“You can’t just ignore reality. You think you can write your way out of it?” His eyes bore into hers, searching for understanding. “You’ll be expected to fulfill your duties, to bear children and be a proper lady.”
“Why does any of that matter to you?” she exclaimed, her frustration bubbling over. Their dance faltered as the music swelled, the moment heavy with unsaid words.
Talk to me, Alistair.
Tell me how you really feel. Stop confusing me, please.
Sadly, she was met with silence. As the final notes of the waltz played, Cecilia felt the weight of the world pressing down on her. She pulled away, breaking the connection between them, her heart pounding in her chest.
With that, she turned and walked away, the crowd parting around her as she made her exit, leaving Alistair standing alone, the ache of their unresolved argument lingering in the air like a fading melody.
CHAPTER 21
“Can you believe it’s only three weeks until the wedding?” Evie exclaimed, her eyes sparkling with excitement as she flopped onto her bed, the soft fabric of her dress billowing around her. She tucked a loose strand of hair behind her ear, revealing a delicate silver earring that caught the light.
Cecilia leaned against the doorframe, arms crossed, a warm smile spreading across her face. “It feels like just yesterday we were planning everything at the start. You must be feeling a mix of nerves and excitement.”
Evie sat up, her expression shifting to one of mock seriousness. “Nerves? Me? Never!” She laughed, but the slight tremor in her voice betrayed her. “Okay, maybe just a little. What if I trip down the aisle?”
Cecilia stepped towards the windows with a laugh. “You won’t. You’ll look stunning, and everyone will be too busy staring atyou to notice anything else.” She walked over to Evie’s vanity, brushing her fingers over the array of cosmetics and hair accessories scattered across the surface.
Evie’s cheeks flushed at the compliment, and she joined Cecilia at the vanity, peering into the mirror. “Do you really think I’ll look beautiful? I just want everything to be perfect.” Her voice softened, revealing a vulnerability that made Cecilia’s heart swell with affection.
“Of course! You’re radiant, and your happiness will shine through. That’s what matters most,” Cecilia reassured her, placing a hand on Evie’s shoulder. They shared a moment of silence, their reflections merging in the mirror.
Evie turned to face her, a playful glint in her eyes. “And what about you? You’re going to be my maid of honor, but you can’t just hide behind me. You need to find your own happiness, too.”
Cecilia rolled her eyes, a laugh escaping her lips. “I’m happy supporting you, Evie. Besides, I have my studies to keep me busy.” She picked up a delicate hairpin, twirling it between her fingers.
Evie nudged her playfully. “Indeed. You have so much talent; it would be a shame to waste it.”
Cecilia smiled, “I wouldn’t say I’m talented to that extent.”
“Oh, please, one could practically smell natural aptitude off of you,” Evie grinned mischievously. “It’s no wonder men like Lord Harrington can’t take his eyes off you!”
Cecilia let out a loud laugh, “Oh spare me, Evangeline.”
“Come on, Cece! We all see how he looks at you,” Evie teased, her eyes sparkling with further mischief. She leaned forward, her curls falling over her shoulder as she nudged her friend playfully. “He practically lights up every time you enter the room!”
Cecilia rolled her eyes, her cheeks flushing a soft pink. “It’s nothing, really. He’s just being polite. I don’t think there’s anything there.” She tucked a loose curl behind her ear, her fingers trembling slightly as she tried to maintain her composure.
Evie’s laughter rang out, bright and infectious. “Nothing? Cecilia, please! You two would make the perfect couple! Just imagine the ballrooms, the gossip, the?—”
“Evie!” Cecilia interrupted, her voice a mix of embarrassment and urgency. She leaned back against the headstagd, crossing her arms defensively. “I can’t marry Lord Harrington.”
“What?” Evangeline’s eyes widened with question. “You seem so certain. Whatever could be the reason?”
Cecilia fell silent, a single answer ringing in her mind. “I can’t marry Lord Harrington because I’m in love with Alistair.”
Silence enveloped the room for a moment, only the echo of Evie’s soft gasp lingering.
Did I just say that out loud?
Cecilia’s heart raced, and she felt a rush of panic wash over her. Her gaze snapped up to meet Evie’s, who stared back with wide eyes, a look of surprised pleasure dancing across her features.
“You’re in love with Alistair?” Evie’s voice was barely above a whisper, her expression shifting from playful to genuinely intrigued.
The question alone received an immediate answer in her head and in this moment, Cecilia knew the truth more than ever.
