“It is good to see us all together, at last.” James grinned broadly as he gestured towards the table. “Dear ladies and gentlemen, you may feast away!”
Evelina took a deep breath as she dug into her food, trying to find a way to eat at a pace slow enough so as not to finish her measly dinner quickly.
“My dearest Miss Balfour.” The Earl’s voice drew her attention. his words carrying a playful tone as he leaned in, beaming at her. “Isn’t it nice being seated next to each other? A little preview of what’s to come, perhaps,” he remarked with a chuckle, his eyes once again lingering on her a moment longer than necessary.
“I… Well, it i-is quite all right, My Lord,” caught off guard by such a suggestive comment, her response stumbled out, barely coherent, betraying the discomfort that churned within her.
Her racing heart echoed the unease she always felt in the man’s presence, a discomfort that seemed to grow with each passing moment. Just his gaze was enough to make her feel trapped.
“Perhaps I might come over for dinner tomorrow? Or possibly even breakfast. I am ever eager to spend more time with you.” His slimy grin made her body itch. “What say you, my dear?”
She tried to keep the repulsion out her tone as she gave him a polite smile. “I fear I cannot answer that question, My Lord. It would depend on my father, and, of course, your schedule, if you might ever find the time.”
“Oh, but we always make time for what matters, do we not?” From the corner of her eye, she watched his eyes roamed over her figure almost shamelessly.
Disgusting man.
“It would not at all be a problem, my dear Miss Balfour. And on second thought, I’m certain your father would love to have me around. He and I have grown quite close, you see.”
Evelina nodded, desperate to end the conversation, and to shift his eyes from her.
Thankfully, the Earl seemed satisfied with her responses, and his gaze returned to his plate.
For heavens’ sake, someone make this end.
As she nervously glanced across the table, her eyes met Gabriel’s, only to find the intensity in them nearly caused a gasp to escape her lips.
Why is he staring at me like that? Have I done something wrong?
The daggers he shot at them with narrowed eyes felt almost physical, his irritation obvious. As dinner continued, she tried to avoid his gaze, resulting to the air she felt growing increasingly tense.
The clinking of silverware against fine china was the only sound filling the room, emphasizing the awkward silence that enveloped the table.
“My Lord, have you heard about the novels that were published recently?” James’s voice was strained as he attempted to steer the conversation away from the weight of the quiet. “Authors are a bit too forward these days, would you not agree?”
The Earl, ever the polite guest, responded with a courteous smile. “Indeed, My Lord. However, I must admit that I have found the latest works quite intriguing.”
“Oh, certainly!” The Viscount’s tune changed immediately. His laugh was painfully boot-licking. “The writers are acting out, being unconventional—it is truly a treat. Our society needs honesty. Something to shake them up, I mean.”
The Earl let out an amused chuckle. “Of course, My Lord.”
The clinking of glasses and utensils filled the air once more.
“Have you yet heard of the upcoming soirée at the Duchess of Devonshire’s residence? It promises to be a delightful event. Are you going to attend the event?”
Evelina drew in a sharp breath as her father so desperately tried to ease the tension again. She wished he would finally stop.
“As you know, the Duchess always hosts the most splendid gatherings. Evelina is quite fond of them, actually. Are you not, my dear daughter?”
Her heart thumped in her chest as all eyes on the table turned to her. She gave a quick nod before her gaze fell to her plate. “Yes, Father.”
James let out a laugh as he continued. “So, will you be in attendance as well, My Lord? Perhaps you can both share a couple of dances—get to know each other better.”
“That would be quite nice. I shall be in attendance,” the Earl responded. Evelina tried to focus on her food, yet she could feelhis eyes drilling a hole into her skull as he spoke, but she did not look at to him.
“Excellent.” James grinned. While the seconds ticked by, he hesitated, then his tone fell, a tinge of caution filling his overly polite voice when he spoke again. “I heard you are quite the admirer of the arts, Your Grace.”
For a moment, Gabriel continued to eat quietly, and they seemed to hold their breath as they waited for his response.
