Does this man truly intend to question me continuously?
He struggled to keep his temper in check as the viscount rattled on, “They share blood, upbringing, and values. It should not be so hard to reconsider-”
“That’s quite enough father, thank you. Please, I request you give us a moment alone,” Evelina’s voice was tinged with frustration and urgency as it cut through the tense atmosphere suddenly.
Her gaze locked with his, Gabriel eyes widened for a moment before a smile lifted his lips in face of her inquisition. At last, she wished to speak to him.
I’ll answer all your questions. Whatever it is you wish to ask of me, I’m yours.
His eyes never wavered from hers as he addressed the Viscount, his tone steady as he repeated himself once again, “I have the utmost respect for the lady Margaret, but my heart unequivocally belongs to your first daughter, my lord. Nothing would change my mind.”
However, James was more focused on his daughter in this moment, visibly taken aback by her sudden assertiveness. He seemed to struggle with processing the turn of events, his gaze shifting between her and back to Gabriel, a myriad of emotions flickering across his face.
His eyes flashed with rage when he spoke at last, “Evelina, did you just speak to me in-”
“My goodness, what a morning this has turned out to be indeed, is it not so, my lord?” In the midst of the charged silence, Clara, ever the voice of levity, interjected with a humorous tone, obvious to Gabriel as an attempt to diffuse the mounting tension.
“It seems our dear Evie is not one to mince words about His Grace either. Perhaps a moment of solitude for the young lovebirds is just what they need to sort out their hearts.” She beamed at the viscount, briskly walking up to him and slinging her arm in his, startling him greatly.
“Actually, no, I wish to-”
“Oh, you are aware how emotions are at their age. Still, they are capable enough to handle themselves, both very respectable persons as we know. Plus, we’d be right outside the door, what could be the issue?” She tugged on his arm with a playful force Gabriel knew all too well.
“Countess, I would rather-”
“Oh, come, come, come, my lord, out we go!” Giving him barely any space to finish his sentences, Clara pulled the viscount towards the door, leaving the man unable to do anything else but send helpless looks to the two they left behind.
“We’d be right outside, you two! Remember, leave space for the gods! Ten feet away, at all times!” The door was left open as Clara called from the hall before shutting it at last.
An excellent meddler as always, dear aunt. Thank you.
A hush fell over the room suddenly. Gabriel’s eyes shifted to Evelina to find her already staring, her gorgeous blue eyes reflecting a multitude of emotions. His voice was filled with tenderness as he instinctively took a step towards her.
“Evelina…”
CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX
“Stop right there.”
The words caught in Evelina’s throat, laced with a blend of shock and uncertainty, cut through the charged air, her hand instinctively raising as if to create a barrier between herself and Gabriel.
Much to her surprise, the duke complied, “As you wish,” his simple response, devoid of its usual assertiveness.
This sudden shift from the usually hard-headed man she had come to know left her reeling, nervous chuckles escaping her lips at the surreal turn of events.
Am I dreaming? Is this truly reality?
As he stood before her in silence, a man she had known in various capacities but never quite like this, her mind raced with questions and doubts. Could this man, who had professed hislove and desire for marriage to her, be the same person she had interacted with not so long ago?
Her mind shifted to their last interaction, the open expression he had now on his face contrasting greatly with the harsh dark gaze she had grown accustomed to.
Her heart beating erratically, Evelina began to pace, the sound of her footsteps echoing the room, somewhat akin to being physical manifestations of the thumps in her chest.
The duke is a man of his word, he’s never been one to lie for any reason.
But still…
She halted in her steps and regarded him before continuing to pace again, her thoughts whirling loudly within her.
