He was at a loss for words, his voice faltering as he grappled with the reality of her impending departure.
This is not happening… Marriage? Whom is she getting married to? Which random bastard proposed in such a short time? When? H-How?
His inner turmoil threatened to spill over, his desire to express his growing feelings warring with the knowledge that the anger he was feeling would serve no purpose in this somber exchange.
At last, he found his words, his voice dangerously low as he asked, “Why are you informing me of this just now?”
Evelina’s response was swift, her words cold and lifeless. “The engagement occurred only yesterday, Your Grace. It took me by surprise as much as it would anyone.”
“Tell me.” His voice sharpened as his frustration at her demeanor mounted. “Do you think it fair to drop such news and then leave on the very same day?”
Evelina’s eyes met his at last. “And what would you rather have me do in such a situation, Your Grace?” she snapped.
Gabriel’s heart rate quickened, and he felt a familiar fire ignite within him at her brazenness. “You could have at least discussed the matter with me months beforehand. You work for me. You cannot just up and leave, leaving me stranded so suddenly.”
“I believe you were present at the dinner my father hosted, Your Grace. You witnessed my father’s desire to marry me off to the Earl of Oakwood—this is only a manifestation of what is to come.”
Lord Oakwood? That slimy, disgusting man?
“The Earl of Oakwood? Are you seriously leaving my daughter to marry such a man, Evelina?”
“‘Such a man’ in what manner, Your Grace?” she shot back, her facade cracking. “I politely ask you to refer to my betrothed in a proper manner, for the sake of our previous work relationship.”
Is she playing with me? What sort of joke is this?!
His eyes blazed with indignation. “You’re defending him now? Youdetesthim. Yes, I was at that dinner—I can boldly attest to that.”
“I am a woman,” Evelina countered, her voice trembling with suppressed emotion. “A long-lasting spinster. I am expected to marry. I can only be grateful for what I get.”
Don’t talk about yourself like that. Why are you talking about yourself like that?
“Miss Balfour…” Gabriel’s voice shook slightly. “Why must you leave immediately? Is there no alternative?” He heaved out a sigh. “Eliza has come to rely on your guidance, you know this. Your absence will surely impact her education. Perhaps?—”
“I am afraid my decision is final, Your Grace.” His eyebrows knitted together at her snappish response. “My impending marriage demands my full attention, and I must prepare for the changes that lie ahead. Eliza shall need another tutor to continue her studies.”
“Pray tell, where do you expect me to find one so suddenly? Do tutors drop from the sky these days?” he snarled. “Your tone—I have warned you not to speak to me in such a manner, repeatedly.”
Evelina scowled at him. “I simply cannot understand you. Why can’t you be happy for me, Your Grace? Why can’t you congratulate me as any person would.”
Gabriel scoffed. “Happy for you? Why should I congratulate you? Your engagement is none of my concern.”
“Exactly, Your Grace!” she hissed. “It’s none of your concern, so why are you speaking about it as though it is? Why do you have such an irritated expression on your face?”
Because…
Unable and somewhat afraid to find the answer, Gabriel growled a warning once more. “Do not raise your voice at me, Miss Balfour.”
But, with her temper flaring, she carried on with a shrill laugh, “I had hoped for a civil parting, could you believe that? Yet you persist in showing how little you care, how little you’ve ever respected me!”
“You still think I don’t care about you, Evelina?!”
His sudden movement startled her, her eyes widening with a flicker of concern as his hands crashed against the table, the sound reverberating through the room.
Despite the tension crackling however, she met his gaze head-on, a defiant glint in her eyes mirroring his own intensity.
Gabriel rose from his seat, his heart racing in sync with the chaos of their exchange. With deliberate steps, he closed the distance between them.
Evelina’s soft gasp and expected step back only caused him to take another step forward, cornering her, a silent battle of wills unfolding in the charged space between them.
