Gabriel’s entire body rejected the idea of asking for help but he pushed on, “Tell me how to handle her. I believe with your aid,I would be able to make up for all the lost years.” A shadow of melancholy crossed his features. “She is the light of my life, but I fear I have failed her in many ways. Help me, please.”
It felt good to voice the emotions he’d been suppressing for so long.
The room fell silent. He struggled to meet Evelina’s gaze, unsure if he could bear seeing the expression on her face. He certainly did not want pity or justification for his previous actions. Nor did he feel he’d be comfortable with her being overjoyed at this development.
Worry that he’d made the situation awkward overwhelmed him. The silence in the room was such that one could hear a pin drop.
“Well, better have it done late than never, I suppose.”
Gabriel looked up in surprise to see the mischievous, proud expression on her face. Her tone was almost scolding, and he couldn’t help the tiny chuckle that escaped his lips.
What a woman.
“Would there ever be a moment where you would address me politely and kindly, Miss Balfour?” A smile curved his lips despite the chastisement.
With a raised eyebrow, Evelina tutted at him. “Whatever were you expecting, Your Grace? A pat on the back for wanting to be a better father, at long last?”
Another laugh escaped his lips, and he leaned back and shook his head at her brazenness. Perhaps he should be upset, warn her against speaking so bluntly, yet he could not. A lazy smile split his features as he watched her, mesmerized.
There was a sparkle of mischief in her light eyes as she sat. A stray strand of dark brown hair fell over her twinkling eyes, stopping him from getting a full view of her expression. He wanted to reach out, cup her face in his hands, and tuck that strand behind her ear.
But he couldn’t.
Evelina’s words drew him out of his trance. “Nevertheless, it’s been great watching you try with Eliza these days. You are quite a caring father, Your Grace. She adores you, that much is clear.” She smiled and clasped her hands together. “I will do it. I would be honored to help you foster a stronger relationship with her.”
The air was light and warm as they shared a smile, a comfortable silence settling over them.
The comfort faded and Gabriel felt his heart beat pick up as Evelina’s expression changed suddenly just as his did.
However, the moment was cut short quite quickly as Evelina got up from her seat, avoiding his gaze as she straightened up awkwardly.
“Tomorrow, whenever you would be available, we may discuss how we shall go about everything. For now, however, I shall head home, as?—”
Gabriel got up quickly as well, wanting her to stay her longer. “Your demeanor has changed quite suddenly.” He walked over to her, and a low chuckle escaped his lips. “Do not tell me you are expecting a grand gesture or a thank you? I was doing my best not to deem you overly hedonistic, Miss Balfour. I fear you are making it difficult.”
Evelina raised an eyebrow, mischief flickering in her eyes. “Pardon? Perhaps this is an attempt to prevent me from seeing your vulnerable in this moment. I shall be sympathetic, Your Grace.”
Gabriel shook his head in response. Then, he reached out to her, his hands drawn to the strand across her smirking cheeks. As though it was an everyday occurrence, his fingers brushed her hair away from her face and tucked it behind her ear.
“There is truly no woman like you, Miss Balfour.” He gave her a warm smile.
The silence that followed was deafening. Only when he saw the shock in Evelina’s eyes did Gabriel realize what he had done. He withdrew his hand, shocked at his own actions as well.
His eyes locked onto hers, and he watched as a mix of emotions crossed her face. Eventually, her soft cheeks flushed a rosy hue, and she averted her gaze.
Gabriel felt a rush of pleasure at the sight of her blush, a sensation that stirred something deep within him. He longed to feel her eyes on him. He longed to make her blush even harder.
Before he could come to terms with those thoughts, however, Evelina turned around sharply. “I… I must take my leave,” she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper.
She lightly raised her skirts and rushed towards the door, the sound of her hurried footsteps echoing in the room.
As the door closed behind her, Gabriel stood rooted to the spot, the weight of his words and the implications of his action settling heavily upon him.
At that moment, he recognized the depth of his feelings—a realization that thrilled and terrified him in equal measure.
He was falling in love with her.
CHAPTER FIFTEEN
