His gaze lingered on her for what felt like an eternity, his expression unreadable, before he nodded slightly and turned his attention back to Nathaniel and Evie. “So, you’re off to the park, then?” he asked, his tone shifting to one of casual interest.
“Yes!” Evie chimed in, her enthusiasm unwavering. “We thought to enjoy the rare sunshine and perhaps have a little picnic. Cecilia would be there with us the whole time, brother. You need not worry.”
Even though she avoided his gaze, Cecilia could feel Alistair’s eyes shift back to her, and the scrutiny in his gaze sent her heart racing anew.
What was it about this man that makes me feel so exposed, so vulnerable?
As he studied her, she felt a wave of panic wash over her. She fidgeted with the hem of her dress, her mind racing with thoughts.
Can he see how my heart races? The way my hands tremble?
She desperately wanted to look up, to meet his gaze, but the weight of his attention felt too intense, too consuming.
“No, that cannot happen,” Alistair suddenly declared, shaking his head firmly. His dark hair fell slightly over his forehead as he spoke, his jaw set in a way that made it clear he was serious.
Cecilia’s brows shot up, surprise flickering across her face. “What do you mean, brother?” Evie asked, her voice tinged with worry and a slight annoyance.
Alistair’s gaze hardened slightly as he replied gruffly, “You cannot go out with Miss Everton as your chaperone. It’s simple.”
Cecilia felt a rush of heat flood her cheeks, a mix of indignation and confusion. “And why not, Your Grace? I’m not occupied and perfectly capable,” she blurted out, unable to stop herself. She could feel the eyes of Evie and Nathaniel on her, but it was Alistair’s dismissive gaze that stung the most.
His eyes skimmed over her without a flicker of acknowledgment, and he turned back to Evie and Nathaniel, proposing instead that they join him. “I’ll take you guys out. You cannot have her as a chaperone,” he stated flatly, as if her presence were an afterthought.
Cecilia felt a tingling sensation spread through her body at his words, a mix of anger and embarrassment. “Forgive me, but this makes little sense, Your Grace. We were just about heading out the door. And what if you hadn’t met up with us?”
She glared at him. “What would’ve been the worst to happen? I’m just as responsible as anyone else. I know what’s expected of me as acting chaperone,” she argued, her voice rising slightly in pitch.
Alistair crossed his arms, his stance rigid. “You’re young and unmarried, Miss Everton. It’s inappropriate,” he replied, his tone leaving no room for negotiation.
Cecilia knew he was right, but the words felt like a slap in the face. “Yet that’s so archaic. Why should my marital status dictate my ability to be a chaperone?”
From the corner of her eye, Cecilia saw the couple’s concerned faces. Evie watched the exchange, her eyes darting between them, while Nathaniel shifted awkwardly, as though to ease the discomfort.
“Your Grace, we intend to have a good day, and we shall not take long either, you can be sure of that. It’ll be a wonderful time!” Nathaniel suggested, eager to bridge the growing divide.
Alistair’s expression didn’t change, his dark eyes unwavering as he held Cecilia’s gaze. “It’s not about the time spent. It’s about what’s proper,” he insisted, his voice steady.
Cecilia felt a rush of determination. She wasn’t going to back down easily. “I can handle myself, Your Grace. You need not worry, I care not for gossip and judgement,” she declared, fully ready to fight for her place.
“Enough of this,” Nathaniel exclaimed, stepping between Cecilia and Alistair, his voice firm yet calm. He ran a hand through his hair, glancing between the two of them with an air of exasperation. “How about we all just go together?”
Alistair glared at Cecilia for a moment extra, then nodded instantly, his posture rigid as he turned on his heel, not sparing her a second glance. “That works,” he said, his tone clipped,as he strode toward the door, the sound of his boots echoing against the wooden floor, leaving a tense silence in his wake.
Cecilia clenched her hands into fists at her sides. The heat of her anger flushed her cheeks, contrasting with the coolness of the room.
What a conceited man.
Evie, soft-spoken, glanced nervously between them, her wide eyes darting about as if searching for a way to defuse the situation. “Come on, Cece, it’ll be alright. Let’s have a good day.”
But her words felt hollow against the backdrop of Alistair’s dismissive retreat.
“Couldn’t you at least try to act civil?” Cecilia muttered under her breath as they rocked about the carriage.
Alistair, sitting across from her, merely glanced out the window, his jaw set and brow furrowed. The carriage rattled along the cobblestone streets, the silence hanging heavily like a storm cloud ready to burst.
Cecilia sent him glares, however he did not look her way once. She couldn’t help but feel his presence was draining the life from the day.
If you weren’t here, we’d be having a great chat.
