Turning to Gabriel with wide eyes, the Countess made her request theatrically, “Oh, just one more dance, dear nephew? It would surely be the talk of the town, the highlight of the week!”
Gabriel’s head snapped to her at last, his tone heavy with annoyance as he growled, “I am not your entertainment, nor that of your guests. If you crave a show so desperately, you should have arranged for one.”
After a brief pause, his voice dripped venom as he added, “Perhaps you could have saved on the scones and hired a jester instead.”
The Countess’s boisterous laughter in response grated on his nerves even more, but he maintained his composure as she grinned mischievously and quipped, “Everyone knows my parties for the second-best thing – the food, Your Grace.”
Her playful demeanor contrasted with his seriousness. Feigning mock horror in her expression, Clara teasingly asked, “How else do you expect me to uphold my reputation?”
Gabriel shook his head, his gaze fixed on Evelina across the yard, his eyes drawn to her like magnets, a subtle tension evident in his furrowed brows.
Unwilling to give up, the Countess nudged him teasingly, wiggling her eyebrows at him.
Gabriel turned towards her sharply. “Aunt Clara, we are in public—do mind your manners,” he admonished. His words carried a hint of reprimand, a reminder to maintain decorum.
Her laughter bubbled forth. “Oh, dear nephew, where’s your sense of humor?” She gestured to unfamiliar faces nearby, ironically. “We’re only among friends.”
Gabriel eyed her in disbelief and disapproval, yet he held his tongue. His gaze remained fixed on Evelina—there was no need to hide it anymore as it was.
“Actually, Miss Balfour does look quite good with the Earl of Oakwood,” the Countess added airily. “Don’t you think?”
Gabriel’s jaw clenched at her words, anger rising within him as he watched the scene unfolding a few feet away.
Evelina, visibly uncomfortable, stood beside her father, her unease palpable as he gestured with his hands while engaging her in conversation with the Earl.
Feeling overwhelmed with frustration and a desire to hurry over and free her from the torment, Gabriel watched as the Earl laughed and advanced towards her, unconsciously balling his fists as he fought the urge to intervene.
The sight of another man encroaching on her space ignited a fierce protectiveness within him, a nearly primal instinct to shield her from discomfort and unwanted attention. He focused on controlling his breathing, a battle to maintain his composure.
“Considering how good they look together, and how taken the Earl seems to be with Miss Balfour, it won’t be a surprise if the two tie the knot soon,” the Countess remarked, pulling him from his thoughts. Then she heaved a weary sigh. “After all, the whole ton is aware of the Viscount’s debt—it would be quite understandable if he married off his daughters quickly.”
Unable to contain his exasperation any longer, Gabriel snapped back at his aunt, his voice edged with irritation. “And what is your purpose in sharing such unnecessary information with me? What tactless commentary!”
As a few curious glances turned in their direction, he realized that his voice was louder than he had intended. brought a flush of discomfort and annoyance to his tips of his ears. His heart was racing as he cleared his throat and subtly adjusted his stance, trying to regain his composure.
It was difficult to register and handle the feelings he was experiencing. For as long as he could remember, he’d always excelled in keeping a cool head. Yet, the strong, overwhelming effect Evelina had on him unsettled his usual composed demeanor, a both intriguing and disconcerting phenomenon.
“My apologies. I did not mean to cause a scene,” he muttered to his aunt, his gaze shifting to her briefly.
Despite his regret for his outburst, the victorious and mischievous glint in the Countess’s eyes irked him, fueling his annoyance further.
“Oh, it is completely fine, Your Grace. I am no stranger to your mild tantrums.” She grinned up at him.
Gabriel raised an eyebrow at her choice of words but said nothing. He’d done enough already.
“You know, Your Grace, I only brought it up because I thought you’d need to start looking for another tutor for dear Eliza.”
The world seemed to come to a halt. Gabriel heard faint ringing in his ears, and his expression shifted as her words registered.
He considered how his daughter was faring with Evelina, taking note once again of her newfound happiness. His chest tightened as he realized that he had never seen Eliza so content before.
His gaze flickered with uncertainty as it returned to Evelina once more. Would there ever be another tutor capable of forming such a profound bond with Eliza? Would there ever be another tutor capable of putting a smile on his daughter’s face?
Most importantly, could Eliza handle letting go of Evelina? It was very unlikely that she and Evelina would keep in contact after that. It might even be deemed improper.
Amid these reflections, a heavy weight settled on his chest. In this case, it wasn’t just Eliza who would suffer a loss—he wasn’t sure he would be able to manage the loss of his joyous daughter. And knowing that Evelina would never step foot in Dunmore House again…
His chest felt heavier as he stared at her longingly, already feeling the disconnect. Denial clouded his mind as he struggled to understand the depth of his emotions. He was unable to explain the attachment he felt to this woman.
