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“But you are happy?” Cecilia asked, looking hopeful.

Eveline turned to eye her husband, who happened to be looking at her as well. She gave him a small smile, which he returned. His friends caught the exchange between them and looked shocked.

“I am,” she answered finally.

“I am happy for you, Eveline.” Cecilia smiled. “But I doubt I will ever be free to find my fate.”

“You mustn’t give up hope, Cecilia.”

“You do not understand the depth of my brother’s protectiveness.” Cecilia frowned. “Even if this is my debutSeason, I haven’t attended many events. He doesn’t allow me to attend any events without him, and he scarcely attends events himself. What’s worse, he believes that I should experience a couple of Seasons before choosing a husband. I might die an old maid at this point!”

Not one to catastrophize, Eveline giggled softly into her hands.

“I am sorry that your brother has proven even worse than my sister.” She winced. “But you mustn’t give up hope. You have me now. I could accompany you to events in your brother’s stead, but we have to be entirely proper, or he would rescind that privilege.”

“Will you do this for me, Eveline?” Cecilia asked with wide eyes.

Eveline nodded. She let out anoomphwhen Cecilia threw her arms around her.

“Thank you so much!” Cecilia cried against her shoulder.

“You are welcome, darling.”

“Is not this a lovely sight to see?” Theo mused, walking up to them. “Two lovely ladies becoming fast friends.”

“I would thank you to keep your eyes off my sister, Emerton,” Magnus said with a frown.

Theo gave him a teasing smile and walked over to Cecilia.

“Why, Blackmore?” he asked. “She is a vision to behold. Why have I never seen her when I visited?”

“Because I was protecting her from your rakish eyes,” Magnus shot back.

“Do you share the same sentiments with your brother?” Theo asked with a pout. “Do I look like a rake? I fear I am being judged too harshly.”

“Emerton,” Magnus growled.

“This is not your decision to make, Blackmore,” Theo taunted. “It is the lady’s. Do not you think so, Lady Cecilia?”

“I… I…” Cecilia stuttered.

Eveline knew if she did not intervene, they might end up in a very embarrassing situation. Magnus looked red in the face and close to strangling Theo, who seemed to be enjoying taunting his friend. Cecilia, on the other hand, was blushing for an entirely different reason.

While Eveline understood that Theo was handsome, she knew the girl would send her brother to an early grave if he found out she considered his friend so.

“You two are making her uncomfortable,” she said, stepping between Theo and Cecilia. “We shall excuse ourselves now until you two learn to play nicely.”

She took Cecilia’s arm, turning to lead her away, but not before she caught her husband’s smile.

“Oh God. William just smiled!” Theo exclaimed. “I have finally seen it all in this lifetime.”

Eveline shook her head at the man’s antics.

“Eveline, what have you done to my friend?” Magnus asked with a similar look on his face. “I am in shock.”

Are they serious?

“Do not mind them,” her husband said with a smile. “They have a penchant for the dramatics.”