As expected, Evie took the fabric from Alistair, her smile faltering as she examined it closely. “Um, this isn’t really what I was thinking,” she said, her tone gentle but firm. “It’s not particularly in style right now.”
Alistair’s confusion was evident, his dark eyebrows knitting together. “What do you mean? It’s classic,” he insisted, a hint of defense creeping into his voice. He straightened, crossing his arms once again.
Evie nodded, her cheeks flushing slightly as she felt the weight of the moment. “Still, this was not in the line-up at all. I’d rather go for something lighter and stylish.” She placed the fabric back on the rack, her fingers lingering on the smooth surface for a moment before pulling away.
A tense silence enveloped the group. Alistair’s jaw tightened, and he stared his sister down. “I still hold to the belief itwould look good on you,” he said, his voice quieter now, almost defensive.
“It might, however, it’s just not what the bride wants, Your Grace. It’s very outdated. Something lighter would suit her better,” Cecilia interjected, her voice steady but her insides churning.
She felt the weight of the room’s attention shift toward her, the air thickening with anticipation. Out of the corner of her eye as well, she noticed Diana arching an eyebrow, her expression a mix of curiosity and surprise.
Cecilia gulped, but she held her gaze firmly on Alistair. He cocked his head slightly, his deep-set eyes narrowing as he studied her.
“It’s traditional. It’s classic,” he replied, his tone low and unwavering. His adjusted his crossed hands, the fabric of his shirt stretching slightly as he leaned in, a subtle challenge in his posture. “Yet, one cannot expect just anyone to appreciate such.”
Cecilia felt a tingling sensation run through her body, a mix of anxiety and determination. It was happening again. For the first in a long time now. The thought of them arguing in front of everyone sent a shiver down her spine.
“But it’s simply not what Evie wants,” she countered, her voice rising slightly, betraying the calm she tried to maintain. She stepped closer to him, her frown fixed, egging him on.
Alistair opened his mouth, and Cecilia braced herself for the inevitable clash. However, to her surprise, he paused, his expression softening. The silence echoed, and she stared at him in wonder as she waited.
“Well, I’ve decided not to meddle in my sister’s decisions unless it’s absolutely necessary,” when he spoke at last, his voice was surprisingly diplomatic.
He… won’t argue?
The tension in Cecilia's shoulders eased slightly, but a pang of hurt washed over her.
“Oh, well that’s very… That’s a commendable thing of you to do, Your Grace,” She nodded. The room seemed to hold its breath, the chatter around them fading into the background.
Alistair nodded, his gaze steady as he continued, “I trust her to make her own choices. If this is what she wants, then I’ll support that.”
Cecilia nodded slowly, feeling the weight of his words settle between them. The tension in the air dissipated, and the families around them returned to their conversations, laughter and chatter filling the space once more.
Yet, beneath her calm exterior, Cecilia felt continuous flickers of sadness. She realized, she wouldn’t have minded a bit of an argument with Alistair.
CHAPTER 18
“Cece, can you believe how beautiful it is outside today?” Evie exclaimed, her laughter echoing off the polished walls of the Holloway halls. “It’s finally stopped snowing, and the sun is out!”
Nathaniel chuckled, his eyes sparkling as he locked eyes with his betrothed. “We certainly couldn’t have picked a better day indeed.”
Cecilia smiled, feeling the warmth of their camaraderie wash over her. They strolled towards the door, laughing and chatting and for a moment, it truly felt like a good day.
However, just as she was fully relaxed, a shadow fell over them, a familiar figure walking up to them from a corner.
“What are you three up to?” Alistair asked, his voice smooth yet commanding, halting their lively banter. Cecilia’s heart raced at the sight of him.
He stood tall, his dark hair tousled in effortless charm. His deep-set eyes, the color of stormy seas, flickered from Nathaniel to Evie, and finally landed on her.
Cecilia felt her breath catch in her throat. He’d been occupied with work and she hadn’t seen him in a couple days that felt like ages. The mere sight of him sent a jolt of energy through her.
She couldn’t find the words to respond to his question. Instead, she instinctively curtsied, her cheeks flushing as she averted her gaze, feeling the heat radiate from her skin.
Alistair’s eyes lingered on her for what felt like a moment too much as he nodded in response before returning to Nathaniel and Evie.
“Evie suggested taking a walk in the park, it is a lovely day,” Nathaniel said, glancing at Cecilia with a smile. “And we’ve invited Cecilia to be our chaperone.”
Alistair’s gaze shifted back to Cecilia immediately, and she felt him scrutinizing her. Her heart raced in her chest, each beat echoing in her ears, and she didn’t know why. The way he looked at her made her feel like her presence was the center of attention.
