“You need not worry, Your Grace,” Nathaniel finally spoke up, his brows furrowing in concern. “Evie and I are perfectly capable of maintaining decorum, even more than before, from this moment on.” His voice was steady, but Cecilia could hearthe underlying offense, a protective note that was commendable even.
“It's not just about decorum,” Alistair replied, his tone unyielding. “It’s about respect for the institution of marriage. I want to ensure that my sister is treated with the dignity she deserves.”
Evie shifted uncomfortably in her seat, glancing between her brother and Nathaniel’s frown, her expression a mixture of confusion and embarrassment. “But we’re all friends here, Alistair,” she laughed lightly, “Family, even. Surely, we can trust each other’s word. Let us settle this with his assurance.”
“Trust is earned, not given,” the duke shot back, his eyes still boring into Cecilia, as if she were the very embodiment of his disdain.
Is anyone else catching this terrible look of contempt?
As the conversation continued, Cecilia’s mind raced. Despite her rage, her eyes shifted to the floor. She kept silent, feeling increasingly isolated.
Tristan made attempts to speak up for his brother, and the duke's stiff politeness contrasted sharply with Evie's infectious warmth of support and understanding. The duke sat like an immovable statue, his presence both oppressive and uninviting.
From the corner of her eye, Cecilia watched her grandmother shift uncomfortably at the scene and she realized how terribly the evening was turning out. She could only hope that as the evening progressed, the warmth of Evie’s spirit would shine again , dispelling the shadows that seemed to cling to the duke and his lofty airs.
“Your Grace, I also must make this clear,” Nathaniel began, his voice steady but laced with urgency. “I have nothing but the utmost respect for Evangeline. I would never?—”
“I do not need mere feelings. If anything, what I have witnessed between you two now shows your feelings might turn out stronger than reason. I might have agreed to this marriage, but let me make one thing clear, I could change my mind in a heartbeat if you prove unworthy.” His eyes narrowed, the threat hanging in the air like a storm cloud.
Tristan shifted uneasily, casting a glance at their grandmother Louisa, who sat with her hands clasped tightly in her lap. “Your Grace, surely we could agree that the romance they share is not a sin,” he said, his voice attempting to bridge the tension with a chuckle. “Let’s not make it out to be one. I assure you, Nathaniel is nothing but a man of loyalty and honor. His love only escalates this.”
But Alistair remained unmoved, his expression cold and unyielding. “I don’t care for his past accolades. I am stating clearly I will not allow my sister to be tied to someone who cannot uphold her dignity, I will not accept mistakes.”
Nathaniel’s jaw clenched. “I assure you, I will not fail her. You have my word.”
The duke however, seemed unimpressed still. The tension in the room crackled, and Cecilia felt her heart race as she absorbed the confrontation.
What exactly is his problem?
Silence filled the room for what felt like the twentieth time. Only Tristan’s clearing of his throat sounded after the seconds passed.
“I’m aware I’m being protective. It is my duty ,” the duke’s tone was as sharp as the tailored lines of his suit, every inch of him radiating authority as he spoke again.
Beside Cecilia, Tristan shifted uncomfortably, glancing from Nathaniel to Evangeline, who sat frozen.
“You’re the head of a household yourself, my lord. Surely you understand where I’m coming from,” Alistair continued, locking eyes with him, his expression unyielding.
“Yes, but…” Tristan hesitated, searching for the right words.
“Respect isn’t enough in this world,” the duke said, his voice firm. “It’s about protection. No brother would wish to bind his own to a fortune hunter. Wouldn’t you do the same for your sister?”
The room was quiet once more, the gravity of his words hanging heavily in the air as everyone absorbed the intensity of his presence.
Cecilia felt a flush of embarrassment creeping up her neck. How could someone so handsome, with that chiseled jawline and piercing eyes, be so infuriating? The thought made her heart ache.
What a waste of good looks.
“I expect a respectful courtship and nothing else, this is how it shall be,” Alistair rose from his seat suddenly, his tall figure drawing all eyes like a magnet as he stared everyone down.
“We shall adjourn to dinner in about an hour. In the meantime, you are welcome to explore the grounds. Welcome to the Holloway Estate,” he said, his gaze lingering on Cecilia for the last bit a moment before he turned.
As though drawn to a magnet , Cecilia’s gaze followed the man as he walked away, taking in the strong lines of his back and the way his dark hair fell effortlessly over his forehead.
How could such a handsome face truly be so intolerable?
Her thoughts drifted back to her brother, and her gaze shifted to find him sat uncomfortably as he was, lines etched into his forehead. The idea of his happiness resting on the shoulders of another man filled her with anxiety. She couldn’t help butwonder if Nathaniel had the strength to stand up to the duke’s formidable presence.
Cecilia sighed, her heart heavy with the burden of uncertainty accompanied by a rush of guilt washing over her. Had she unknowingly jeopardized his marriage? The thought gnawed at her, twisting in her stomach like a serpent.
