Another awkward silence fell over the group, and Lord Borthwell shifted uncomfortably from foot to foot.
Abel was used to provoking such a reaction from people whom he met for the first time. What was it about him that always put people on edge?
“I trust the ride here wasn’t too uncomfortable?” Elliot asked, trying to fill the silence.
“It was pleasant.” Abel crossed his arms behind his back.
He caught Olivia glaring at him out of the corner of his eye. He glanced at her, and her glare turned into an imploring smile. He turned his attention back to Elliot, who was clearly searching for a conversation starter.
Lord Borthwell fidgeted with one of the buttons on his coat, his forehead glistening with sweat. He was clearly uncomfortable with how poorly this introduction was going.
Abel was as implacable as a howling storm, and try as he might, he couldn’t bring himself to enjoy this. And he didn’t intend to pretend either.
“Whatever you need during your stay here, please let me know, Your Grace,” Elliot said, “and it shall be provided.”
Abel nodded. “Thank you for your hospitality.”
Elliot deflated visibly, and Abel wondered what the relentless man was going to attempt again to drag him into conversation.
Thankfully, before things could worsen, Olivia interjected with her brightest of smiles. “Lord Borthwell, it’s truly delightful to be here. Your hospitality is most appreciated.”
“Please, come in. I would love to introduce you to the rest of the household,” Lord Borthwell piped up. “My wife has been beside herself with joy since she found out about your visit.”
Finally.
“Yes, lead on,” Abel said.
Leonard marched up the steps to the manor with his son, and Abel and Olivia fell in step behind them.
As they walked into the house, the contrast between Abel’s reserved nature and Olivia’s efforts to bridge the gap became apparent.
Olivia turned to him, her voice desperate as she whispered, “Try, Brother.”
Abel frowned, but he nodded to ease her worries.
As they entered the drawing room, they exchanged warm greetings with the rest of the family. The Countess, brimming with excitement, approached Olivia with open arms.
“It’s such a pleasure to finally meet you! I’ve heard so much about you,” she exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm.
Olivia’s face lit up with a genuine smile. “Thank you, My Lady. I’ve been looking forward to meeting you as well.”
Meanwhile, Abel was introduced to the rest of the family. He met the Earl’s second son, Hector, who exuded a boisterous energy yet had a hint of intelligence shining through his playful demeanor.
Finally, he was introduced to the Earl’s daughter, Bridget. With a quiet grace, she curtsied before him, her eyes downcast.
“Your Grace, my youngest daughter, Lady Bridget,” the Earl announced.
Abel nodded respectfully. “A pleasure to meet you, Lady Bridget.”
Lady Bridget nodded softly, and Abel’s brow furrowed ever so slightly as he took in her appearance.
His first thought was that she wasn’t very beautiful.
With auburn hair cascading down her shoulders, green eyes, freckles scattered across her nose, and a tall, slender body, she was an unconventional face among the ton.
Her reserved demeanor and lack of eye contact only led him to believe that she was as uninteresting as other ladies he had encountered before, thus his eyes quickly skipped over her.
They all settled in the drawing room, and the atmosphere was filled with polite and light conversation. The Earl’s familygraciously engaged in discussions, trying to make their guests feel at ease.
