In the quiet elegance of the Marquisette estate, Evelina moved softly through her day while her thoughts drifting like clouds across a clear sky. The afternoon's events lingered in her mind, Lord Ravenscroft's eyes, the unexpected warmth she had felt, a flutter that refused to settle. She shook her head gently, trying to dismiss the restless feelings that stirred within her.
As she adjusted her gown in the mirror, a gentle knock sounded at the door. Her maid entered silently to help with her hair but Evelina's gaze was elsewhere, lost in her musings. Just then, the door opened again and her brother, Nathaniel stepped in flanked by his wife and their lively children, their faces alight with familial warmth.
"Evee!" a lively greeting from his brother and her wife, Clarissa. Behind them were their children that she longed for a while, "Auntie Evee! We missed you." they shouted in union. They gave her a lovely hugs before the children ran away.
"Evee, Lord Alistair is here to share a dinner with the family." announced by his brother. "Father is with him and asked us to join him right now" he continued. She knew that her brother, as protective he was of her, did not want her and their family be part of the politics inside the court.
Nathaniel was known for being in the neutral faction, though their parents, the Marquess are loyal to the previous Queen, the Grand Duke's mother. While her wife, Clarissa was a daughter of Count Blackwood, a neutral house from the South. She nodded and rose from where she seated, though the Grand Duke Montclair, a dear family friend, made his presence both unexpected and oddly comforting.
The family gathered around the dinner table with easy chatter. Evelina's eyes flicked between her brother's cheerful tone and the calm but commanding presence of the Grand Duke. Their familiar faces grounded her, anchoring her amidst her restless thoughts. Still, her mind kept returning to the afternoon where the strange awakening she had felt at the sight of Lord Ravenscroft. Sitting among loved ones and familiar voices, she wondered if their paths might cross again soon, perhaps sooner than she dared hope.
As the lively chatter flowed, her father, Marquess Everleigh, looked toward the Grand Duke with curiosity and respect. "May I ask, Your Grace, what brings you to our humble estate at this time?" Alistair inclined his head gracefully, a gentle smile on his lips. "I have come to extend a formal invitation to Lady Evelina," he said smoothly. "It would be my honor to have her as my partner at the summer ball." A hush fell over the table. Marquess Everleigh's face lit up with pride and eyes shining with happiness. "That is a most admirable proposal, Your Grace" the Marquess replied. "Indeed, I believe Lady Evelina would be a most fitting partner. An alliance like that would bring great honor to our family." he said warmly.
Evelina's breath caught unexpectedly, she watched her father glow with pride, yet an uneasy feeling crept into her chest. She had always attended social gatherings like the summer ball with a chaperone, wary of gossip and judgment. The idea of going with a partner especially someone as esteemed and influential as the Grand Duke felt daunting, but overwhelming.
Her gaze flickered to him, this nobleman whose calm yet confident demeanor seemed both reassuring and intimidating. When he looked at her and softly asked, "Lady Evelina, would you do me the honor of being my partner at the ball?" her heart pounded. For a moment, she couldn't speak. Refusing might disappoint her family but accepting seemed even more intimidating. Her mind raced, her desire for independence clashed with her sense of duty longing to be true to herself tangled with her upbringing. Finally, she took a steadying breath. "I… I will consider your proposal, Your Grace," she replied quietly.
The atmosphere in the room shifted subtly, the unspoken tension mingled with family pride and her inner uncertainty. After dinner, Evelina accompanied Alistair to his carriage, the evening air cool and gentle with the sound of footsteps on gravel. He looked at her with a calm and reassuring smile. "Take your time to think about it, Lady Evelina," he said softly. "There's no rush. I trust you to make the decision that's right for you."
She nodded politely, though her mind was a storm of conflicting feelings. She appreciated his kindness but the unease remained. "I am flattered by your proposal, Your Grace," she admitted quietly. "But I must confess, I feel… somewhat uncomfortable with the situation."
He paused, considering her words. "That's understandable," he replied gently. "It's a big decision and it's best to be sure. For now, I respect your feelings. I hope you will accept my offer at least for the moment."
She looked away briefly, unsure how to respond. "I will accept the proposal for now," she said softly, "but I want you to understand, that this will be the last time I find myself in such a position. I hope you understand."
Alistair nodded with a gentle smile. "Of course, Lady Evelina. I respect your honesty."
When they reached the carriage, she curtsied politely. He tipped his hat and bowed slightly. "Goodbye, Lady Evelina," he said quietly. "I look forward to seeing you at the ball."
"Goodbye, Your Grace," she replied, her voice steady despite the swirl of emotions inside. As the carriage rolled away, she watched it disappear into the night, her mind heavy with thoughts of what the future might hold.
Back inside the drawing room, her thoughts still lingered on her brief encounter with the Grand Duke. She knew her parents would soon ask about her response and she wanted to be honest. Her mother looked at her with a gentle, concerned expression. "Evee, dear, how did it go with the Grand Duke? Did he press you for an answer?" Evelina hesitated, then took a deep breath. "Mother, Father I told him I'd accept his proposal for now. But I want you to understand what that really means to me." Her parents listened attentively, their faces soft with understanding.
"I do not see the Grand Duke as more than a friend," she continued. "I value his kindness and respect, but I do not feel romantic love or deepattachment. My acceptance is simply because I want to avoid further complications and I do not want to hurt him or myself by leading him on. I want you to know I am clear about my feelings. This is not a romantic arrangement for me." Her mother reached out and gently squeezed her hand. "Evee, we are proud of your honesty. It is so important to be true to your heart. We have always believed marriage should be about love and we would never want you to enter anything out of obligation or political convenience."
Her father nodded, a warm smile on his face. "We married for love ourselves, and we hope our children find happiness that way. If the Grand Duke respects you as a friend, then we trust your judgment. Your happiness is what matters most." A wave of relief washed over her. She felt a weight lift from her shoulders knowing she had been truthful. Their support gave her strength as she faced whatever came next, with clarity and confidence.
"Thank you," she whispered.
Her parents embraced her warmly, their love a steady anchor. In that moment, Evelina felt ready to meet her uncertain future knowing she was supported and most importantly true to herself.
The following afternoon, she dressed carefully, selecting a soft rose colored pastel gown that suited her complexion. She made her way to Count Ashcombe's house for a charming tea party with young noble ladies. The garden was alive with the scent of roses and the hum of cheerful chatter. Inside, delicate china cups and silver trays of pastries decorated the rooms. Lady Victoria Ashcombe, known for her lively and bright-eyed, a closest friends since they were young, greeted her with warmth. Other young ladies gathered around, exchanging glances and sharing the latest gossip, their laughter light and carefree.
Evelina stepped into this world of gentle friendship, her heart a little steadier and ready to face whatever came next and grateful for the love and honesty that guided her.