When Evelina pointed out this problem to her father, however, he snapped at her and started ranting about how disrespectful she had become over time. She struggled to understand his sudden anger towards her.
Not even in the slightest did he provide a solution. Instead, the rations for each person had to be reduced.
“Thank you, My Lord. Your hospitality is greatly appreciated,” Evelina watched in annoyance as the Earl replied with a gracious nod.
Evelina wondered if it was her rage making her see the maliciousness behind the man’s eyes, and if perhaps the Earl’s food choices had not just been a way to belittle her family.
He cannot be so wicked, can he?
“You’re most welcome, My Lord. And these are my daughters.”
She was pulled out of her train of thoughts as her father boastfully introduced her and her sisters to the Earl, this time in the correct order of their ages. She swallowed her resentment and curtsied gracefully along with the girls, their movementsmirroring the etiquette they already displayed in the presence of the duke.
The Earl, with a genteel smile, remarked, “Ah yes, of course, what a pleasure it is to find such beautiful faces here.”
Being the seemingly believed suave gentleman he thought himself, he strode over to Evelina, clasping her hands and bringing it to his lips in a gesture that bordered on over familiarity.
“It is a pleasure to see you again, my dearest Miss Balfour,” His words dripped with a charm that barely cloaked a deeper intention. Yet Evelina had noticed the Earl avoiding Gabriel’s intense presence.
Evelina’s entire system screamed with horror, but she managed to keep most of the discomfort off her face as she forced herself to muster “Yes, it’s an honor to see you again, my lord.”
Attempting to reclaim her hand, she gasped lightly , his smile that was carrying a show of something more sinister as he peeked up at her from her hand.
The air was thick with unspoken discomfort as the exchange prolonged more than an acceptable period. Evelina’s eyes darted around, seeking an escape from the unwelcome familiarity that was being imposed upon her.
Her sisters watched however, so clearly helpless. Her father, cautiously watching in the corner, seemed to care more about bidding off his child than his daughter’s honor and chastity.
Just as the awkwardness threatened to suffocate the room, Gabriel’s voice cut through the tension like a sharp blade. “Shall we eat dinner? It’s best to not waste any more time before the hour turns late.”
Evelina looked up at him, her eyes widening in surprise upon encountering his thunderous expression that lurked beneath his composed words. The intensity of his silent fury sent a shiver down her spine, despite his composure, she knew him well by now to tell his displeasure. Her cheeks flushed, her heart quickening at the heavy tension filling the air. The Earl must have noticed the same. His eyes never meeting the Duke’s.
“Indeed, Your Grace,” James’ awkward laughter bounced about the room, breaking the charged silence as he declared. “Yes, let us all adjourn to the dining room.”
Finally, the Earl released Evelina’s hand, his smile now directed at her father as he graciously remarked, “Lead the way, My Lord.”
The room seemed to release a collective breath, the focus shifting from the unsettling interaction to the main reason for the gathering. However, the weight of the Earl’s gaze lingered on Evelina for a moment longer before he turned his full attention to James.
Evelina tried to catch her breath as they made their way to the dining room, and her eyes could not help but stray towards the Duke. His words had been a lifeline in such a great moment of discomfort.
She silently urged him to turn to her to see the gratitude in her eyes. However, his eyes were fixed ahead, not sparing her even a glance. Her heart sank.
Thankfully, she could not dwell on the feeling for long as they soon entered the dining room.
Evelina took a deep breath, her ears reddening at the poor sight. She had done her best to spruce up the modest setting with the help of the housekeeper, but the limitations of their resources were starkly apparent.
The table, though neatly arranged, bore the marks of scarcity, a fact that could not escape the notice of the discerning eye.
In an attempt to defuse the awkwardness, James chuckled lightly and, with a sweeping gesture towards the table, remarked, “We decided to make this a cozy family gathering. We’re no strangers now, after all, are we?”
“Oh, certainly not. We are all tight as twins,” the Earl chimed in agreement, his words carrying a subtle edge that Evelina sensed once again.
The subtle glint in his eyes almost imperceptible, hinted at a hidden layer of mockery that rocked her, planting further seeds of doubt and suspicion in her mind.
Gabriel remained silent. Only after James showed everyone their seats did his stoic demeanor falter slightly, his eyebrow rising at the dynamics.
The Viscount strategically positioned himself at the head of the table, flanked by the Duke and the Earl. Evelina found herself seated beside the Earl, her pulse quickening with a mix of nerves, while Margaret occupied the seat next to Gabriel.
Louisa sat next to Evelina, her only protective barrier of familial support, while Alexandra and Penelope sat next to Margaret.
