Page 62 of A Spinster for the Dark Duke
Evelina’s heart thumped as she came to the quick shocking realization that the spineless cad was dragging her into the conversation to cover for his cowardice.
“I-I cannot speak for all ladies, My Lord.” She glanced at her father, only to find him already judging her with his eyes.
She caught the Earl’s eyes flicking from her to Gabriel suspiciously, his brow furrowing in irritation. Her hesitance seemed to fuel him further and he started again.
“Still, you must admit that women prefer men like me—not that I’m placing myself on a pedestal.” He laughed as he shrugged. “I mean, I hear the whispers in the ballrooms. I am not deaf. I know well enough about the crazed mamas pushing their daughters my way.”
When his declaration was met with her silence, his brow furrowed even further. “I would appreciate to hear your thoughts, Miss Balfour. We must admit, His Grace is a formidable, respectable man, but when it comes down to…” This was her small rebellion. Refusing to give him what he wanted was all she could. Yet she was planning to do regardless.
Evelina squeezed her eyes shut, wishing for his sake that he would shut up. Unfortunately, luck wasn’t on her side this evening.
“… understanding how Society works, he is still learning. Perhaps soon he may be?—”
“It seems you have mistaken my character, My Lord,” Gabriel cut him off, his voice calm yet menacing. “I am not desperate for popularity, neither among men nor women.”
His smile was far from his eyes as he continued, his gaze sharp as it locked onto the Earl’s. “In fact, I find men who strive to be ‘charmers’ absolutely ridiculous. I don’t believe them to be anything but self-conscious praise milkers.”
Evelina grimaced as she heard Louisa beside her stifle a laugh. Alexandra slightly choked on her water, and the short gasp from young Penelope across the table.
Quiet engulfed the room. The Earl gulped and his smile was tight when he spoke at last. “Why, indeed. But every man has his own tastes.”
Gabriel shot him another glare before slowly looking away, returning to his food.
Evelina sighed as silence filled the dining room again. However, her relief was short-lived, as she suddenly felt the Earl’s breath on her ear suddenly, causing her to slightly jolt. She suppressed a shudder as best as she could.
“Things seem not to be working out between your sister and the Duke. But that is of no consequence to us, yes?”
From the corner of her eye, she noticed everyone’s eyes turn to her. The Earl leaned back in his seat with a self-satisfied grin.
As the evening wore on, her skin crawled as the rakish earl kept his attention fixed on her. Repeatedly, he attempted to engage her in conversation, despite her polite attempts to curb his advances.
With a harrowing sly smile, he leaned in for the fifth time as he inquired, “Have you ever considered the thrill of a midnight carriage ride under the moonlight? I assure you, the experience is quite exhilarating. Perhaps you and I may try it out sometime soon?”
Feeling discomfort creep up her spine, Evelina kept her voice steady as she replied sharply, “My Lord, your offer may sound enticing to any other, but I must decline. Midnight escapades are not within the realm of my usual activities. In fact, I do not believe any proper lady would agree to such an offer, nor would a true gentleman ask such a question.”
A hush fell over the table, the clinking of cutlery ceasing as all eyes turned towards them.
Oh goodness, no…
Evelina, hyperaware of the attention, felt a flush of embarrassment rise to her cheeks. Her eyes immediately flicked to her father as she realized she had been louder than she had intended. She bit her lip when she was met with his disapproving glare, which pierced through her like a blade.
As she struggled to maintain her composure, with a malicious glint in his smile, James opened his mouth, crafting his words as a twisted dance of indirect insults. “Our dear Evelina, everyone. Her spirited nature is truly unmatched. It’s a terrible shame that such fire isn’t tempered with the grace befitting a lady of her station or channeled into finding a husband, is it not?”
His chuckles filled the air, and Evelina’s heart was left in tatters. The sting of his words cut deep, and her tears threatened to spill over, her resolve teetering on the edge as she contemplated bolting out of the room.
Suddenly, Gabriel’s voice sliced through the tension. His eyes locked onto James’s, challenging, and openly clouded with disgust. “I see now, My Lord. Your struggle to keep or increase your wealth lies in your inability to discern a gem from a rock. Value eludes you, even when it stares you in the face.”
Shocked gasps echoed across the table from all corners.
James paled, and he opened and closed his mouth like a fish out of water, at a loss for words. The embarrassment in his eyes was clear for all to see. Yet, he didn’t dare utter a word in return. Gabriel’s tone made it impossible for anyone to speak. And James was not in any position to talk back to a Duke.
The room seemed to shrink, every eye fixed on the unfolding confrontation. Gabriel stared at the Viscount a moment longer, then abruptly got up and gave a polite nod towards the table.
“Thank you for the dinner, My Lord. Any hospitality, despite how strained is always appreciated.” He looked at Margaret, whose jaw remained dropped beside him, acknowledging her with a warm smile. “Miss Margaret, your company was delightful.” Then, he turned to Evelina, his voice softening as he addressed her. “Miss Balfour, I hope to see you again soon. Your presence was the highlight of the evening.”
His gaze lingered on her for a moment, a nearly unnoticeable smile playing at the corners of his lips. His gesture was so small yet filled with such a magnetic charm that it sent a rush of emotions through her.
Evelina’s stomach fluttered, her heart rate quickening more than ever before.. The intensity of her feelings caught her off guard, a realization dawning on her with startling clarity.
