Chapter 13

CHAPTER 13

“ C ece, tell me, what do you think of this lace?” Evangeline held up a delicate piece, the sunlight catching its intricate patterns as they stood in the bustling modiste.

Cecilia leaned closer, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “It’s exquisite, Evie! It adds a touch of elegance without being too overbearing. You’ll look stunning in it!”

Evie beamed at the compliment, her cheeks flushing with excitement. “I just want everything to be perfect for the wedding. I can’t believe it’s so soon!”

“It’s considerably a manageable time away,” Cecilia laughed, affectionately holding her friend’s hands to ease her tension. “I promise there’s enough time, Evie, everything shall be fine.”

Evangeline squeezed her hand back affectionately, giving her a warmer smile. As they sifted through fabrics and trims, laughter filled the air. The modiste, a plump woman with a keen eye for detail, glanced over at them with a knowing smile. “You two seem to have a delightful friendship. Have you been close for long?”

Cecilia exchanged a playful look with Evie. “Actually, we only became friends after my brother proposed to her,” she replied, her tone teasing. She laughed, “We actually only met formally for the first time when our families were introduced.”

Evie chuckled, her eyes dancing with mischief. “And I’m so glad it ended up this way! Imagine if he had never proposed. Who knew my future sister-in-law would become my confidante and partner in crime?”

“Partners in crime? More like partners in wedding planning chaos, it’s been days since we’ve been coming here, and we’ve only now decided on the right lace,” Cecilia quipped, rolling her eyes dramatically.

Evie giggled and Cecilia smiled at her. “But still, I wouldn’t trade this time for anything. It’s so special to share these moments with you.”

As the modiste adjusted the gown, Cecilia continued to offer her thoughts on various accessories. “What about this veil? It’s soft and ethereal, just like you.”

Evie held it up to her face, admiring her reflection in the mirror. “You think? You’ve seen me inspecting it, haven’t you?” Her smile faltered, “I worry it might overshadow the dress.”

“Not at all! It complements it perfectly. You need something that matches your radiant spirit,” Cecilia reassured her, her voice warm and encouraging.

They chatted about everything from floral arrangements to the guest list, their laughter echoing through the shop. Today seemed to be a good day, as they were easily tackling plans they had put off for a while.

As the modiste bustled around, adjusting a gown on a mannequin, Cecilia and Evangeline found themselves momentarily alone. Evie leaned against a nearby table, a playful grin spreading across her face. “You know, I’m really glad my brother finally relented on trying to dictate what wedding dress I would wear.”

Cecilia’s jaw dropped in disbelief. “Wait, the duke was actually trying to pick an outfit for you on your own wedding day? That’s outrageous!”

Evangeline flushed, her cheeks turning a rosy hue. “Oh, come on, Cecilia! You’ve seen how he is by now. You’ve witnessed his ‘helpful suggestions’ firsthand.”

Cecilia shook her head, a mix of amusement and exasperation in her expression. “I can’t believe he thought he could control that, still! It’s your day, Evie. You should wear what makes you feel beautiful, not what he thinks is appropriate.”

“Exactly!” Evie laughed, her tension easing. “I mean, I appreciate his opinion, but I’m the one walking down the aisle. It should reflect me, not his idea of perfection.” She shrugged, “Still, his choice was a dress that has been passed through the family for generations. He is a stickler for tradition.”

Cecilia rolled her eyes and huffed, “He should wear it then.”

“Cecilia!” Evie’s jaw dropped as she exclaimed.

The women burst into another round of laughter, bending over and fanning themselves at the thought.The atmosphere shifted slightly afterwards, the laughter fading as they both recognized the weight of Evie’s situation.

“Still, I’m relieved that his conversation with Nathaniel seemed to go well,” Evangeline twiddled with her dress in hand, breaking the short silence. “I was worried they might clash over something silly.”

Cecilia nodded, her eyes brightening. “Yes, it was a pleasant surprise! Apparently Nathaniel handled it with such grace. I think your brother respects him more than he lets on. It’s good to see them getting along, especially with the wedding so close.”

Evangeline’s expression softened, her gratitude evident. “I couldn’t have done this without you, you know. You’ve been my rock through all of this. I’m so thankful to have you by my side.”

Cecilia smiled warmly, stepping closer. “I love being here. Still, you must give yourself credit too! You’ve been steadfast on what you want despite the circumstances.”

“Being with Nate encourages me,” Evie’s smile was bashful and Cecilia cooed at the sight, causing both ladies to laugh once more.

“I agree though, Nate is doing a fantastic job with your brother,” Cecilia said, her eyes sparkling with genuine admiration. “He’s really managed to break through the duke’s tough exterior. It’s impressive.”

Evangeline smiled, her expression softening. “I know! I was worried they wouldn’t see eye to eye, but he has this way of connecting with people. It’s like he knows just how to approach Alistair.”

Cecilia nodded, her mind drifting for a moment. “It’s not just that. Nathaniel has a natural charm that draws people in. I think he’s really helping your brother see things differently.” She laughed, a familiar frustration bubbling inside her. “I could never do that.”

Evie cocked her head in question. “What do you mean?”

Cecilia sighed as she began, “Well, I can’t help but feel exasperated with the duke sometimes. His stubbornness is…” she stuttered as she struggled to find the right word, “maddening! I mean, how can someone be so… so oblivious to what’s right in front of him?”

Evangeline chuckled softly, her eyes twinkling with mischief. “You sound like you two have had more interactions than I realize. Did something particular happen between you two? What’s really bothering you?”

Cecilia flushed, recalling the events of the previous day in the woods with Alistair. “Well, there was this moment…”

She thought about how she almost kissed him again. It was so intense, and she felt completely dizzy afterward.

“It’s somewhat feels as though I’m losing my sanity when I’m around him.” She bit her lip, her cheeks warming as she shared her secret.

From the corner of her eye, she noticed Evangeline smirking, and her blush deepened. “And yes, that’s why I find my brother fascinating,” Cecilia forced a laugh, trying to hide her embarrassment.

Cecilia looked at Evie sheepishly, her cheeks flaming hard. Desperate to change the subject, she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I want to apologize for how I’ve spoken to your brother in front of you a couple of times.”

At Evie’s raised brow, she laughed guiltily, “It’s just… we’ve been so caught up in wedding arrangements and everything else that I haven’t had a proper moment to apologize.”

She bent her head, feeling the weight of her words, only to be startled by the sound of Evie’s laughter. “Oh, come on, Cecilia! I found it hilarious every single time!” the young woman exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.

Cecilia looked at her in wonder, a mix of surprise and relief washing over her. “Really? You found it all… humorous?”

“Absolutely!” Evangeline shrugged, a playful grin spreading across her face. “Sometimes Alistair needs someone to speak plainly to him. It keeps him on track, you know?”

Cecilia raised an eyebrow, questioning her friend’s sincerity. “You really mean that? You believe I should just keep speaking up if he does something as he did that day at dinner?”

Evie nodded emphatically, her laughter bubbling up again. “Yes! Believe me, it’s like a breath of fresh air for him. He gets so lost in his own head that sometimes he needs a little nudge to remind him of reality.”

As Cecilia processed Evie’s words, she felt a wave of amusement wash over her. “I suppose you have a point. He does get a bit too serious sometimes. But I would never wish to overstep.”

Evangeline leaned closer, her expression softening. “You’re helping him see things clearly. Besides, you seem to have this incredible ability to challenge him and make him think. It’s a gift.”

Cecilia felt a warmth spreading through her, surprisingly pleased to hear such words. “You truly think so?

“Trust me, you’re doing great!” Evangeline replied, her voice full of encouragement. “And don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it.”

Cecilia laughed at her friend’s teasing wink, “I shall do my best to take on this job of keeping him on his toes!” They both giggled, the tension from earlier dissipating into the air.

Evie leaned back in her chair, her expression turning serious as she began again, “You know, Cece, my brother was never really raised to be nice. Our parents were strict, especially when it came to him.”

Her gaze drifted out the window for a moment. “They drilled into him the importance of duty as a duke, and anything else was secondary. He’s always been expected to uphold the family name, to maintain appearances, and honestly, I believe it’s suffocating for him.”

Cecilia sat upright in the seat she had taken, listening intently, her brow furrowing slightly as she absorbed this sudden deep dive in conversation. “I can see that,” she replied softly, recalling the way Alistair often seemed so rigid, so focused on the responsibilities as though that was all that mattered.

Evie continued, “He’s never allowed himself to enjoy life. It’s like he’s trapped in this role, and he doesn’t even believe in love. That’s why he asked our mother to find him a dutiful wife. He thinks that’s all he needs—a companion who can fulfill the expectations of his title without any of the emotional messiness that comes with real relationships.”

“Wow,” Cecilia said, her heart aching for Alistair as she pictured the man she had come to know. “I didn’t realize it goes this deep. I thought he was just… well, that’s just how he was.”

Evie nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of sympathy and frustration. “It got worse after our father passed. I suppose he felt the need to step up even more, to be the strong, stoic figure everyone expected him to be. He’s this domineering type, you know?”

She chuckled half heartedly, “Reserved and strong, with a presence he enjoys to be viewed as so intimidating. He values etiquette and manners above all else, which makes him seem old-fashioned and practical. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him let loose…” She paused, her eyes returning to Cecilia with a smile, “Except when he’s with you.”

Cecilia found herself recalling Alistair’s demeanor in their previous encounters—the way he seemed to struggle with holding himself back, the momentary lapses in his stoic expression, and she smiled, feeling somewhat special. “Really?”

Evie shook her head, a sad smile creeping onto her lips. “He’s introverted and stubborn, and while he can be caring, while he has so many emotions to show, it’s all buried under layers of duty and expectation. He’s so disconnected from his emotions that it’s almost painful to watch.”

The two women shared a moment of silence, both lost in their thoughts about Alistair and the burdens he carried. Cecilia was filled with pity for the duke, as well as an overwhelming feel of a deeper connection with his sister forged through their understanding of his struggles.

Hm.

Cecilia couldn’t shake a feeling nagging at her as the silence stretched on and she turned to Evie once again, curiosity bubbling to the surface. “So, has the Dowager Duchess managed to find a wife for him yet?” she asked, trying to keep her tone light.

Evie lifted an eyebrow, a playful smile dancing on her lips. “Why the sudden interest, Cece?”

Caught off guard, Cecilia felt a flush creep up her cheeks. “No, no! I just… I was- I asked because, I was wondering if there would be another wedding soon, that’s all.” She attempted to sound casual, but her heart raced as Evie scrutinized her.

The young woman’s gaze softened, though her expression remained teasing. “Well, I believe a bride for my brother has indeed been found.”

Oh.

Cecilia felt her heart plummet at the revelation, an unexpected wave of unease washing over her. “Really?” she managed to ask, though she could barely contain the tremor in her voice. “What’s she like?”

“Oh, I haven’t met her yet myself,” Evie replied, her excitement evident. “But Mother says she’s lovely and well-bred. Apparently, she’s coming to the estate tomorrow for the dinner party. It’ll be Alistair’s first time meeting her.”

Cecilia felt a tightening in her chest. She wondered why the thought of Alistair with someone else disturbed her so deeply. She masked her emotions with a forced smile. “That’s… wonderful news, Evie. I’m sure they’d make a perfect match as the lady was the Dowager’s choice.”

Evie continued, seemingly oblivious to Cecilia’s inner turmoil. “I really think this could be good for him. He needs someone to bring some warmth into his life, desperately.”

“Right, of course,” Cecilia replied, her voice barely above a whisper. “He could use a little more warmth.”

Evie leaned in, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm. “And you know, I’m so grateful you’ve been there for him. You’ve really helped him open up. I can’t thank you enough for that.”

Cecilia nodded, though her mind was elsewhere. “I’m just doing what I can,” she said, forcing her tone to remain upbeat. She couldn’t shake the feeling enveloping her chest, and the thought of Alistair with this new woman unsettled her more than she wanted to admit.

Evie’s eyes sparkled with gratitude as she carried on, her voice earnest. “Honestly, Cece, once again, I can’t thank you enough for yesterday. You saved his life.”

Cecilia chuckled lightly, shaking her head. “Oh, come on, Evie. Again, that sounds a bit dramatic, don’t you think?”

“No, I’m serious!” Evie insisted, leaning closer, her expression unwavering. “If you hadn’t found him when you did, who knows what could have happened? You brought him back to us.”

Cecilia nodded, though her heart felt heavy. She tried to brush it off with a smile, but the weight of all of Evie’s words lingered in the air. “I’m just glad he’s doing better now.”

Evie continued, her laughter bubbling over. “And tomorrow, he gets to meet his future wife! Can you imagine? If you hadn’t intervened, he wouldn’t be in good shape to impress her!”

At that, Cecilia felt a knot tighten further in her stomach.

Calm down, Cece.

So the man is getting married, why do you care?

She forced herself to focus on Evie, who was now animatedly discussing the upcoming dinner.

“Do you think she’ll be beautiful?” Evie asked, her eyes wide with curiosity. “I mean, Alistair deserves someone stunning, don’t you think? But it’s also about more than looks. She should be kind and clever, able to keep up with him. I wonder if she’ll have a sense of humor…”

Cecilia nodded absently, trying to engage with Evie’s enthusiasm. “I’m sure she’ll be lovely in her own way,” she replied, though her thoughts drifted about carelessly.

“I change my mind, she has to be someone who can make him laugh!” Evie continued, oblivious to Cecilia’s distraction. “That would be perfect! I just hope she’s not intimidated by him…”

Cecilia felt a pang of something she couldn’t quite identify as the words filtered in and out of her ears.

“Ladies, have you decided on the fabrics for your dresses?” the modiste inquired, her entrance a welcome distraction.

Evie nodded enthusiastically, launching into a conversation about colors and styles, but Cecilia remained lost in thought. As Evie chatted about the latest fashions, Cecilia couldn’t shake the image of Alistair with someone else, wondering what kind of woman could truly be perfect for him.