As Gabriel’s glare intensified, Evelina’s worry deepened. She feared his outburst, the potential for him to crush Eliza’s newfound voice and confidence.
In that charged moment, she found her gaze silently pleading with Gabriel to see beyond his own fears and embrace the growth and strength blossoming within his daughter.
However, the man’s gaze darkened at the sight of this, worrying Evelina even more.
Please, Your Grace.
Finally, after a tense moment, Gabriel let out a sigh. His demeanor softened, his voice, now gentle, carried a hint of understanding as he addressed his daughter.
“Eliza, you are not allowed to be outside without my permission. And, you need protection if you’re to do so, an escort, do you understand?” The weight of his authority was tempered by a touch of compassion in his tone.
He paused, and his brows furrowed slightly before he continued, “It’s too late in the day to remain outside.”
The little girl’s disappointment was evident. “Oh.”
Gabriel’s expression shifted at this sight, and there seemed to be a hurry in his words as he added, “However, you can do this another day, have another one of your lessons outside.”
There was a sense of compromise in his words, an eagerness to find common ground with his daughter.
The unexpected change in his approach left both Evelina and Eliza taken aback. Eliza’s eyes were wide with gladness as she asked, “Really? You mean this, father?”
“Yes.” Gabriel nodded matter-of-factly. His eyes flitted to Evelina for a brief moment. “But, I must be informed first.”
The shift in atmosphere from tension to understanding was palpable, a moment of connection amidst the conflict.
Eliza, still processing the turn of events, nodded in acceptance, her gaze shy and satisfied.
“I understand,” she murmured softly, gratitude evident as she mustered the courage to speak, “Thank you, father.”
Evelina’s warm smile to Eliza was met with the young girl’s excitement, their connection apparent in their shared moment of joy.
However, as her eyes raised, she was met with Gabriel’s gaze fixed on her, his expression disturbed and uneasy.
Feeling the weight of his unspoken words, her own unease surged, prompting her to attempt an apology to the duke for her words.
“Your Grace, I must apologize for-”
“It is best we all return inside now. The day is over.”
Before she could fully express her regret, he intervened abruptly, his tone gruff and firm, as he redirected the situation.
With that, he turned on his heels, leaving her no other choice but to follow, along with Eliza, a mix of guilt and discomfort weighing on her every step.
CHAPTER TEN
“What a strikingly handsome man. Goodness, Sister! There truly must be something in the water these days. The gentlemen look so much better than usual!”
Evelina’s parasol shielded her fair complexion from the gentle sun rays, while Margaret’s bonnet framed her face with tasteful ribbons and flowers as they promenaded through the park.
Adorned with meticulously trimmed hedges and colorful flowerbeds, the park displayed a symphony of nature’s beauty. Tall, slender trees with lush green leaves allowed dappled sunlight to dance on the gravel paths. Yet, the only tall, slender figures Margaret was interested in were the gentlemen promenading in pairs and groups.
“Margaret, do keep your voice down,” Evelina hissed, her eyes fixed on the path before them, doing her best not to encourage Margaret’s antics.
However, as they sauntered past a group of gentlemen engaged in animated conversation, Margaret’s gaze flicked from one intriguing figure to another.
Brimming with youthful excitement, she couldn’t contain her enthusiasm as she leaned in, her cheeks flushed with the thrill of gossip.
“Oh, but Sister, just take a look at Lord Harrington over there.” She giggled, casting a furtive glance at the gentleman in question. “My dear friend, Lady Charlotte, told me he was embroiled in a scandal involving a stolen necklace a couple of balls ago. Can you imagine?”
