to a whisper, "I've missed you so, so much."

Evelina's heart swelled with affection as she returned the embrace, holding the little girl close. "Oh, Eliza, I've missed you too," she replied softly, her voice filled with warmth and tenderness.

When Eliza pulled back slightly, tears glistened at the corner of her eyes. Cupping her face in her hands, Evelina gazed into her eyes, a rush of memories of their time together flooding her mind.

"The last time we saw each other was when I quit, was it not?" Evelina reminisced, her voice filled with gratitude for the turn of events as she let out a laugh, "However, it seems the heavens do not want us separated, ever."

"And I am so very glad for it!" Eliza nodded, sniffling, a wide smile stretching her lips, "While you were gone, all I could do was think about the lessons we shared. It all meant so much to me," she squeezed Evelina's hands softly, "You meant so much to me."

"Oh, dear Eliza…"

The little girl's eyes sparkled with happiness as she expressed, "I'm so glad you're marrying my father. You'll be the best mom!"

Evelina's eyes shimmered as she hugged her once more, the weight of her words settling deep in her heart. "I promise to always be here with you from now on, my darling girl. I'll be so glad to call you my daughter."

Evelina let out a soft sigh of contentment as they embraced tighter, the soft glow of the chandeliers doubling the warmth of the scene.

Finally, her eyes opened and she pulled away from the hug hearing Gabriel's gently clearing of his throat. She exchanged a smile with him, and then turned to her family, realizing they'd been waiting all this while.

"Eliza, my dear, let me introduce you to my family," she spoke, her voice filled with pride and affection. She took Eliza's hand in hers and guided her to where they stood.

With a gentle smile, she stopped Eliza in front of her father, who thankfully greeted the little girl warmly, "The young lady of the esteemed Dunmore estate. It brings me gladness to finally meet you."

Eliza returned the greeting with a polite curtsey, her lashes batting shyly under his gaze. Next, Evelina guided Eliza to her sisters, one by one.

"And this is Margaret, the eldest following myself," Evelina said, as Margaret extended a gracious hand with a smile, "How lovely to meet finally meet you, Eliza, Evie has told us quite a bit about you."

Eliza's response was soft-spoken but respectful, "Likewise, Lady Margaret."

After introducing the other two girls, Penelope, with her vibrant spirit, took matters into her own hands and approached Eliza before Evelina could make the formal introductions, "Hello, Eliza! I'm Penelope, the most adventurous sister, you are but a year younger than me, if not, we could've passed as twins."

Chuckles filled the room following this, and Alexandra rolled her eyes comically, "Ah, of course, because you both look so incredibly similar," her voice dripped sarcasm.

"We do have similar noses," to Evelina's surprise, Eliza piped up with a smile, her shy demeanor seeming to dissipate as she tapped her nose and pointed to Penelope's. "It's nice to meet you, Penelope."

"How adorable!" Margaret's laugh carried across the room, causing Eliza's cheeks to flush lightly, "Oh, she's simply enchanting, isn't she, Louisa? I'm so sorry, I cannot keep it in any longer."

Louisa nodded enthusiastically, "Absolutely, those big beady eyes on her, so beautiful."

Eliza's gaze shifted to Evelina sharply, her mouth slightly agape, "Are my eyes truly big?"

"Only enough to be so terribly endearing. You could get away with asking for anything with them," Evelina cooed at her, pinching her crimson cheeks, laughing as the little girl blushed even more.

"All right, girls, I think that's enough for now, we can chat more and get to know each other better during dinner-"

"Wait," Penelope suddenly stepped forward, cutting Evelina off as she took Eliza's hands in hers. "This is for you. I made it."

Evelina watched as Eliza peered closely at the item Penelope carefully placed in her hand. "It's a bracelet, a token, welcoming you into the family," Penelope grinned widely, "All us girls have one of our own."

"Really?" Eliza's eyes widened as she looked up in pleasant surprise.

"Of course! Here, let me help you put it on."

Smiles were exchanged around the room as the bracelet easily slid unto Eliza's wrist and Penelope compared the one she had on to it. The little girls stared at their matching jewelry in contentment, their giggles mixing in the air.

"Oh, thank you! I have never received such a special gift before. It's beautiful, I wish to never take it off!"

The sound of familiar barking filled the air suddenly, accompanied by a soft patter of tiny, quick feet across the floor. While her sisters' gasps and coos echoed the room, Evelina's eyes sparkled with delight as the small puppy rushed in her direction.

"Oh, Whiskers, how I have missed you as well! What are you up to these days, come here!" She laughed joyously as she bent to affectionately greet the small animal.

Eliza giggled, her face glowing with happiness. "I told him you'd be coming today, he remembered!"

"Is that so?" Evelina laughed and patted the puppy once more, "Well done, Whiskers. You're a very good boy."

"You have a puppy, Eliza?"

"Oh my goodness, he is so adorable!"

The girls gathered around Whiskers, who seemed excited to meet new faces showering him with attention. He barked, and wagged his tail excitedly, jumping and running towards all the hands stretched in his direction.

"Oh look how fast he is, he's such a little beauty!'

Louisa chimed in with a laugh, "He seems like a little mischief-maker, though, still, he's adorable all the same."

"Oh, he is quite mischievous indeed," Eliza giggled, rubbing his fur affectionately along with the girls. "He has done quite a bit to make father threaten to put him out! Thankfully, he also seems to learn fast."

Evelina lifted a brow in the direction of the duke, "Threaten to put him out? I thought we'd had an arrangement, Your Grace?"

Her playful pout resulted a chuckle from him. "If only you'd been here to witness the showdown. We shall simply have to go over the terms of the agreement on a later date."

Evelina nodded with a smile, her eyes returning to the girls, still crouched over, caught up in the infectious joy of the moment, continuously showering Whiskers with affection, petting him and playing with him as he wagged his tail happily.

"He's such a charmer, Eliza! You're lucky to have such a lovable companion," Penelope remarked, her smile warm and genuine.

"You can come over and play with him whenever you'd like," Eliza gave a shy smile in response. "He seems to love everyone already. He can become the family puppy."

"Really? Hurray! Oh, thank you! I love puppies!"

As the girls shared jokes and anecdotes about Whiskers' antics, Eliza seemed completely at ease.

Evelina's eyes shifted to Gabriel's at the sight, a silent exchange of happiness passing between them as he nodded, his eyes reflecting the same sentiment.

From the corner of her eye, she then saw her father's face squeezed in slight discomfort. He'd been standing silently the entire time, an awkward expression on his face.

Ever astute, Gabriel's gaze followed hers, then his voice then cut through the merriment, a smile lifting his handsome face.

"All right, everyone. Let us adjourn to the dining room. It is time to feast."

"Quickly now, my love, before they hear us."

Under the veil of night's embrace, Gabriel and Evelina had found a fleeting escape from the bustling family scene.

With the Viscount taking a momentarily leave of absence and Evelina's sisters engrossed in conversation with Eliza, the two seized the opportunity for a stolen moment alone.

The duke's touch on Evelina's hand was gentle yet possessive, as he urged her to move stealthily out the back door. As they finally slipped away from the chatter, the hushed rustle of their footsteps mingled with the soft murmur of the evening breeze.

In the dim light, his eyes met hers as they ventured towards the garden, the fragrant scent of blooming flowers enveloping them, with petals glistening with dew under the moon's gentle gaze.

The soft rustle of leaves and the distant chirping of crickets mingled with their laughter at the silliness of situation in the night air as they scurried till they reached the now familiar secluded spot, surrounded by towering trees and delicate blossoms.

The moonlight bathed the garden in a silvery glow, casting a spell of enchantment over the scene. Gabriel's smile, a beacon of warmth in the cool air caused Evelina's heart to sing as he guided her to a garden chair.

"I have a surprise for you," he murmured, his voice a gentle caress in the quietude of the garden. As he released her hand, a fleeting pout instinctively graced her lips, instantly longing for his touch again.

"Close your eyes, my love," his tone carried a promise of mystery and delight. Her heart fluttered with anticipation as she obeyed, her trust in him unwavering despite the pounding in her chest.

In the darkness behind closed lids, she felt his presence draw near behind her suddenly, his touch a whisper against her skin. A gasp escaped her lips as his hands delicately traced the curve of her neck, sending shivers down her spine.

"You can open your eyes now, my love," Gabriel's voice, laced with warmth, beckoned her back to reality. As Evelina's gaze raised to meet his, she found herself lost in the depths of his eyes, a mirror to her own emotions.

With a gentle hand, he passed her a mirror, a glimmer of silver catching the moonlight. Her breath caught in her throat as she beheld the exquisite necklace adorning her neck.

"What do you think of it?" His words were filled with a quiet intensity and anticipation, awaiting her reaction.

Evelina's eyes widened in awe and gratitude as she took in the beauty of the necklace. Her fingers delicately traced the intricate design, her touch reverent.

"It looks terribly expensive," she remarked softly, her eyes reflecting the shimmer of the gems. "But it's beautiful," she added, her voice filled with admiration and gratitude.

Gabriel's smile, a reflection of his affection, widened as he moved from behind and crouched before her.

"You're beautiful," he whispered.

Evelina's cheeks bloomed with a deep blush, the compliment stirring emotions within her. As he spoke of the gems symbolizing love and how he'd gotten them even before realizing the full depth of his love for her, Evelina's smile grew, a playful glint in her eyes.

"You've been quite generous with your gifts since our engagement," she teased lightly, a hint of mischief in her tone. "I fear there's hardly any space left in my father's estate to store them all."

Gabriel chuckled, a sound that warmed the night air, and lifted her hand to his lips, causing her blush to deepen. "There will always be more gifts, my love," he assured her, his gaze unwavering. "If it were possible, I'd adorn you with treasures from every corner of the heavens and the earth."

Evelina's cheeks bloomed even more, her heart dancing with the emotions that words evoked. "Have you always been this good with words?" she inquired with a shy laugh.

His playful scoff cut through the air, in response, his tone teasing. "Forgotten already, my love? All the banter and arguments we had, I did always win them, did I not?" A glint of mischief in his eyes as he grinned.

Evelina's laughter, a melody of pure joy, rang out into the night as she shook her head. As the echoes of her mirth faded, she found herself ensnared by his gaze once again, one brimming with love and tenderness.

Oh, Gabriel…

"I love you, Gabriel," she confessed, her voice a whisper filled with unwavering devotion.

I want you to always know this. I will say it a million times.

I will love you always.

Moved by her words, his hand gently caressed her cheek, his touch a tender reassurance of his feelings. Leaning in, he captured her lips in a kiss, a silent testament of his love and commitment to her.

In the hush of the moonlit garden, their kiss deepened, emotions swirling between them heavily. Then suddenly, a familiar bark shattered the moment.

Whiskers bounded towards them, tail wagging in excitement, signaling the end of their stolen moment of intimacy.

Gabriel, his laughter ringing in the night, drew Evelina up from the garden bench, a playful glint in his eyes. "I believe our absence has been noticed," he remarked, amusement lacing his words as he glanced at the eager dog running circles around their feet.

Evelina giggled and nodded in agreement. "I'm certain my sisters sent him to fetch us, actually. This has their scheming all over it," she shook her head as she waved at the puppy.

Suddenly, the duke's expression turned tender, pulling her close before placing a soft, unexpected kiss on her lips, catching her off guard. When he drew back, a gentle sigh escaped him, and he pressed another kiss to her forehead, the gesture making her blush deeply.

With a soft smile, he murmured, "Just a couple more weeks, and you'll be my wife." His words hung in the air, filled with anticipation, painting an all-so wanted picture of their future together.

"For now, let's head inside."