Episode 26

At Damien’s house, Gabriel stood by the fireplace, rolling a glass of brandy between his hands, his gaze distant. The previous day had been a whirlwind of emotions, and now, uncertainty was beginning to take hold. Lilian had not yet given any response to his proposal.

Damien, reclining on the sofa, raised an eyebrow. “Are you going to stay like this all day? Sulking like a child?”

Gabriel considered responding, but before he could, a servant entered, carrying a letter. “For you, my lord.”

Gabriel felt his heart pound as he saw Lilian’s seal on the envelope. He straightened in his seat, tearing the wax open with eager fingers.

“I need to speak with you immediately.

Come to Lady Penelope’s house. Don’t delay.

Lilian.”

Gabriel exhaled, smiling in relief.

“Well?” Damien asked, watching him closely.

“She wants to see me,” Gabriel said, almost breathless. “She wants to talk to me. Damien, I think she’s going to accept.”

Damien feigned ignorance. “Accept what?”

“My proposal,” Gabriel said, running a hand through his hair. “Marriage. Isn’t it obvious?”

Damien narrowed his eyes, smiling. “Then what are you waiting for?”

Gabriel chuckled. “Come with me. I want you there. If I can convince her today, maybe we can settle everything before anyone else tries to interfere.”

Damien sighed but grabbed his coat. “Very well, but I hope you’re right.”

“I am,” Gabriel said with certainty. “For the first time, I truly am.”

And without further delay, the two set off for Lady Penelope’s house, unaware that upon their arrival, Gabriel would not find what he expected but rather a storm waiting to crash down upon him.

Whitaker, still hidden in the shadows of the garden, watched as Clara hurried out with the note, unable to suppress a satisfied smile.

“That’s it, Lilian,” he murmured to himself, his eyes gleaming with triumph. “Push him away with your own hands.”

The trap was about to close.

***

The carriage came to a sudden stop in front of Lady Penelope’s house. Gabriel quickly stepped down, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. Damien followed at a slower pace, his gaze fixed on his overly confident friend.

"You’re far too eager for someone summoned in such haste," Damien observed, crossing his arms.

"I know what this means," Gabriel replied with a half-smile. "She wants to see me. She’s finally made up her mind."

Damien raised an eyebrow, but before he could comment further, the front door opened without Gabriel knocking. Lady Penelope stood in the doorway, her expression somber.

"Gentlemen," she greeted, stepping aside to let them in.

Gabriel nodded quickly and entered. "Where is Lilian?"

Lady Penelope began to respond, but a sharp voice echoed from inside the house.

"Here."

Gabriel turned to see Lilian at the end of the corridor, her slender figure clad in a green gown. His heart skipped a beat.

Lilian stood with a stern expression, though her eyes held an unreadable gleam. "We need to talk. Now."

Gabriel hesitated for a moment, feeling a chill run down his spine. "Of course."

Without waiting for him, Lilian turned and walked down the hall. Gabriel threw a brief glance at Damien and Lady Penelope before following her.

Lady Penelope let out a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment.

"This won’t end well."

Damien watched her warily. "What’s going on?"

She sighed again and gestured toward a sitting room. "Let’s sit."

Once seated, Lady Penelope settled into an armchair, and Damien took the sofa. "Whitaker came by this morning."

Damien groaned, already suspecting what was coming. "Of course, he did."

Lady Penelope gave him a sharp look. "And he brought a carefully crafted lie."

Before she could continue, Clara entered, her concern evident.

"Milady, has Gabriel arrived?"

Lady Penelope nodded slowly. "They’re talking now."

Clara clasped her hands tightly, her lips pressed into a firm line. "She’s furious."

Damien, momentarily distracted by Clara, observed her. It was the second time he had seen her, and once again, he was struck by her presence. Her honey-brown hair framed her face in soft waves, and her eyes shone with genuine concern. A quiet strength emanated from her.