Evelina huffed and looked in the direction of the house. The Viscount’s frequent presence in the house of late was a result of his being banned from multiple clubs due to his ever-expanding debts.
The man was home more often than not. And, to top it all off, with his forced sobriety, he was crankier than ever. Everyone knew well to stay out of his path.
The housekeeper’s voice, heavy and desperate with concern, pulled Evelina from her thoughts. “Please, Miss. He is in one of his worst moods, especially now. He might purposely go out of his way to engage with you. Considering…” she trailed off.
As quiet fell between them, Evelina’s gaze lingered on Mrs. Higgins, her brows raised in inquiry for further insight.
“Considering what?” she prompted. She took note of how the woman was unable to hold eye contact for more than a few seconds.
For a moment, Mrs. Higgins seemed about to divulge more, but then she decided against it.
“It’s only the current situation. It would serve the household better if you do not argue with your father this time.” She heaved a resigned sigh. “I shall take my leave now, Miss, before it’s too late.”
“Indeed, you should hurry. Please be careful and get back safely. Thank you, Mrs. Higgins, for your honesty and warning,” Evelina said, her voice laced with a mix of gratitude and apprehension.As the woman turned to leave with a smile, Evelina’s gaze followed her, “And I shall heed your advice and approach the Viscount cautiously,” she assured, doing her best to keep from her tone betraying the unease she felt at the prospect of facing her father’s somber mood.
With a final nod of acknowledgment to the woman’s departing figure, she made a turn to head inside at last.
Her mind was full of questions, and she had a feeling something had happened, considering the housekeeper’s behavior. Still, she reassured herself if necessary, she would find out eventually, or question on Mrs. Higgins’ return. She made for the drawing room, where she caught sight of her sister sitting quietly on a chair.
“Ah, Louisa. Buried in your books as always, I see. I’m surprised to find you here and not in the gardens, however. Do not tell me there’s been another hornet disturbance?” she playfully remarked.
The ride from Dunmore House had been dreary for the most part. But she had decided to keep her composure till she stepped into Elderglen Manor and went up to her chambers. There was no need to worry her sisters.
However, the smile on her face faltered, and her brow rose slightly as Louisa slowly got up from her seat to greet her. “Sister, I am glad you’re back. I hope you had a pleasant day.”
Her response was subdued, lacking her usual vivacity.
She raised her head to meet Evelina’s eyes, a shadow of concern clouding her features. “I have been waiting for you, actually.”
At this point, Evelina’s smile vanished. “Sister, what troubles you? Why this solemn air?”
“I…” Louisa hesitated, her gaze flickering towards the staircase before returning to her. “I… I don’t quite know how to say this.”
Evelina’s brow furrowed, a knot of apprehension forming in her stomach. “But you must tell me. That is why you waited, is it not? Is it Father? What has he done this time?” Her eyes darted towards the stairs as well. “Did he not say he would be staying off the drink for a couple of days to deal with my and Margaret’s engagements?”
She bit her lip, struggling to keep her mind from imagining the worst. She wondered if one of her sisters had mistakenly made themselves noticeable in her absence, bringing the Viscount’s wrath down on themself.
“It is not wholly about him.” Louisa’s eyes were downcast as she shook her head slightly. “It is… Margaret, Sister.”
Evelina raised an eyebrow in question.
“She needs you, Evelina,” Louisa continued. “She’s in her room. You’re the only one who could get through to her.”
Without another word, Evelina nodded and turned towards the staircase, her steps quickening as she ascended, her feet subconsciously making their way in the right direction, the weight of the unknown pressing upon her mind.
A sense of urgency gripped her as her hurried footsteps echoed through the hallway, her concern mounting with each passing second.
Reaching Margaret’s door at last, her breath caught in her throat, her hand freezing from automatically pushing the door open as she would.
The sound of stifled sobs seeping through the wood caught her off guard, causing her pulse to quicken. Tentatively, she raised her hand and rapped gently on the door, the abrupt cessation of the cries leaving a heavy silence in its wake.
“Who is it?” Her sister’s voice, wavering with vulnerability, called out from within, her attempt to compose herself evident in the clearing of her throat.
“Sister, it is I,” Evelina’s voice, filled with worry, responded softly, a sense of urgency coloring her words.
The faint sounds of movement inside preceded the creaking of the door as it opened slowly, revealing Margaret’s tear-streaked face, a mirror of raw emotion and distress.
“Oh, Margaret…” Evelina’s voice faltered as she took in the sight of her sister’s anguish, her heart sinking.
