“Yes, indeed, I am.”
His engagement to the conversation spread A wide smile spread across James’s face. “Oh, how wonderful!” he practically squealed.
Suddenly, in a stark shift of focus, he turned his gaze to his second daughter with an air of forced enthusiasm. “Margaret, my dear, tell His Grace about your latest painting. I know how eager you are to speak about it.”
Margaret, caught off guard by his request, shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her cheeks flushing with embarrassment. She hesitated for a moment, her eyes darting nervously between family members before she mustered the courage to respond.
“It’s nothing of much consequence, Father. Just a simple landscape I’ve been working on.” Her voice wavered slightly, betraying her unease.
“Nonsense. You are far too humble, my dear.” James chuckled as he waved her off, “I tell you, she’s always this way, Your Grace. Very meek and agreeable. Such admirable qualities in a lady.”
Noticing her sister’s discomfort, Evelina offered her a supportive smile, silently conveying her sympathy.
“Your Grace, I don’t believe you have had the pleasure of witnessing her latest artistic endeavors?” James asked.
“Hopefully, he plans to stop at some point?” Louisa’s hurried whisper as she leaned in were like echoes of Evelina’s own thoughts, as their father continued to rave on.
Evelina sighed inwardly as her father probed further, his tone filled with a newfound enthusiasm clearly seeking to continue shifting the room’s attention towards Margaret’s talents.
Gabriel gave him a polite smile. “I must admit, My Lord, my tastes are very different from the norm.”
“Oh, but she could well adapt, I am certain. After all, she’s been looking to broaden her perspectives. Have you not, dear?”
Margaret’s eyes were trained on the table. “Yes, Father.”
“Just as I said.” James grinned triumphantly. “Now, how about you bring His Grace one of your works? It won’t take you long to go up to your room and back down, wou?—”
“Duringdinner, My Lord?” Gabriel snapped at the man, his eyes full of disapproval and judgement.
The Viscount could barely hold still at the imposing man’s gaze. He tried to mask the awkwardness of the situation with another chuckle. “But only to serve as entertainment for a short period.” He gestured towards Margaret. “We are all like family here. I’m sure she does not mind, she is always eager?—”
“I don’t believe Miss Margaret is a jester, My Lord. There would be no need for any of that. She shall remain seated.”
Evelina balled her fists and kept her eyes downcast to hide her simmering anger as her father quickly acquiesced.
“Oh, how kind and considerate you are of her already!” James praised as he shifted his gaze to Margaret. “Isn’t His Grace kind, my dear? Shan’t you be grateful for a such a show of care and consideration?”
Margaret however, did not raise her head as she nodded meekly without a word. Evelina caught the flash of anger in their father’s eyes before he turned the charm back on.
“Also, I don’t believe I’ve mentioned her exceptional piano skills. The way her fingers move over the keys is truly a sight to behold,” he declared proudly soon after, dragging the conversation.
Margaret blushed slightly at the effusive praise. “Father, you flatter me too much.”
“Oh, but I only speak the truth.” James barked out a laugh. “On that note, Your Grace, you must know that she not only excels in music but also possesses a grace in her dance that rivals that of the most accomplished ladies in the ton.”
His words were met with only a stoic grunt from The Duke, who continued focusing on his food. Almost ignoring the Viscount completely.
James cleared his throat before he tried again. “Margaret, you must allow me to tell His Grace the marvel of your embroidery skills.” His smile never left his face as he carried on. “The delicate stitches you are fond of creating?—”
Suddenly, with deliberate force, Gabriel placed his fork on the table causing a clatter, as well as jolts among the diners, startling everyone. His piercing eyes locked onto James, his tone cutting as he spoke, “My Lord, while I understand your pride in your daughter’s accomplishments, I find myself bored with the endless praise. One can only endure so much of it before it becomes tiresome. Some things are meant to be uncovered. ”
The room fell into a hushed silence as his words hung heavy in the air. The intensity in his eyes betrayed a depth that brooked no dissent.
James nodded once, clearly intimidated by such a formidable presence. “Goodness, Your Grace, you certainly know how to silence a table.”
Suddenly, the Earl let out a chuckle, and all eyes turned to him in shock. Evelina watched as Gabriel’s eyes narrowed on the man beside her, making him squirm in his chair.
“I mean, it is a gift, that is certain. No wonder you excel in business,” the Earl laughed and his eyes suddenly shifted. “Unfortunately, such strong character isn’t so popular with the ladies these days. Aren’t I right, my dear Miss Balfour?”
