She understood that his resentment resulted from her assuming his responsibilities in the household. Coupled with his withdrawals, his outbursts were explainable. Despite this, his words were too cutting.
Do not cry, do not let yourself shed a tear. You knew this would happen. You expected this…
As her father’s reproach lingered in the air, her thoughts turned to the true depth of the sacrifice she was making. She could not help but think ofhimonce more.
Gabriel, the man who had stolen her heart, was an unattainable dream, a love she was not even supposed to long for.
The idea of love at all, a glimmer of hope she’d felt despite what had happened earlier that day, now felt like a cruel illusion, a notion forever out of reach.
But she pushed through the pain, determined to convince her father.
“Perhaps Margaret would be able to find a better suitor than the Earl. Someone wealthier, like the Duke of Dunmore.” The words felt like acid on her tongue.
Why would you suggest him? Why?
She forced a smile. “Just like you wanted from the start. Perhaps all hope is not lost in that aspect?—”
“Be quiet, girl.”
At the harsh admonishment, Evelina hung her head, emptiness filling her.
Her father scoffed. “I’ll send a note to the Earl to inquire if he still wishes for your hand.” His words were the final blow to her already wounded spirit. “After all, he might be happier with the arrangement.”
This was what you wanted… Do not cry. Don’t let those tears drop. Do not…
“But you must apologize as well, in person. Find an excuse, let him know you did not mean to turn down his advances.”
The room fell silent once more as James watched her, seeming to await a turn he could use against her once more.
However, Evelina was too broken for such. She nodded meekly. “Thank you, Father. I will do as you say.”
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
“Halt the carriage, I must make a stop.”
The morning sun painted the sky with hues of gold as Gabriel’s carriage rolled steadily along the familiar path back to his estate after a successful business affair that had kept him away through the night.
Despite his weariness, a glint of determination shone in his eyes as he spotted a jewelry shop nestled along the bustling street. A smile filled his face as he stepped down from the carriage, his thoughts immediately drifting to his daughter.
Entering the shop, his presence commanded attention as always, his noble bearing unmistakable. The shop attendant, a woman with a warm smile and a hint of flirtation in her gaze, greeted him eagerly.
“Good morning, My Lord. How may I assist you today?” Her voice had a soft lilt, her eyes lingering on him with a touch of admiration.
Gabriel returned her greeting politely, his focus on the task at hand unwavering. “I’m looking for a necklace for my young daughter. Something elegant yet fitting for her age. She is but one-and-ten.”
The shop attendant’s demeanor seemed to shift at his mention of having a child, yet she smiled. “Oh, she is fortunate to have such a thoughtful father,” she gushed, an odd blush tinting her cheeks as she selected a delicate necklace and presented it to him. “Would this suffice, My Lord? The pattern and gems are suitable for a young lady her age, nothing of an extra sort. Just enough to make her stand out from her peers on occasion.”
Her tone continuously irritated Gabriel by the second. “‘Your Grace’, I am not a lord.”
“A duke?! My apologies, Your Grace, I-I had no idea,” she stammered. The grin on her face only widened however, her excitement palpable. “Yet, I should have known, a man of such stature as yours could only hold such a high title.”
Gabriel pressed his lips together and returned his attention to the necklace, making his disinterest in the woman’s flattery clear as he nodded at the jewelry. “This would do.”
“Wonderful!”
The morning light streamed through the windows, casting a soft glow on the display of exquisite pieces. As he envisioned Eliza’s smile at the gift he’d chosen, Gabriel felt a satisfaction wash over him.
“If I may,” A frown filled his face and his gaze lifted again to meet the shop attendant’s, who suddenly presented another necklace, a stunning piece adorned with a vibrant gem that shimmered with a deep, passionate red hue.
