Two
As the fire crackled in the hearth, casting a warm glow upon the library, Everett St.Giles, the Earl of Brookfield, stood pensively by the mantle.His dark hair framed his face in a manner that only served to accentuate his broodingly handsome features.His gray eyes, like storm clouds rolling across an overcast sky, seemed to hold within them a world of untold secrets and hidden depths.
Everett was the first-born son of the Marquess of Hollibrook and grandson of the Duke of Cranbrook, a lineage that afforded him both privilege and responsibility.Yet even with such an illustrious family background, there was an air of mystery surrounding the earl.He had always been a reserved youth, preferring the solitude of the library or the quiet companionship of a trusted steed to the boisterous social gatherings that were customary among his peers.
“Your lordship?”A gentle voice interrupted his thoughts.
Everett turned to find his sister, Lady Caroline, her blue eyes filled with concern as she studied him.“You seem distant this afternoon,” she observed.
“Merely contemplating, dear sister,” he replied, attempting to smile reassuringly.But his mind remained preoccupied with a yearning that had haunted him for some time—the desire for genuine love, a connection beyond the superficial alliances forged within their social circles.
“Everett, you know you can confide in me,” Caroline persisted, sensing the weight of her brother’s thoughts.“Is there something troubling you?”
He hesitated, then sighed, allowing a glimpse of vulnerability to flicker across his countenance.“I cannot help but feel as though I am missing something, Caroline.Our lives are filled with opulence and grandiose affairs, yet my heart longs for a deeper connection.”
“Ah, love,” she mused, a knowing smile playing upon her lips.“True love is rare, brother, but not impossible to find.”
“Indeed,” he conceded, his attention returning to the flames dancing in the hearth.“But how does one discern between genuine affection and mere infatuation?”
“By looking beyond the surface,” she advised, a gentle touch on his arm conveying her empathy.“And by trusting your heart.”
“Perhaps you are right,” he murmured, pondering her words as a renewed sense of determination stirred within him.
“Of course I am,” Caroline teased, her laughter echoing softly through the hallway.“Now come.Father awaits you in the study.”
As they made their way to the study, Everett’s thoughts lingered on his sister’s counsel.Somewhere out there was a young woman who would challenge him to embrace a love that was true.But would he ever find her?
He strode into the study where his father, Marquess Hollibrook, sat behind a massive mahogany desk, his hands steepled and a pile of papers spread out before him.“Father,” Everett greeted as he moved further into the room.
“Son,” Lord Hollibrook shuffled some papers.“When the estate manager arrives, I want you to take charge of the meeting,” he said, pushing an estate book toward the edge of the desk.
Belvoir Castle, Country seat of the Marquess of Hollibrook, and Everett St.Giles’s boyhood home was a massive estate, and Father had decided it was time for Everett to take a greater role in its running.
“Very well.”Everett stood by the window, his dark hair contrasting sharply with the embroidered curtains as he gazed out upon the estate that would someday be his responsibility.His gray eyes surveyed the land with a stern countenance, betraying none of the internal turmoil plaguing him.
“Your lordships,” interrupted Mr.Thompson, the butler, clearing his throat gently to gain their attention.“The estate manager is here for his weekly report.”
Everett turned from the window.“Of course, send him in,” he replied, his voice steady but distant.
As the estate manager entered, Everett seated himself at the end of Father’s desk.He opened the estate book and quickly scanned the accounts.
Once the estate manager took his seat, they discussed matters of finance, tenant disputes, and harvest projections.Everett listened attentively, asking pertinent questions when necessary, but he could not help the nagging feeling that something was missing amidst all these duties.Was there not more to life than managing an estate?
“Thank you, Mr.Williams.Those updates will suffice for now.You may go,” said Everett, dismissing the estate manager with a nod.
“Very well, my lord,” responded Mr.Williams, bowing deeply before departing.
“I will see you out,” Lord Hollibrook said, rising from behind the desk.
As the two men departed, Everett turned back to the window, his thoughts heavy with desires he dared not voice aloud.What he yearned for most was a genuine connection, a love that transcended societal expectations and physical attraction.But how could he find such a bond when the walls he had built around himself were so impenetrable?
He would endeavor to open himself to the possibilities as the magic of Christmas swept over Belvoir Castle.Mother had invited all the best families for the house party, ensuring to include those with marriageable daughters.Perhaps there would be one among them who could gain his trust and capture his heart?
