She directed her frown in his direction, but this time, the duke’s gaze only flickered briefly to hers, nevertheless feeling cold and somewhat calculating.
“Today, brother. I believe Lady Cecilia and I would become fast friends,” Evie was almost oblivious to her brother’s undertone.
“Is that so?” he droned.
Ugh.
Cecilia was no longer content staring at the wall. She glared at him, willing him to meet her gaze. Yet, the man acted now as though she did not exist
He returned his focus to Tristan and Nathaniel, who were suddenly engaged in a friendly debate about the merits of various hunting techniques in snowy forests. The duke offered polite nods but did not join in the laughter, leaving an uncomfortable silence hanging in the air.
Evie, ever perceptive, jumped in again, “I think it’s wonderful that you all share such interests! Perhaps we can organize a hunt during your stay. I’d love to see everyone in action!” Her smile was infectious, but Cecilia noticed the duke’s lips barely twitched at the suggestion . If either of her brothers had ignored her that way, they’d be lucky to escape without having the soup tureen flung their way.
“Wouldn’t that be something?” Tristan chuckled, seeming to actually consider the thought. He turned his gaze to Alistair, “What say you, Your Grace?”
The duke paused. “It might prove a good opportunity to learn more about each other .” He seemed to contemplate it a bit more before nodding, “Perhaps, we could have one soon , next we meet.”
“Excellent.” Tristan nodded.
“Since you adore the countryside so much, Miss Wexford, I can only imagine how your happiness will blossom after the wedding,” Tristan remarked with a teasing grin, his eyes twinkling as he glanced between Evie and Nathaniel. “After all, Nathaniel’s estate is nestled right in the heart of it.”
Evie’s cheeks flushed a delightful shade of pink as she nodded, her voice soft yet filled with excitement. “I am well aware. I can’t wait to be surrounded by so much beauty every day.” She glanced at her soon-to-be husband, her expression brightening further, and he smiled back, the warmth in his gaze unmistakable.
Tristan’s grin widened, and he leaned back in his chair, clearly enjoying the moment. “Well, it seems you two are a match made in the heavens! Brother, you must be the envy of every man in the kingdom, having a bride so akin to your own interests.”
Cecilia couldn’t suppress a giggle at the sight of Nathaniel’s reaction. His eyes widened in surprise, and a hint of color crept into his cheeks. “All in all, with a bride like her, who wouldn’t boast?”
Cecilia and her grandmother exchanged amused glances, both unable to stop themselves from cooing at the sight.
“Oh, young love! The beauty of it!” the dowager countess exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with delight.
Evie, now a deep shade of crimson, could hardly meet anyone’s gazes, clearly flustered by the attention.
Tristan leaned forward, clearly reveling in the atmosphere he had created. “True, it is! You both are so perfectly suited for each other. I can only imagine the lovely evenings you’ll spend together under the stars, with the countryside as your backdrop. I’m almost envious.”
Grinning at his bashful brother, he carried on, “The wedding couldn’t come any faster, could it?”
“I'm glad such a topic has been brought up at last,” the duke announced suddenly, his voice cutting through the lighthearted chatter like a knife. The room fell silent, all eyes drawn to him as he continued in a lifeless monotone, “Before we delve into details, I want to make one thing clear.”
Cecilia jolted slightly as his heavy gaze suddenly locked unto hers, and she felt a tension rising, discomfort wrapping around her like a thick fog.
What is he doing?
“I’m sure we can all agree that marriage is a sacred thing,” he declared, his eyes narrowing slightly, as if daring her to respond. “My sister is pure and unsullied, a woman of good repute .”
Cecilia's heart raced as she registered the implications behind his words. The room seemed to hold its breath, and the air around her clogged with his unspoken accusations.
Evangeline, sitting beside him, blushed a deep crimson, her eyes wide with surprise. “Brother, why are you mentioning all of this all of a sudden?” she interjected, her voice trembling slightly.
But the duke paid her no mind, his focus unwavering as he pressed on. “I must stress the fact that I expect Nathaniel and Evangeline to keep their distance until the wedding.”
The emphasis he placed on the word “distance” was undoubtedly a direct jab at Cecilia, a reminder of the intensity she’d held unto him with.
“My sister is no fortune hunter, no lovelorn maiden to toss herself at a man,” he cleared his throat in a manner that made her blood boil, “I would expect more caution from the groom. I hope I am making myself clear.”
Cecilia’s breath caught in her throat. She wanted to defend herself, to shout that his words were unjust, but the fear of escalating the situation held her back. Instead, she clenched her fists in her lap, feeling the heat of embarrassment wash over her; enduring the way he flickered his gaze towards her, condescending and sharp, made her skin crawl.
“Brother, is all this really necessary? Will you put a halt to this please?” Evie’s voice came out in a small, embarrassed whisper.
