Alistair noticed the way the man’s jaw tightened, a sign that the conversation that had been held off loomed just beneath the surface. He drew in a breath.
About a day ago, Alistair had butted in on another wedding decision with Nathaniel and Evie. It had been a small detail, really, but he couldn’t help himself; he was always a man to have his own opinion, especially when it came to matters that related to himself and family.
Nathaniel had stayed silent while Alistair listed off his ideas, but then asked to speak with him afterward when Evangeline was out of earshot. The man’s expression had been a mix of frustration and disappointment, and Alistair had brushed it off, claiming he was too busy.
Now, as they brushed their horses by the stables, he could sense Nathaniel’s mood shifting like the chilly wind. Alistair had taken the day to reflect, and he found that he realized the issue had been too small a matter for him to interfere in.
However, he found it difficult to apologize. The mere thought of having the conversation and ever so slightly admitting he was wrong made him feel uncomfortable. That was not the kind of man he was.
It was a complicated dynamic, one that made Alistair feel both guilty and defensive. Over the days, he’d actually grown to not only accept Nathaniel, but also like the man. Especially considering how happy the man made his sister.
He remained at war with his thoughts, hoping that the storm brewing would pass with no trouble.
“This hunt will be far more exhilarating than the last! Remember that last when we nearly caught that stag? The thrill of the chase!” Tristan encouraged, acting oblivious to the undercurrents swirling between the brothers.
But Alistair knew the man could tell there was an issue. Tristan acted carefree but he was no doubt one of the wisest and observant among gentleman Alistair had come across.
“Alistair,” Nathaniel finally addressed him, his voice low but firm, “we need to talk.”
“Indeed, you both do! Truly, I can’t take this awkwardness any longer!” Tristan blurted out suddenly, his voice cutting through the chilly air like a knife. He threw his hands up in exasperation, his breath visible in the frosty morning light. “Go ahead, talk, both of you. Just… smooth things over or whatever else it is you need. I’ll wait for you both.”
Alistair raised an eyebrow, his expression a mix of surprise and skepticism as he blurted suddenly, “He’s just going to leave us to sort this out? I was given the impression he loves to find entertainment in serious situations.”
Nathaniel chuckled softly, shaking his head as he watched his elder brother walk away, a spunky pep in his step as always. “He knows his limits. And he hates tension more than most things,” he said, a hint of amusement in his tone. “But he’s not wrong. The air here is indeed suffocating.”
“Is it?” Alistair echoed, nodding as Nathaniel gestured for them to begin walking. “I apologize for not finding time to have this conversation earlier. Tell me, what do you wish to say?”
“Your Grace, allow me to start by saying I do appreciate your thoughts on the wedding arrangements,” Nathaniel began, his tone steady as they strolled through the sprawling white covered gardens of Alistair's estate. “However, I believe it would be best if you stepped back completely from this moment on. It’s not necessary for you to be so involved.”
Alistair bristled at the suggestion, a flash of indignation crossing his features. “You cannot be serious. Completely? I’ll remind youagain I’m Evangeline’s elder brother. I have every right to ensure that she gets the wedding she deserves, as well as fulfiling all that is expected of her,” he retorted, his voice rising slightly.
Nathaniel stopped walking, turning to face Alistair, his expression calm yet firm. “It’s not about rights, Your Grace. You say you wish to give her a wedding she deserves? Then allow us to make our choices. She has her own vision for this day, and it doesn’t include you lording every detail.”
The eloquence in the man’s words struck Alistair, making him pause to consider the truth in the statement. However, he could not help still feeling attacked.
“Lording?” His eyes narrowed, but the challenge in Nathaniel's gaze made him reconsider and remember he was here to smooth things over. “I’m merely trying to help.”
“I know you think that,” Nathaniel nodded, his tone softening. “But sometimes, help can feel more like interference. Evie loves you, and she values your support. But she also needs the space to create her own memories without feeling overshadowed.” He sighed, “We need that, Your Grace.”
The silence that followed was heavy. Alistair felt a knot of frustration and admiration twist in his chest. They continued walking, the sound of their footsteps mingling with the rustle of the dead leaves and branches in the gentle snow.
After a few moments, Alistair sighed, breaking the silence. “My apologies, for intruding, Nathaniel. You are right. I’ll refrain from unnecessary adjustments from now on.”
Nathaniel’s surprise was evident, his brows lifting slightly. Then a smile crept onto his face, warm and genuine. “Thank you for your understanding, Your Grace. Of course, if necessary, we’ll run a few things by you here and there.”
“That works,” Alistair replied, a sense of relief washing over him. It was as though he could physically feel the tension that had lingered between them begin to dissipate.
The Evertons had brought several new feelings into his household. He’d found himself chuckling with Tristan on occasion, here he was, easily apologizing to Nathaniel, and then there was of course… Cecilia.
The way she made him feel, however, was not as pleasant or easy to understand as was the case with her brothers.
Why do I always get this feeling when my thoughts shift to her?
“Nathaniel, we’ve really wandered far, haven’t we?” Alistair chuckled, shaking his head as he tried to return his thoughts to the present.
“I’m surprised we haven’t gotten lost, to be honest,” Nathaniel replied, a playful grin lighting up his face. “We should head back before we end up in the next county.”
They turned to retrace their steps, and as they returned to the stables. Alistair's eyes suddenly widened. There, by the stables, stood a familiar figure beside Tristan.
