She thought about how she almost kissed him again. It was so intense, and she felt completely dizzy afterward.
“It’s somewhat feels as though I’m losing my sanity when I’m around him.” She bit her lip, her cheeks warming as she shared her secret.
From the corner of her eye, she noticed Evangeline smirking, and her blush deepened. “And yes, that’s why I find my brother fascinating,” Cecilia forced a laugh, trying to hide her embarrassment.
Cecilia looked at Evie sheepishly, her cheeks flaming hard. Desperate to change the subject, she said, her voice barely above a whisper. “I want to apologize for how I’ve spoken to your brother in front of you a couple of times.”
At Evie’s raised brow, she laughed guiltily, “It’s just… we’ve been so caught up in wedding arrangements and everything else that I haven’t had a proper moment to apologize.”
She bent her head, feeling the weight of her words, only to be startled by the sound of Evie’s laughter. “Oh, come on,Cecilia! I found it hilarious every single time!” the young woman exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with mischief.
Cecilia looked at her in wonder, a mix of surprise and relief washing over her. “Really? You found it all… humorous?”
“Absolutely!” Evangeline shrugged, a playful grin spreading across her face. “Sometimes Alistair needs someone to speak plainly to him. It keeps him on track, you know?”
Cecilia raised an eyebrow, questioning her friend’s sincerity. “You really mean that? You believe I should just keep speaking up if he does something as he did that day at dinner?”
Evie nodded emphatically, her laughter bubbling up again. “Yes! Believe me, it’s like a breath of fresh air for him. He gets so lost in his own head that sometimes he needs a little nudge to remind him of reality.”
As Cecilia processed Evie’s words, she felt a wave of amusement wash over her. “I suppose you have a point. He does get a bit too serious sometimes. But I would never wish to overstep.”
Evangeline leaned closer, her expression softening. “You’re helping him see things clearly. Besides, you seem to have this incredible ability to challenge him and make him think. It’s a gift.”
Cecilia felt a warmth spreading through her, surprisingly pleased to hear such words. “You truly think so?
“Trust me, you’re doing great!” Evangeline replied, her voice full of encouragement. “And don’t forget to have fun while you’re at it.”
Cecilia laughed at her friend’s teasing wink, “I shall do my best to take on this job of keeping him on his toes!” They both giggled, the tension from earlier dissipating into the air.
Evie leaned back in her chair, her expression turning serious as she began again, “You know, Cece, my brother was never really raised to be nice. Our parents were strict, especially when it came to him.”
Her gaze drifted out the window for a moment. “They drilled into him the importance of duty as a duke, and anything else was secondary. He’s always been expected to uphold the family name, to maintain appearances, and honestly, I believe it’s suffocating for him.”
Cecilia sat upright in the seat she had taken, listening intently, her brow furrowing slightly as she absorbed this sudden deep dive in conversation. “I can see that,” she replied softly, recalling the way Alistair often seemed so rigid, so focused on the responsibilities as though that was all that mattered.
Evie continued, “He’s never allowed himself to enjoy life. It’s like he’s trapped in this role, and he doesn’t even believe in love. That’s why he asked our mother to find him a dutiful wife. He thinks that’s all he needs—a companion who can fulfill the expectations of his title without any of the emotional messiness that comes with real relationships.”
“Wow,” Cecilia said, her heart aching for Alistair as she pictured the man she had come to know. “I didn’t realize it goes this deep. I thought he was just… well, that’s just how he was.”
Evie nodded, her eyes reflecting a mix of sympathy and frustration. “It got worse after our father passed. I suppose he felt the need to step up even more, to be the strong, stoic figure everyone expected him to be. He’s this domineering type, you know?”
She chuckled half heartedly, “Reserved and strong, with a presence he enjoys to be viewed as so intimidating. He values etiquette and manners above all else, which makes him seem old-fashioned and practical. I don’t think I’ve ever seen him let loose…” She paused, her eyes returning to Cecilia with a smile, “Except when he’s with you.”
Cecilia found herself recalling Alistair’s demeanor in their previous encounters—the way he seemed to struggle with holding himself back, the momentary lapses in his stoic expression, and she smiled, feeling somewhat special. “Really?”
Evie shook her head, a sad smile creeping onto her lips. “He’s introverted and stubborn, and while he can be caring, while he has so many emotions to show, it’s all buried under layers of duty and expectation. He’s so disconnected from his emotions that it’s almost painful to watch.”
The two women shared a moment of silence, both lost in their thoughts about Alistair and the burdens he carried. Cecilia was filled with pity for the duke, as well as an overwhelming feelof a deeper connection with his sister forged through their understanding of his struggles.
Hm.
Cecilia couldn’t shake a feeling nagging at her as the silence stretched on and she turned to Evie once again, curiosity bubbling to the surface. “So, has the Dowager Duchess managed to find a wife for him yet?” she asked, trying to keep her tone light.
Evie lifted an eyebrow, a playful smile dancing on her lips. “Why the sudden interest, Cece?”
Caught off guard, Cecilia felt a flush creep up her cheeks. “No, no! I just… I was- I asked because, I was wondering if there would be another wedding soon, that’s all.” She attempted to sound casual, but her heart raced as Evie scrutinized her.
The young woman’s gaze softened, though her expression remained teasing. “Well, I believe a bride for my brother has indeed been found.”
