In the midst of his self-absorbed revelry, Evelina and Margaret exchanged a look of shock and horror. Evelina’s heart sank as the man went on about the extravagant feast he planned to host. Panic and frustration surged within her, emotions that became harder to contain with each passing second.
Summoning all her strength, she carefully chose her words, her voice a delicate balance of concern and deference. “Father, are you certain this is the opportune moment for such festivities? Perhaps?—”
“I have made my decision, girl!” James snapped, his impatience echoing in the air.
Penelope, startled by his abruptness, jumped slightly. She instantly went to Evelina, who wrapped an arm around her protectively.
“Of course, Papa. I only mean, perhaps a simple dinner would be more suitable?” Evelina suggested in a polite tone, doing her best to maintain her composure in the face of her father’s stubbornness. Her tone polite as always. For this was the only way she could behave around him. As if he was a stranger.
“A simple dinner it shall be then,” James declared gruffly, waving off her concerns with his hand . “None of that matters, anyway. Establishing connections is of utmost importance for the night.”
Evelina’s tense shoulders relaxed slightly, relieved that they wouldn’t put more strain on their dwindling funds.
However, as the full weight of the situation settled upon her, she hesitated, her voice carefully measured as she asked, “Papa, may I ask who you have invited?”
James’s grin widened as he basked in his self-believed grandeur. “None other than the Duke of Dunmore and the Earl of Oakwood, my dear!” The Viscount beamed with pride at the mention of his esteemed guests. But Evelina’s stomach twisted. He clasped his hands together, letting out another cackle. “Oh, I had engaged in conversation with the Earl days ago introducingthe idea, of course, and I just got word back from the Duke’s himself today, despite how early the invitation was sent. Such a punctual man! What a delightful morning it is!”
Evelina felt a wave of dizziness wash over her, her heart pounding in her chest as she struggled to process his announcement. The mere thought of encountering the Earl of Oakwood again sent a shiver down her spine.
She found herself momentarily speechless, her usually composed demeanor faltering in the face of this unwelcome news.
Before she could gather her wits to voice her concerns, James in his characteristic brusque manner, interjected with a dismissive tone, “There is nothing to discuss.” he declared, cutting off any potential objections. His authoritative demeanor brooked no argument, leaving her silenced and unsettled. “Now, you would do well to start the preparations for the upcoming dinner immediately. You have only a day.” It was moments like this that made her remember how she hated his commanding tone.
With a heavy heart and a sense of resignation, Evelina watched her father storm out of the room in a cloud of indignation, leaving her to grapple with the upcoming social event that now hung over her like a dark cloud.
This was all she could do. Do as her father tells her, marry who he tells her. For she was not a son, not an heir. She was just a daughter…
CHAPTER NINETEEN
“Your Grace, such glad tidings your arrival brings! We are most delighted to have you with us this evening.”
As the clock chimed the hour, Evelina heard her father’s voice from where she stood and glimpsed his overly friendly smile as he greeted the Duke at the entrance of the Elderglen estate.
Gabriel, his demeanor reserved yet polite, shook the Viscount’s hand firmly. “Lord Elderglen, a pleasure to be here.”
“Oh, please.” Seeming to note Gabriel’s offhandedness, James waved his hand, attempted to bridge the gap between them, “The pleasure is all ours. Your presence is a most appreciated sight, Your Grace.”
The forced formalities continued as James led him down the grand hall, where Evelina and her sisters stood in a line, their expressions neutral, as he’d instructed.
Evelina curtsied gracefully as the Duke approached, and her sisters followed suit, each offering their greetings with practiced poise.
“Your Grace, it is a pleasure to welcome you to Elderglen Manor. We have been?—”
“Ah, girls, isn’t this such a delightful day! Here he is, our esteemed guest, right on time!” James voice cut his eldest daughter off without a care, not even sparing a glance in her direction.
Evelina knew this was on purpose. She was not the one he intended for the Duke, after all.
She grimaced as her father’s loud laughter created an awkward atmosphere. The tension in the air was nearly suffocating, only growing as he tattled on.
Despite his efforts to engage Gabriel in conversation, Gabriel’s responses remained polite but distant. His eyes betrayed a hint of discomfort at the forced familiarity, but that did not stop the Viscount’s effusive gestures.
James, oblivious to the tension, continued his attempts at small talk.
“I must commend you as well for being a man of such impeccable timing. A true mark of a gentleman, not a second is spared in your wake, oh great heavens, ha-ha!”
Gabriel appeared appreciative of the compliments as they kept on coming, yet maintained a composed facade, his responses measured and courteous as always. Evelina could tell that he didn’t believe James’ words. She knew how he looked when he truly appreciated something.
Stop thinking of him!
