“I’ve loved you for a while now,” she stared up at him, hoping her eyes reflected the sincerity in her words, her heart fluttering with vulnerability and affection.
Gabriel’s eyes widened, revealing his pleasant surprise. The next moment, his smile materialized into a smirk, his eyes dancing with a hint of mischief.
“I’ve known this,” he teased, his fingers gently pinching her cheeks. “Your cheeks have always been a clear testament of your feelings,” he added playfully, his words laced with affection.
A deep blush painted Evelina’s cheeks once more as she playfully swatted at him, the light touch failing to do much as he expertly caught her hand in his. His laughter filled the air, a melody that resonated in her heart, bringing a sense of ease and comfort to the moment she could not help but smile at.
Filled with joy, she leaned in smoothly, wrapping her arms around his neck as she pulled him in a tender kiss. The moment was electric, a blend of passion and affection that enveloped them both in a sweet embrace.
As the kiss deepened, a wave of heat sparked in the air, burning brighter the fire that burned between them. Just as the intensity peaked, Gabriel pulled back slightly, his eyes locked on hers with a deep longing. “We only need to wait a couple of weeks before we can continue this,” he murmured, his voice husky as he spoke. “I want to marry you, as quickly as possible, my love.”
Evelina’s cheeks flushed deeply at his words, her heart racing with a mix of excitement and anticipation. “I... I can’t wait,” she stammered, her voice filled with emotion as she met his gaze, her eyes shining with love and happiness.
“Oh, spare me the excuses my lord viscount. There is no excuse for the manner in which I have watched you regard your daughters.” Clara’s voice echoed through the hall, her arms crossed as she eyed James.
As they stepped out of the drawing room at last, the couple exchanged surprised expressions, noting the palpable tension in the air in the hall as James stood before the Countess, a mix of defiance and guilt in his expression.
“I have my reasons, as I have said. You simply do not understand the complexities of the situation,” James retorted, his tone defensive as he tried to justify his actions. “The manner in which I have raised my girls, is mine and mine alone to-”
“As their father, it is your duty to prioritize their well-being over your own desires,” Clara’s gaze fixed on him with an almost warning smile, her resolve unyielding as she stood her ground. “The manner with which you have raised them has nothing to do with giving them opportunity to choose in life what works best for them.”
James’s attempts to defend himself faltered in the face of her unwavering conviction; he was heavily unaccustomed to suchreproach. “B-But the Earl’s proposal is a great benefit to any family. It is unwise for anyone dismiss it so easily, making a mockery out of the man-”
“Careful, lord viscount,” the woman’s cackle was enough to send shivers down Evelina’s spine even from where she stood, “now you would not want people believing you a man who exalts men and status above his family, would you?”
“B-But, that is not what I- Of course, I am not such a man,” James pleaded, a hint of desperation creeping into his voice.
“Wonderful! A strong, loving father figure you are, my lord! The ladies of the ton must hear about the kindness as well strong character of the viscount of Elderglen, yes?” Clara’s expression lit up, a grin brightening her face as she suddenly began gushing praises at him.
“The happiness and welfare of your daughters come first, yes, indeed. So now, you shall inform lord Anthony that this marriage will not take place,” she stated, her words final and unyielding despite her wide, innocent smile.
The weight of her words hung heavy in the air for a moment. James, clearly defeated, nodded solemnly in acceptance. “You’re right, countess. I shall do the needful as soon as I can.”
From the corner of her eye, Evelina saw her sisters step out from where presumably they’d been cowering, forced to witness the exchange between their father and Clara.
Their eyes were wide with disbelief, all sharing equally astonished expressions, their surprise mirroring hers.
Could this day get any better?
She felt her now betrothed’s gaze on her and she instinctively turned to find him staring at her with a multitude of love and tenderness.
Could this be heaven?
“My my, would you take a look at that!” Finally, Evelina’s eyes were pulled from Gabriel as Clara’s voice drew their attention.
The woman’s eyes twinkled mischievously as she addressed, “Well, it seems the lovely couple have settled their differences. Truly what a wonderful day it is.”
Evelina felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment, a shy smile playing on her lips as she stole another glance at Gabriel.
His laughter rang out, warm and genuine, as he responded, “Yes, we have indeed found common ground. We are to be married, a couple weeks from now, soonest.”
“Truly?”
“A couple of weeks?!”
“Oh, Evelina, I am so happy for you!” Margaret was the first to rush over to her as always, pulling her into a deep embrace.
“Thank you!” Evelina’s laughter resounded as the rest of the girls scurried into the embrace, squealing and laughing along.
