As the housekeeper curtsied and retreated, Evelina took a deep breath to steady herself. She had long feared this day would come, but the reality of it was still a bitter pill to swallow. With determination in her step, she made her way to her father’s study.
She knocked firmly on the heavy oak door. “Father? May I speak with you?” she called out.
“Enter,” came the gruff reply from within.
She pushed open the door to find him lounging in his leather chair, a glass of brandy in his hand despite the early hour. His cravat was askew, and his waistcoat bore several stains that spoke to his carelessness.
“Ah, Evelina,” he slurred. “What brings you to my sanctuary, my dear?”
Evelina stood tall, her chin raised as she met her father’s bleary gaze. “Father, I have heard the most alarming news. Is it true that you have gambled away one of my sisters’ dowries?”
James’s eyes narrowed, and he set down his glass with more force than necessary. “And where, pray tell, did you hear such nonsense?”
“It matters not where I heard it, Father,” Evelina replied, her voice steady despite her inner turmoil. “I’m only asking if it is true.”
The Viscount’s face flushed with anger. “You shall drop this topic this instant!”
“I had hoped that you would stop this. It pains me, Father!” Evelina laughed in disbelief, her anger rising to match his. “How could you be so reckless? Do you not care for your daughters’ welfare at all?”
James stood up abruptly, swaying slightly as he pointed an accusatory finger at her. “You forget your place, girl! I haveprovided for you and your sisters all these years. If I choose to seek my fortune at the gambling tables, that is my right as a gentleman!”
Evelina’s hands clenched at her sides, her nails digging into her palms. “And what ofourrights, Father? What of Margaret’s right to a proper dowry and a chance at securing a good match? Have you no shame?”
“Shame?” James scoffed, reaching for his brandy glass once more. “You speak to me of shame when you have no understanding of the pressures I face? The expectations of Society? The burden of maintaining our family’s standing?”
Evelina took a step forward, her voice low and intense. “And how does gambling away your daughter’s future maintain our standing, Father? How does it uphold the honor of the Balfour name?”
For a moment, something like regret flickered in James’s eyes, but it was quickly replaced by defiance. “You are but a girl, Evelina. You cannot comprehend the complexities of a gentleman’s affairs. What’s done is done,” he muttered, slumping back into his chair. “We shall simply have to make do with what remains.”
“Make do?” Evelina repeated, incredulous. “And how do you propose we do that? Shall we send Margaret into Society with nothing but her charm and good looks to recommend her? Or perhaps you intend to gamble away Louisa’s dowry next, and Alexandra’s after that?”
James slammed his fist on the desk, making her jump. “Enough! I will not stand here and be lectured by my own daughter. You may fancy yourself the mistress of this house, Evelina, but do not forget that I am still your father and the head of this family.”
Evelina stared at him in disbelief. She had long known of his weakness for gambling, but she had never imagined he would stoop so low as to jeopardize his own daughter’s future. The weight of responsibility that had rested on her shoulders for years suddenly felt heavier than ever.
“Very well, Father,” she said at last, her voice cold. “If you will not rectify this situation, then I shall do it myself. Good day.”
With that, she turned on her heel and strode out of the study, leaving her father to his brandy and his shame.
Evelina’s mind raced as she made her way through the manor, searching for Margaret. She found her in the music room, seated at the pianoforte but not playing, her fingers resting idly on the keys.
“Margaret,” she called softly, closing the door behind her. “Might I speak with you?”
Margaret looked up, a distant look in her eyes. “Evelina? What is the matter? You look as though you have seen a ghost.”
Evelina crossed the room and took a seat beside her sister on the piano bench. She took Margaret’s hands in her own, squeezingthem gently. “My dear sister, I fear I have some distressing news to share with you.”
Margaret’s face paled. “What is it, Evelina? Please, do not keep me in suspense.”
Taking a deep breath, Evelina said, “I have just learned that Father has… has gambled away your dowry.”
Margaret’s eyes widened in shock, and she pulled her hands away from Evelina’s grasp. “No,” she whispered, shaking her head in disbelief. “No, it cannot be true. Tell me you are mistaken, Evelina!”
Evelina’s heart ached at the pain in her sister’s voice. “I wish I could, Margaret. I confronted Father, and though he did not admit it outright, his reaction confirmed it.”
Margaret stood up abruptly, pacing the room as her tears spilled over. “How could he do this to me?” she cried. “Does he not care for my future at all? Without a dowry, what hope have I of making a good match?”
Evelina rose and went to her sister, pulling her into a tight embrace. “Hush, my dear,” she soothed, stroking Margaret’s hair. “All is not lost. I swear to you, I shall find a way to make this right. You have my word.”
