Her eyes were fierce and her tone heavy as she continued, “This matters the world to me. I’m not going to change my mind, Brother.”
Abel was slightly taken aback by the sudden change in her usually soft tone, but he didn’t show it. This betrothal had awakened a fierce side of her, one he had never witnessed before.
He didn’t know what to say anymore. The realization slowly sank in that she was resolute in her decision, and he had to honor it.
Amused yet slightly fearful that her attitude would only worsen, he let out a deep sigh and nodded his head to her.
“Fine. I shall say no more about the matter.”
“Thank you!” Her instant excitement brought a small smile to his face, and he shook his head to himself.
“Also, Brother…” Olivia cast a hesitant glance at him, her voice apprehensive yet hopeful. “I must implore you to be kinder to Elliot’s family when we meet. You have a tendency to be cold and unkind, especially when you meet new people.”
Her voice grew quieter, and she met his gaze. “It’s… why the ton tends to fear and avoid you.”
Abel raised an eyebrow as he scoffed. “I am a duke, not somedebutante,” he retorted sharply. “I have no obligation to be friendly with every person I encounter. The tonoughtto fear and remain watchful while conversing with me.”
Olivia let out a sigh. It was apparent that her plea was a lost cause.
“Very well,” she murmured. “I respect your position. Just… try not to frighten them too much, won’t you?”
Abel’s lips curled into a smirk as he glanced at her. “I make no promises, dear sister. But for your sake, I shall attempt a modicum of civility.”
Unfortunately, however, as they finally arrived at the Earl of Borthwell’s grand estate, his keen eyes couldn’t help but notice the state of the garden as they passed by.
It was a chaos of mismatched flowers, lacking the refined elegance one would expect from a noble’s estate. Unable to contain his thoughts, he leaned in close to Olivia and whispered, his voice laced with a touch of disdain.
“My dear sister, I daresay your in-laws are sorely in need of dismissing their gardener. This garden is a hodgepodge of the most unsightly blooms.”
Olivia’s eyes narrowed, her frustration evident. She glared at him, her tone firm as she scolded, “Must you always find fault in everything? Stop nitpicking, there’s beauty in its imperfection.”
Abel grunted in response, his pride preventing him from admitting any wrongdoing. He fell silent, his gaze shifting away from the disarrayed garden.
At last, they reached the entrance of the Earl’s residence and were warmly greeted by Elliot and his father.
After short, customary pleasantries, the Earl extended a welcoming hand to Abel. “Your Grace, we are honored by your presence. Thank you for gracing us with your visit.”
Abel merely nodded. “Lord Borthwell, Likewise.”
He glanced at the fine young man standing beside Lord Borthwell. That had to be Elliot, judging by how Olivia seemed to swoon where she stood. It took an effort not to roll his eyes at her reaction.
He had to admit—albeit grudgingly—that Elliot was quite a fine man. He was dressed impeccably in a perfectly tailored suit, and he looked like a refined gentleman.
Abel also knew how deceiving looks could be. A part of him wished he didn’t have to go through all this trouble, but he needed to be certain Olivia’s potential husband was not a rake. For her, he could suffer any inconvenience.
Lord Borthwell had obviously been expecting more from Abel, and his curt reply threw the Earl temporarily off guard.
Leonard chuckled nervously as the silence stretched awkwardly. He glanced to his side and patted Elliot on the back, gently shoving him forward.
“This is my first son, Elliot.”
Elliot made a sweeping bow, and Abel hid how impressed he was by the perfect execution. It was one of the finest bows he’d ever seen.
Maybe he’s not so bad, after all.
“Your Grace, it is a pleasure to finally meet you. We’ve heard wonderful things about you, and I would personally like to thank you for your support. I love your sister, and I intend to spend the rest of my life making her happy, with your blessing.”
Abel grunted, fixing his cold, hard gaze on Elliot. To his credit, Elliot didn’t shrink or wilt under the intense scrutiny. “We shall see.”
