Wilhelm sighed resignedly, setting down his teacup with a gentle clink.
“I understand your desire to see your friends, Genevieve,” he conceded. “But I believe they are not particularly fond of my company.”
Genevieve’s eyes widened in surprise. “Not fond of your company?” she repeated in disbelief. “Why would you think that?”
Wilhelm’s lips curled into a wry smile. “I believe they find me rather disagreeable,” he explained, raising his hands in the air and shrugging. “If I am being honest, I do not think they are far off the mark. You are free to visit them alone if you wish.”
Genevieve pursed her lips, tilting her head to the side. “I believe you are perfectly good company.”
Wilhelm’s face lit up, and his eyes glinted as he reached across the table, his thumb gently tracing the back of her hand. “Then I shall indulge your request, darling,” he said in a low voice. “Invite your friends to dinner.”
Genevieve’s face broke into a radiant smile. “Thank you, Wilhelm!” she exclaimed.
Wilhelm chuckled. “Not at all, love. I merely wish to see you happy.”
Genevieve flashed him another radiant smile. “Might we also invite Lord Gaverton?”
Wilhelm’s expression darkened, his jaw tightening. “No,” he said firmly, shaking his head. “Absolutely not.”
Genevieve pouted, tilting her head coquettishly. “Pray tell, why not?”
Wilhelm continued to shake his head, his tone unyielding. “We are business associates, not friends. The answer is no.”
“But, Wilhelm…” Genevieve clasped her hands together, her voice soft and coaxing. “I would be ever so grateful if you would reconsider.”
Wilhelm let out a slow breath, his fingers tapping a restless rhythm against the arm of his chair.
“Genevieve, I have already said no,” he muttered, although he sounded more resigned than firm.
Genevieve allowed a beat of silence to stretch between them, then reached out and seductively trailed her fingers down his sleeve.
“I would not ask if it was not important,” she murmured, her voice as soft as velvet.
Wilhelm stiffened at her touch, his jaw tightening. He glanced away briefly, as though preparing himself to end the matter, but when he looked back at her, her patient, unwavering gaze unraveled him.
“You little minx,” he grumbled, more to himself than her. He exhaled sharply, rubbing his hand over his face. “Fine,” he sighed resignedly. “But do not think for one minute that I do not see what you are doing.”
Her smile widened, though she quickly schooled her features into something appropriately demure. “I do not have the faintest idea what you mean.”
Wilhelm groaned, shaking his head. “Of course, you do not,” he said. “I shall extend an invitation to Gaverton.”
Genevieve gave him a wide smile, knowing she had won the battle. “Splendid!” she exclaimed with enthusiasm. “I am certain Marianne and Owen will be delighted to finally make his acquaintance.”
Wilhelm let out one final sigh of exasperation. “And I suspect Lord Gaverton will be equally delighted to make theirs. After all, chatting is his favorite pastime.”
“Oh, Mrs. Hughes, these flowers are simply divine!” Genevieve exclaimed, twirling through the dining hall.
Her enthusiasm coaxed a rare smile from Mrs. Hughes, a sight that made Anna muffle a giggle behind her hand, lest Mrs. Hughes chastise her for her insolence.
The days leading up to the dinner party were filled with a flurry of preparations. Genevieve enthusiastically immersed herself in the planning process, overseeing the menu, the decorations, and the dozens of minute arrangements with meticulous care.
She envisioned the elegant table settings, the sparkling crystal glasses, the fragrant floral arrangements, and the lively conversation that would fill the dining hall.
She yearned for the opportunity to share her newfound happiness with Wilhelm with her dearest friends. She longed to properly introduce them to him, to showcase the man she had come to know.
Horses neighed in the yard.
“Oh, they are finally here!” she exclaimed, rushing towards the door.
