“Enthusiast? More like a rabbit whisperer, wasn’t she singing songs to lure that one in?” Nathaniel added, shaking his head with a chuckle.
Louisa looked at them both, clearly lost. “So, we are going to see the Duke, correct ? Or are we simply going to chase rabbits?”
“Both, grandmother,” Tristan declared dramatically. “We’ll charm the Duke with our wit and then chase rabbits for sport!”
Cecilia couldn’t help but laugh, tossing her fan in her brother’s direction. He snatched it from the air before it could reach him.
As the carriage rolled on, the banter continued and lightheartedness filled the air. Despite her discomfort about the situation, Cecilia laughed and shook her head at her brother s’ endless jabs .
With a sigh, she leaned back, allowing a small smile to break through her earlier trepidation. Her worries were mostly placed on ensuring no untowardness would be discovered between Nathaniel and his bethroted as had nearly happened about a week ago.
A flush filled her cheeks as the memory of that night returned. Till that moment, she had not found out who the man she’d ended up entangled with had been. And somehow, she hoped to never have to.
Though the grounds were still full of snow and the festive season was far from coming to an end, it was her hope that the stranger she had kissed was not from around here. It would be wonderful if he’d only come visiting family. Perhaps with time, the memory would fade if that was the case.
The soft feel of his lips, the tone of his voice, his warm, strong arms and perfect face…
A blush filled her cheeks again. It had been torture constantly thinking about the incident the whole week. But she knew with time and hope, it’d fade eventually.
“Are you sure this is the right place? The duke is wealthier than I imagined!” The countess was the first to speak as they rolled into the grand grounds of the Holloway estate soon after.
Tristan leaned forward with obvious interest, his surprise mirroring Cecilia’s. It was an interesting sight to find her elder brother looking so impressed.
“Wow indeed,” Nathaniel chuckled, albeit adjusting his collar nervously. “Remember to be on your best behavior, everyone.”
Cecilia felt a mix of excitement and anxiety flutter in her stomach, and she could hardly imagine what her brother felt, putting herself in his shoes. She glanced around at the sprawling gardens and majestic architecture, trying to calm her racing heart.
Stepping into the home itself was not any less impressively intimidating. Cecilia had to keep her jaw from slacking at the majestic sights. It was not that the Windgrave estate was lacking, however in comparison, the Holloway home showed clearly the distinction between titles.
Everyone’s sights were quickly redirected however, as standing a few feet away from the doorway was the lady Evangeline, Nathaniel’s betrothed, her presence radiating elegance and charm.
Dressed in a flowing gown that accentuated her graceful figure, she greeted the arriving family with a bright smile that lit up the room, “Welcome! I’m so glad you could all make it,” she spoke, her voice melodic and inviting.
Stepping forward, her eyes sparkling with enthusiasm, she approached Tristan first, “The Earl of Silvermere, it is a pleasure to formally meet you, my lord. I’ve heard so much about you.”
He chuckled, “All good things, I hope. My brother tends to embellish our adventures.”
“Oh, I can only imagine!” Evangeline replied, her laughter infectious as she glanced shyly at her betrothed. “I am actually yet to hear all the stories.”
Cecilia watched in awe as the young lady skillfully greeted the Dowager Countess, bringing her grandmother to smiles and laughter in just seconds.
“And you must be Lady Cecilia,” Evangeline continued, turning her attention to Cecilia at last, whose cheeks flushed slightly under the kind gaze.
Cecilia nodded, a genuine smile spreading across her face. “Indeed, it is I! It’s wonderful to finally meet you, lady Evangeline. I believe we’re going to get along famously.”
“I feel the same way!” Evangeline exclaimed, her excitement palpable. Her cheeks flushed suddenly, a shy expression overtaking her face, “And do please call me Evie, I’ve always wanted a sisterly bond, I’d like us to build a close relationship.”
Cecilia’s face could hardly contain her smile ace. “Only if you referred to me as ‘Cece’ as well.”
“Then, we have a deal, Cece.” The enthusiastic grin on Evangeline’s face was all Cecilia need to finalize the thought her brother had made the best decision possible in choosing a wife.
Walking alongside Evie, the Everton family were ushered into the drawing room, the air filled with laughter and lightheartedteasing, mostly directed in the constant exchange of glances between the lovebirds. Their connection was undeniable and it was a pleasant sight to witness.
After a few minutes of stepping into the drawing room, the doors swung open, and a butler announced, “The Duke of Holloway!”
All eyes turned toward the entrance, anticipation buzzing in the air. As the man stepped in, he paused to speak with his butler, blocking Cecilia’s view. She leaned to the side, trying to catch a glimpse, but Nathaniel slightly shifted in front of her, inadvertently shielding her from seeing the man’s face as well.
“Brother, you’re blocking my view, could you please-,” Cecilia whispered, her frustration mingling with curiosity.
