Episode 14

Gabriel sat in his study, one elbow resting on the arm of the chair, fingers massaging his temple. The note lay open in his other hand, but his eyes were unfocused. Clara’s words echoed in his mind: “Please, Gabriel, help her.”

“Gabriel?” Damien’s voice broke the silence, accompanied by the firm sound of footsteps. The door opened, revealing the Earl, whose curiosity quickly shifted to concern upon seeing the state of his friend. “There you are. I’ve been looking for you all over the house.”

Gabriel lifted his gaze and, without a word, handed the note to Damien. “Read it.”

Damien stepped forward, took the note, and read the hastily written words. He let out a sigh, folding the paper and running a hand over his face. “Clara wrote this?”

Gabriel stood up slowly, his gaze resolute, fingers tightening around the note as if trying to restrain the fury within him. “Do you realize that if I don’t reach her in time, Lilian will be forced into a marriage she doesn’t want, one that will destroy her?”

Damien raised an eyebrow, crossing his arms. “What do you plan to do?”

Gabriel turned to the window, staring at the horizon as if seeking the solution in the sky. After a moment of silence, he responded with determination, “We’re going to London.”

Damien tilted his head slightly, studying his friend. “And what’s the plan?”

Gabriel took a deep breath, his fingers relaxing as he placed the note in his pocket. “Lady Penelope. She’s Lilian’s godmother. If we can gain her support, we can delay this wedding long enough for me to reach Lilian.”

Damien smirked, crossing his arms. “Lady Penelope... I know her well. Intelligent, sharp as a blade, and impossible to deceive. If anyone can stand against the Duke, it’s her. But, Gabriel, you’ll have to be convincing. Penelope isn’t easily swayed.”

Gabriel turned back, his gaze locked onto Damien. “She wants what’s best for Lilian. If I can show her who Whitaker truly is, she’ll side with me.”

Damien chuckled softly, stepping towards the door. “Then so be it. I’ll make sure everything is ready for the journey. London awaits us.”

When the door closed behind Damien, Gabriel remained in the study for a few moments longer. He picked up the note one last time, closed his eyes, and took a deep breath before tucking it into his pocket. As he left the study, he murmured to himself, “Wait for me, Lilian. I’m on my way.”

The morning air was still crisp when Gabriel and Damien finished packing for their journey to London. The sun cast a warm glow over the entrance of Damien’s estate, where servants busied themselves loading the final trunks onto the carriage. Gabriel, standing firm with a determined gaze, adjusted the cuffs of his shirt as he waited.

“Isn’t it ironic that after so much time at sea, it’s on land that we now face our greatest storms?” Damien remarked, smiling as he observed his friend.

Gabriel didn’t respond immediately. Only when the servants signalled that everything was ready did he reply, with a faint smile, “Storms do not choose their battleground, Damien. They simply demand that we be prepared.”

With a nod, Gabriel indicated that he was ready to depart. Damien followed. The carriage set off, beginning the journey along the roads leading to the capital.

The imposing façade of Damien’s London residence reflected the prestige of the Earl of Wesley, with its elegant architecture and a well-manicured garden flanking the grand entrance. As soon as the carriage came to a halt, the butler opened the door and bowed respectfully.

“My lord,” Mortimer greeted, his voice calm and firm. “Welcome home. And your guest?”

“This is Count Sinclair,” Damien replied, stepping down from the carriage with a smile. “Make sure he is well taken care of.”

The butler turned to Gabriel with a slight bow. “My Lord, I hope you find everything to your liking. I will call for a maid to escort you to your quarters.”

Shortly after, a young maid appeared and offered a discreet curtsy. “If you would follow me, my lord?”

Gabriel nodded and followed her through the main corridor, which exuded a perfect balance of elegance and restraint. The chandeliers discreetly illuminated the space, and the refined dark wood furniture was complemented by subtle tapestries, lending a welcoming yet understated atmosphere.

As Gabriel ascended the stairs, Damien called out, “Get yourself settled, Gabriel. Meet me in the study later. We have things to discuss.”

Gabriel nodded, following the maid to his room, where his luggage was already being unpacked. The chamber was spacious and comfortable, featuring a canopy bed adorned with high-quality fabrics and a small dressing table by the window. A servant efficiently arranged his belongings while Gabriel observed for a moment before washing his face and changing his shirt.