Suddenly, he took a step forward and took her hand in his, causing a rush of warmth to spread through her at his touch, followed by his affectionate kiss which sent a blush to her cheeks.
“I’ve missed you terribly, my beautiful betrothed,” Gabriel whispered, his words causing a flutter in her heart and an even deeper red to grace her expression.
As her sisters’ joyful and surprised squeals and exclamations filled the air around them, Evelina giggled softly, unable to keep away the dopey grin that filled her face.
I love this man.
I love him so much, I can’t believe this is really happening.
“I have missed you, and I’m happy to see you as well,” she felt shy allowing the words to leave her mouth, yet the grin that filled Gabriel’s face right after made it all worth it.
While another round of squeals erupted from her sisters, Evelina was reminded of the weight of her father’s presence, his awkward cough and clearing of throat drawing attention back to the matter of the occasion.
“Ah, ‘less I forget, the Countess sends her regrets and love, as she would be unable to join us this evening.” His smile was genuine as he gestured towards the door, “Now, before it gets further late, shall we then?”
As they crossed the threshold, the gasps and nods at the opulence of the mansion continued till they arrived at the lavish drawing room. The moment they stepped in, before Gabrielcould utter a word, Eliza bounded towards them, her eyes alight with joy.
“Miss Balfour , you’re finally here!” She exclaimed, wrapping her arms tightly around her. She nestled closer, her tone dripping with emotion as her voice fell to a whisper, “I’ve missed you so, so much.”
Evelina’s heart swelled with affection as she returned the embrace, holding the little girl close. “Oh, Eliza, I’ve missed you too,” she replied softly, her voice filled with warmth and tenderness.
When Eliza pulled back slightly, tears glistened at the corner of her eyes. Cupping her face in her hands, Evelina gazed into her eyes, a rush of memories of their time together flooding her mind.
“The last time we saw each other was when I quit, was it not?” Evelina reminisced, her voice filled with gratitude for the turn of events as she let out a laugh, “However, it seems the heavens do not want us separated, ever.”
“And I am so very glad for it!” Eliza nodded, sniffling, a wide smile stretching her lips, “While you were gone, all I could do was think about the lessons we shared. It all meant so much to me,” she squeezed Evelina’s hands softly, “You meant so much to me.”
“Oh, dear Eliza…”
The little girl’s eyes sparkled with happiness as she expressed, “I’m so glad you’re marrying my father. You’ll be the best mom!”
Evelina’s eyes shimmered as she hugged her once more, the weight of her words settling deep in her heart. “I promise to always be here with you from now on, my darling girl. I’ll be so glad to call you my daughter.”
Evelina let out a soft sigh of contentment as they embraced tighter, the soft glow of the chandeliers doubling the warmth of the scene.
Finally, her eyes opened and she pulled away from the hug hearing Gabriel’s gently clearing of his throat. She exchanged a smile with him, and then turned to her family, realizing they’d been waiting all this while.
“Eliza, my dear, let me introduce you to my family,” she spoke, her voice filled with pride and affection. She took Eliza’s hand in hers and guided her to where they stood.
With a gentle smile, she stopped Eliza in front of her father, who thankfully greeted the little girl warmly, “The young lady of the esteemed Dunmore estate. It brings me gladness to finally meet you.”
Eliza returned the greeting with a polite curtsey, her lashes batting shyly under his gaze. Next, Evelina guided Eliza to her sisters, one by one.
“And this is Margaret, the eldest following myself,” Evelina said, as Margaret extended a gracious hand with a smile, “How lovely to meet finally meet you, Eliza, Evie has told us quite a bit about you.”
Eliza’s response was soft-spoken but respectful, “Likewise, Lady Margaret.”
After introducing the other two girls, Penelope, with her vibrant spirit, took matters into her own hands and approached Eliza before Evelina could make the formal introductions, “Hello, Eliza! I’m Penelope, the most adventurous sister, you are but a year younger than me, if not, we could’ve passed as twins.”
Chuckles filled the room following this, and Alexandra rolled her eyes comically, “Ah, of course, because you both look so incredibly similar,” her voice dripped sarcasm.
“We do have similar noses,” to Evelina’s surprise, Eliza piped up with a smile, her shy demeanor seeming to dissipate as she tapped her nose and pointed to Penelope’s. “It’s nice to meet you, Penelope.”
“How adorable!” Margaret’s laugh carried across the room, causing Eliza’s cheeks to flush lightly, “Oh, she’s simply enchanting, isn’t she, Louisa? I’m so sorry, I cannot keep it in any longer.”
Louisa nodded enthusiastically, “Absolutely, those big beady eyes on her, so beautiful.”
Eliza’s gaze shifted to Evelina sharply, her mouth slightly agape, “Are my eyes truly big?”
