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There wasn’t much to say from Eloise’s side after that. Silence seemed to be the best option, just like she had chosen since the beginning of the dinner.
“My Lady and My Lord, I was wondering if you have any specific requests for the wedding.” Luckily, Aunt Alexandra was here to ramble and change the subject as usual. She continued, “I know we agreed our family would arrange everything, but it’d be very helpful. It’ll allow us to keep everything to your satisfaction.”
“Yes, actually,” Lady Hackberry said quickly, “There is one thing. I’d like for at least one public outing, to show the ton that it’s a love match. I know the wedding will be announced in The Times, but it seems too impersonal, without warning, so I was thinking that a ball would do no harm.”
Aunt Alexandra took a sip of her wine, squinting her eyes in thought. “Ah. The Bennet ball on Friday. It is a perfect occasion to announce the marriage. If they share two dances, it should get the message across.”
“That seems a little old-fashioned and slapdash,” Uncle Marcus added.
“Oh, nonsense, dear. It is what all young couples do.”
“Indeed. And it’s a wonderful idea,” Lord Hackberry said, “I, personally, have a few requests for the ceremony too.”
That was the moment Eloise struggled to continue pretending to be interested in the conversation. Their words turned into incoherent mumbles as her mind traveled to thoughts of both James and Simon. James’ family sat before her, discussing the wedding, the dresses, the decorations, the guests, anything she didn’t want to imagine herself. But Eloise was sitting there passively, unable to do anything. It felt helpless and useless to attempt a protest now.
Before she knew it, an hour had passed, and she was yet to finish the food in front of her, even when she’d been asked repeatedly about it. There was a pit in her stomach that wouldn’t go away, and the more they spoke, the more real her imminent future became and the worse it all got. She almost wished Simon would show up and snatch her away. But she was a fool for wishing a man who had proclaimed his dislike toward her, would swoop in to save her now.
“Lady Eloise, my dear, why don’t you and James go for a stroll in the gardens? I see you aren’t that interested in our conversation. You must be yearning to talk to him alone. If your family accepts, of course,” Lady Hackberry said.
Eloise felt dizzy. All eyes were on her as she struggled to contain her thoughts in an effort to respond. James attempted to touch her, and she flinched away from him, turning her gaze at the only person who might understand; Uncle Marcus. She ever-so-subtly shook her head, hoping that he would be able to do something.
A short silence lingered as all eyes traveled to Uncle Marcus, seeking approval.
“Perhaps next time?” Uncle Marcus finally said, continuing to look at Eloise. “I don’t think she’s fully recovered yet, and we wouldn’t want her to miss the ball, coming down with a fever again?”
“Oh, most definitely not.”
The dinner was long over, and Eloise had never felt so drained of emotion. Having to bear them talking about the wedding was bad enough, but sitting right beside James, expected to reciprocate all of his smiles, nods, and feelings, was awfully worse. He didn’t miss one chance to glare and smirk at her, almost like a devious child who finally got what he wanted. And the worst of all, she was trapped.
Climbing up the stairs, she kept her gaze low to the ground, closing her eyes every few seconds as she struggled to push away all thoughts of her imminent future. She was lucky to have escaped the garden stroll at least, all thanks to Uncle.
“Eloise.” Uncle Marcus stood outside her chambers, his frail body standing straight as he faced her.
Holding her hand gently, he pulled her to the side of the hallway, the darkness engulfing them. His gaze was warm and fuzzy, but it screamed worry all the same. The wrinkles around his brown eyes became more prevalent as he frowned.
“Papa, is everything fine?”
“Yes,” he said. “But are you all right?”
“…I am. I’m only a bit tired,” she quickly said.
“No, I mean,” he paused, sighing. “You looked tense all throughout the dinner, Eloise. Is something troubling you?”
“No,” Eloise replied instinctively. “I mean, thank you for caring. But really, everything is fine. I would just like to rest.”
Uncle Marcus paused for a moment, narrowed his eyes, just waiting for the whole façade Eloise had conjured up to crumble before him. But she held firm, and he eventually nodded, placing his hands against Eloise’s shoulders. “You’ve grown up so quick, dear,” he said with a proud smile. “I remember, you were but a tiny babe when I first laid my eyes on you at your father’s home in the country. Have I ever told you of the story where, when you were merely one year old, you would crawl up to my boots and climb onto my lap to steal my pocket watch?”
Eloise sputtered into a slight giggle as she brushed away at her eyes. “Only a thousand times.”
Uncle Marcus stood fragile, smiling in acknowledgement. “I would tell your mother, this one—this one is never going to stop until she gets what she wants. You are just as stubborn now as you were back then…I hope I wasn’t wrong.” He took her in his arms, embracing her one final time. “Go, get some rest.”
“…I will.”
