CHAPTER 1
“Honestly, sister, if you carry on scowling like that, you’ll manage to finally scare off all potential suitors.”
Cecilia Everton shot her eldest brother, Tristan, a glare as he leaned in to whisper with a mischievous glint in his eyes, careful not to draw attention from the elegantly dressed guests swaying to the music.
Her cheeks flushed from both the warmth of the ballroom and her frustration. “I’m not scowling! I’m just… contemplating the intensity of this whole event. It’s freezing outside, yet one can’t even tell with all the hustle and bustle.”
“Ah, but that’s what makes it a proper ball,” Nathaniel, the middle sibling, chimed in, his voice smooth and teasing. “The chill in the air only makes the warmth of the ballroom feel more inviting.”
Tristan shook his head, “Still, it’s just like our sister to scowl at such a sight,” he turned to her with a smile, “It matters little anyway. It has always been nothing short of enjoyable watching you squirm under the pressure of many eyes.”
“Very funny,” Cecilia retorted, rolling her eyes. “As though you two don’t avoid the attention just as much. At least I don’t complain about marriage-minded mamas, yet parade around like a peacock, eager to impress all the same.”
Tristan laughed softly, glancing around at the swirling gowns and dapper suits before them. “Being unladylike truly makes you unique, dear sister. What other lady would dare to voice their disdain for a ball? It’s refreshing, really. You should embrace it!”
“Is it truly so unique that I do not act as though I am a delicate flower, waiting for someone to pluck me from a garden?” Cecilia clucked her tongue lightly.
“Indeed, you’re more like a wild rose, with thorns in plenty . Very much a challenge for any suitor. They’d have to be brave to approach you.” Tristan winked, his eyes darting from her and back to the floor.
“Or foolish. But I suppose that’s part of the charm, isn’t it? The thrill of the chase?” Nathaniel leaned in, a teasing smile playing on his lips. “Just think, when winter finally melts into spring, you might just find someone who appreciates your… uniqueness, sister.”
Cecilia huffed, crossing her arms defiantly. “I’d rather not wait for spring, thank you very much. As has been established, if I were to find someone, I’d rather be appreciated for who I am, not for whatever challenge I pose.”
She glanced at the twinkling lights strung across the ballroom. “Or I shall remain in quiet spinsterhood. I could have been home today, feeling the snow beneath my feet.”
“Someone has to be the black sheep, I suppose.” Tristan chuckled and snorted.
"Oh, let her be one of these days, dear brother,” Nathaniel laughed, crossing his arms as he rocked lightly on his feet.
Tristan shook his head. “Nathaniel, she can handle herself. You’re not her paid knight in shining armor, are you? What would thetonthink?"
“Indeed,” Cecilia rolled her eyes, her hands on her hips. "I don’t need you to defend me, brother. I’m perfectly capable of standing up for myself. Don’t think I can’t tell you’re trying to garner points, parading around in public as the perfect gentleman."
Her immediate brother raised an eyebrow, a playful glint in his eye. "Perfect gentleman? I’m just trying to keep the peace in the family. Someone has to care about our reputation, given with the way the sole lady of the house and the Earl of Silvermere himself bicker."
Tristan leaned back, feigning innocence. "Oh, I’m sure thetonis just trembling in their boots at the thought of S ister’s witty comebacks. Yet, they must be far more concerned about your impeccable manners, Nate."
“Do you truly wish to start with me, brother?” Nathaniel’s brow rose dangerously high.
Cecilia pouted, interjecting, "Excuse me! It seems you both have forgotten I’m right here. I shall not let your dramatics ruin the night for me."
Nathaniel chuckled, shaking his head. "You’re right, dear Cece. Let us grace you with the attention you deserve.”
“Heavens know, no other man would once she starts babbling on about her plants and books,” Tristan snickered.
“Goodness gracious, Tristan!” Nathaniel’s yelp of laughter drew a couple eyes in their direction, causing him to feign a cough and pick a glass off the nearest table.
Tristan seemed amused at the sight. “Oh loosen up, don’t you ever get tired of being the responsible one? It must be exhausting keeping up that flawless facade."
Nathaniel shrugged, “Oh, do not act as though you are any bit more carefree, brother. We both know you’re the man behind us all, our lord.”
Tristan waved a dismissive hand, a playful smirk still on his lips. "Ah, but isn’t it more fun to let you take the spotlight? I prefer to let you handle the serious matters while I enjoy life. Besides, it’s not like anyone notices when I’m busy saving our title from the brink of disaster."
Cecilia chuckled, shaking her head at her brothers. "You two are impossible.”
"I would respond in favor of your statement, however, I am not your knight, am I?" Nathaniel teased, leaning closer with a dramatic flair.
Tristan chuckled, crossing his arms as he leaned against the wall. "'The Tragedy of Cecilia, the Overly Dramatic Sibling’!"
