Episode 8

The afternoon was already well advanced when Lilian entered the grand dining hall, her footsteps echoing lightly on the marble floor. The soft afternoon light filled the space, highlighting the intricate details of the decor prepared for Gabriel’s welcome dinner. The servants moved discreetly, making the final adjustments under Lilian’s watchful gaze.

Clara stood beside her, holding a list and mentally checking off the items already arranged. “The flowers are in place, Lilian. The silverware has been carefully polished, and the crystal glasses are aligned. Is there anything else you’d like to check?” Clara asked, her voice calm but attentive to Lilian’s mood.

Lilian sighed, running her fingers over the surface of the main table. “Everything is as planned, Clara. I just hope tonight passes without any unpleasant surprises.” She paused, her gaze distant for a moment before turning back to Clara. “But even with everything perfect, there’s something I can’t accept. My father wants me to announce my engagement to Lord Sebastian Whitaker tonight.”

Clara’s eyes widened slightly, but she quickly composed herself, feigning surprise. “What? Lord Sebastian? But... I thought he was still considering other options.” Her tone remained neutral, but inside, her heart raced. She knew she had to choose her words carefully.

Lilian let out a bitter laugh. “Options? There are no options, Clara. My father has already decided everything. And what frustrates me the most is that everyone seems to accept it.”

Clara hesitated, not wanting to reveal that she had already overheard the Duke’s discussions about his plans. “I’m sure you’ll find a way, Lilian. You’re strong and intelligent. Maybe you can persuade your father to reconsider.”

Lilian shook her head, crossing her arms. “I don’t know, Clara. I feel trapped.”

An uncomfortable silence settled between them, broken only by the distant sound of hurried footsteps from the servants. Lilian straightened her shoulders, as if trying to shake off the feeling of helplessness. “Well, I think we’ve seen enough here. Let’s go before I get even more frustrated.”

Clara nodded, folding the list and tucking it into her apron. “Of course, Lilian. Do you need anything else? If not, I’ll finish my tasks.”

“No, Clara, you may go,” Lilian replied, disheartened.

Both left the room, and while Lilian slowly climbed to the library, Clara went about her chores, but her mind was elsewhere. She thought about Lilian’s revelation regarding the engagement and the words she had overheard between the Duke and Claremont. The implications of Lord Sebastian’s character unsettled her. “How will I tell her?” she wondered, as she adjusted the linens in one of the bedrooms.

In the library, Lilian approached one of the taller bookshelves, her fingers gliding over the spines until she selected a blue-covered volume. It was a novel she had loved in her youth, but now it seemed incapable of providing the comfort it once had. She sat in an armchair near the window, letting the afternoon light illuminate the pages. She tried to concentrate, but the words eluded her.

Gabriel’s welcome dinner and the impending announcement of her engagement to Lord Sebastian filled her thoughts. She closed the book with a heavy sigh and rested her forehead against her hand, elbows on her knees. “How do I get out of this?” she murmured to herself, her voice swallowed by the empty room.

She thought about running away. It was an idea she had considered before, but where would she go? How could she escape without ruining her reputation and that of her family? Her mind worked at a frantic pace, exploring possibilities, discarding them just as quickly. “I need help,” she thought, though she didn’t know who to turn to.

The sun began to set on the horizon, casting warm tones of orange and gold across the room. Lilian gazed out the window, feeling the weight of expectations pressing down on her. At last, she rose, placing the book back on the shelf with an almost mechanical motion. It was time to face the inevitable, even if her heart begged her to fight her fate.

She left the library and made her way to her chambers. The day was giving way to night, and the cool air entering through the open windows carried the scent of gardenias. In her room, she began preparing for dinner. Carefully, she removed the chosen gown from the dress form and laid it across the bed. As she adjusted her hair in front of the mirror, a soft knock came at the door.

“Enter,” she said, her voice slightly weary.

Clara stepped in hesitantly, carrying a small tray with tea. “I thought you might need this before dinner,” she said, setting the tray on the table and watching Lilian attentively.

Lilian managed a weak smile. “Thank you, Clara. You always take care of me.”

Clara approached and began helping Lilian dress, carefully adjusting the gown’s details. As she worked, she noticed that her friend remained downcast. “You’re so quiet, Lilian. Still worried about the engagement?”

Lilian sighed deeply, meeting Clara’s gaze in the mirror. “I can’t stop thinking about it.” Her reflection showed a woman elegantly dressed, her makeup subtly enhancing her beauty. This was how the world saw her — perfect and resigned to her fate. But inside, she felt like a prisoner. She ran her fingers over the pearl necklace adorning her neck. “Is this what you wanted for me, Mother?” The thought made her chest ache. Clara finished adjusting the gown and stepped back, assessing her.