The carriage wheels rattled over the cobblestones, and Lady Evelyn Blackwell pressed her gloved hands against her lap to keep them from trembling. She was excited; she could hear her heart beating fast, for she was about to meet her future husband again..
Her mother sat across from her, pale and composed , every strand of hair pinned into place. "Remember what we've discussed, Evelyn," she said without looking up from her fan. "Do not speak unless spoken to. And for heaven's sake, mind your posture. Aristocrats respect dignity, not… enthusiasm."
"Yes, Mother," Evelyn murmured. Her voice was soft and timid.
Inside, though, her heart fluttered with something dangerously close to excitement. A husband meant a new home, a chance to step beyond her mother's suffocating rules. Maybe, finally, she would have someone to talk to.
When the carriage stopped before the Vale estate, Evelyn drew in a deep breath. The manor was vast and elegant, framed by marble columns and quiet gardens. A butler escorted them to a grand sitting room.
He stood by the window, sunlight glinting off his dark hair. He was taller than she'd imagined, his presence commanding, his expression unreadable. Evelyn had seen portraits of him — the young lord rumored to be both clever and cold — but no painting could have captured how distant he seemed even while standing just a few paces away.
"Lord Vale," her mother said, curtseying. "It is an honor."
"The honor is mine," he replied, though his tone carried no warmth.
When Evelyn curtseyed, she dared a smile. "My lord, I've heard much of your work with the council. You must find politics dreadfully complicated, all those laws and letters."
Her mother's fan snapped open sharply. Evelyn flushed. She hadn't meant to sound foolish — she only wanted to speak, to be pleasant.
Adrian's gaze flickered over her, assessing. "It requires patience," he said simply. Then, after a pause, "Your attire… is rather traditional."
Evelyn glanced down at her gown — pale yellow silk with lace cuffs, a style her mother had deemed "timeless." She smoothed the fabric nervously. "Oh. Yes. It was my mother's favorite design."
His polite smile did not reach his eyes.
They sat for tea, The silence was so intense that the sound of porcelain could almost be heard.
Evelyn folded her hands neatly on her lap, pretending calm she didn't feel."My lord," she began carefully, "do you like tea? Or… perhaps coffee?"
Adrian looked up from his cup, expression unreadable. "Tea is fine."
"Oh," she said, trying to smile. "Yes, of course. I like tea as well."
Her mother, seated beside her, made a small disapproving sound.
Evelyn quickly straightened. "Um… I also enjoy reading," she added, hoping to fill the quiet. "Though I don't have many books at home."
Adrian took a slow sip. "hmm.... Books can be dangerous if one reads the wrong kind."
Her smile faltered. "Oh… yes, that's what my mother says too."
Mirelle nodded sharply, satisfied. "At least someone sensible agrees," she said, casting a proud glance at Adrian.
Evelyn tried again. "Then, my lord, what do you like to do in your free time?"
"Work," he said simply.
She blinked. "Oh. That must be… fulfilling."
"It's necessary," he replied.
Mirelle frowned at her daughter. "You shouldn't ask men such frivolous questions. It makes you sound idle."
"Yes, Mother," Evelyn murmured.
Adrian leaned back in his chair, his gaze flicking between the two women. "I don't mind her asking," he said evenly. "Curiosity isn't a crime."
Evelyn's eyes brightened. "Truly?"
He glanced at her and then away. "Within reason."
Silence fell again. The clock ticked.
Evelyn nervously laughed, hoping to ease the air. "Well, I suppose I'll have to learn what is *reasonable*, then."
Her mother's glare cut her laughter short.
Adrian set down his cup, the faintest sigh escaping him. "I'm sure you will," he said, and that was the end of the conversation.
By the end of the visit, Evelyn's excitement had dimmed, replaced by a dull ache of embarrassment.
As they prepared to leave, Adrian bowed slightly. "It will be… an honor to join our families," he said, the words sounding more duty than desire.
She falow her like a newborn pupuy adrien fqllow tgem to their carriage. " well that was fast" he myrmured.
They get inside the carrige adrien didnt even smile onceWe should leave. We're going to be late," her mother said, her voice firm but rushed.
She followed close behind, trailing after her like a newborn puppy. Adrien walked with them up to the carriage and then stopped a few steps away.
"Well… that was fast," he murmured.
They climbed inside the carriage. Adrien didn't smile even once—he just watched them
Evelyn forced a smile, unaware that, for him, this was not a beginning — only an obligation.
And yet, as their carriage rolled away, she pressed her hand to her chest and whispered, "Perhaps he only needs time."