Gabriel could not let her marry such a man. One so eager to achieve his goal, he had no care for what the consequences would tell in society on her person.
Better yet, he would not let her marry any man except himself.
It had only been a couple of weeks since the Earl had proposed. Yet, Gabriel had been too focused on his work, and then on drinking himself into a stupor to inquire about the wedding date.
It simply would not hold. Not as long as I breathe.
He had quickly thanked his daughter, and allowed his mix of disbelief and determination to push him to act swiftly.
It was still bright and early in the morning, yet that did not stop him from confronting the situation head-on. As he alightedfrom the carriage, his steps purposeful and his gaze unwavering, he steeled himself with a deep breath for the challenging task ahead.
“Announce my visit immediately, I request to see the Miss Balfour , it is of urgent business,” Gabriel’s voice was firm, his eyes reflecting his determination as he stood at the grand entrance of the Elderglen manor.
The doorman, seemingly taken aback by his commanding fierceness, hesitated for a moment before nodding quickly and scurrying off to fulfill the request.
Inside the manor, tension hung heavy in the air as the staff lingering around whispered anxiously about the unexpected visitor.
Deep breaths, this is going to work.
“Your Grace, they have been informed of your arrival,” the sound of an oddly familiar house servant’s voice pulled him from his thoughts. “This way, please.”
When you see her, the words will come.
Everything would work out just as you’d been planning.
As he took his steps towards the drawing room, Gabriel’s mind raced with conflicting thoughts. Perhaps if he’d spoken with her the day following his resolve to woo her over. If only he had notwaited. If only it was not but a day before the very wedding. Perhaps the pressure wouldn’t feel all-consuming.
Silence enveloped the drawing room, amplifying the thunderous rhythm of Gabriel’s heartbeat reverberating in his chest. Each passing second felt like an eternity as he stood there, his anticipation mingling with apprehension.
Finally, the door finally swung open. His breath caught in his throat, his eyes fixed on the figures entering the room.
James, the viscount, strode in first, immediately followed by Evelina, her graceful presence an instant ease to the turmoil brewing within him.
She’s ever so beautiful.
I want to marry this woman, I will.
Behind them, to Gabriel’s astonishment, his aunt bounded in after. He questioned her presence for a moment, yet, his focus could hardly remain on her.
Evelina’s presence was like a shining light, blinding him, a suffocation he welcomed. It had been too long since he’d seen her face. His fingers twitched beside him, desperate to reach out and take her hand in his.
Her eyes, a reflection of the storm of questions likely raging within her at his presence, also held a mixture of worry andconfusion, mirroring the tumult of emotions plagued him as well.
However, the more he watched her, the more his doubts faded away. This was the woman he wished to spend his life with, standing before him, a delicate portrait of strength and vulnerability. His resolve intensified, his heart overflowing with the love he held for her and overcoming the obstacles that threatened to keep them apart.
“Your Grace, a pleasure to have you come by as always. Yet, may I ask, what brings you here on this momentous day?” the viscount spoke hurriedly, his voice betraying a hint of nervousness that lingered in the shared air.
“You requested to see… Evelina?” a short laugh left the man’s lips following his question. “Perhaps you misspoke? And called for the wrong sister? You see, my second daughter’s name is Margaret, not-”
“No.” Gabriel’s gaze reluctantly tore away from Evelina, settling steely on the Viscount as he replied, “I have come to see Evelina, I did not make a mistake. I could never mix her up with anyone else.”
You mean more to me than that, my love.
He hoped his eyes could convey to her the words he could not yet say as he returned his gaze in her direction. Yet, her brows angled close in further worry and confusion met with his expression.
“And do you not realize the impropriety of such a request, Your Grace?” Clara interjected sharply, her tone laced with incredulity, “To seek an audience with a bride-to-be on the eve of her wedding is unheard of.”
She scoffed, shaking her head at him. “Can you fathom the scandal it would ignite within the ton? Oh, I can already hear the mamas twisting their stories. Considering your working relationship, they have more than enough ingredients to create a multitude of rumors.”
