Her heart raced, embarrassment and fear flooding her senses. She felt exposed, like a secret had been laid bare in front of everyone. “I—” she stammered, her mind racing for an explanation, but the words wouldn’t come.
Nathaniel, seeming to sense the tension, tried to lighten the mood. “Well, uh, shall we all sit, and converse before dinner?” he said with a chuckle, but the laughter felt hollow.
Cecilia’s breath hitched in her throat, the weight of the duke’s gaze sending shivers down her spine as he nodded slowly.
The reality of the situation settled like a heavy fog. She was doomed, caught in a web of her own making, there was no point in blaming Nathaniel anymore. O f all the people she could have forcefully kissed, it had to be the Duke of Holloway, and there was no way to escape the consequences.
CHAPTER 4
“Itrust your journey was pleasant? I hope you found the estate without any trouble as well,” The duke’s inquiry was in a smooth tone, yet lacking warmth as he gestured for everyone to take their seats.
Nathaniel, eager to break the ice, leaned forward with a smile. “It was quite lovely, thank you. The countryside is breathtaking this time of year. We took a few detours to enjoy the scenery.”
He laughed as he added, “Though I must say, the roads could use a bit of work. I nearly lost my hat to a particularly large bump on the way!”
Aside from Tristan’s light scoff, an odd silence followed this statement. Cecilia, sat beside the earl, felt a knot tighten in her stomach. The duke merely nodded, his expression unchanged, as if Nathaniel’s lighthearted jest had fallen flat.
Well, that was rude.
A frown etched into her face, but she remained silent, her gaze fixed on the ornate wallpaper, hoping to avoid any further interaction with the ma, who hadn’t glanced her way for a while.
“What he means to say is, the trip went well, Your Grace. You have a lovely estate, we are grateful for your pleasant invite,” Tristan spoke up, his voice steady and firm as he addressed the duke.
Alistair Wexford only nodded in response once again, “Why, thank you. It is important for both families to meet, after all.”
Another silence ensued. Cecilia’s brow lifted slightly as she shifted her gaze to take a glance at the man.
Does he not have any social skills?
Handsome yet lacking social grace, what a sad pair. This must likely be the reason he’s called the Hollow Duke.
Her staring was caught almost immediately and she flinched slightly, shifting her gaze back to the wall as quickly as she could. Her heart pounded in her chest beyond measure as she struggled to calm herself from the feeling that came from the intense eye contact of such a short moment.
She could feel him staring, and she hoped it was not visible how her fingers were beginning to twitch under his gaze.
Why didn’t I continue to keep my eyes to myself?!
Stop staring at me!
“Sister, are you certain you are well?” Tristan’s whisper only managed to unnerve her more. She hoped he was not following the duke’s gaze in her direction.
“Perhaps, a tad bit hungry, but I am fine, brother. Dinner would be soon. Today is for Nathaniel, I can manage.” She surprised herself at how quickly the excuse tumbled out of her mouth.
“Ahem,” Evie, clearly sensing the tension of the quiet room, suddenly piped up, her voice bright and cheerful. “Indeed, it is wonderful we are all finally able to meet at last. You said you took detours, did you sight the mountains in the distance around the forest roads, a lovely sight it is in this season, is it not? I adore traveling through the countryside. There’s something magical about it.”
As conversation broke out again, Cecilia couldn’t help but admire Evie’s ability to lighten the mood. The contrast between her and her brother was stark. While the duke maintained a polished, impenetrable facade, Evie radiated warmth and openness.
“I want to hear more of what you thought of the journey, dear Cece,” Evie encouraged, turning her attention to Cecilia, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest.
Despite the pleasantness in the lady’s expression, Cecilia couldn’t help but feel like she’d been put on the spot. Perhaps indifferent circumstances, she’d have been quicker to respond, but the duke’s presence loomed over her like a shadow.
She forced a smile, aware that her almost instant frown at the question had likely betrayed her reluctance. “It was... fine,” she managed, her voice barely above a whisper. “I did enjoy the view, and I’ve always liked the feel of taking a trip in the snowy weather-”
“‘Cece’?” Alistair’s sudden questioning cut her short. “And when did you two end up that close, sister? Do not be so forward.”
Cecilia frowned. His words were almost like a warning, as though he wanted Evangeline to have nothing to do with her. It would not be surprising, Cecilia could imagine what kind of a lady he thought her to be after all.
Still, it was all infuriating. It felt like a repeat of their first encounter— his judgemental attitude and the conclusions he jumped to.
