"Why can't we go?" Anna whined at Avaline's door.
Lottie finished tying the back of her dress as she stared at Anna through the mirror.
"It's late," Avaline said with a grunt. "You need to be in bed. Vivian will stay with you."
"It's not fair. You and Charles get to go everywhere."
"Elaine is going, too," she reminded her.
After returning from town, Avaline was unceremoniously told the family had a dinner reservation with Lord Ross. After a quick meal, Avaline had tried not to think about what she needed to do. Her stomach clenched and bubbled. She spent time with the twins. They had taken a liking to digging in the dirt, and Avaline was pleased to oblige them.
Anna huffed and stalked toward Avaline's bed. "Elaine said it was a fancy restaurant."
"I'm not surprised," Avaline said.
Lottie finished helping her and stepped out of the room. Avaline admired herself in the mirror. The dress was pale lavender in color with a subtle neckline and simple yet elegant sleeves that covered her arms only halfway. The waist is fitted, and below it, the gown widened, reaching all the way down, almost covering her feet. Among the gifts Lord Ross had sent were a few dresses. They were heavier than the ones made locally. Lottie had to help Avaline remove some layers before she could wear one.
Avaline turned to her sister. "Lord Ross made the reservation. Otherwise, we would have the meal at home."
"Why do you have to go?" Anna crossed her arms.
For once, Avaline wasn't sure how to explain. "Lord Ross and I are going to have a grown-up talk."
Anna's jealousy was cute. Even Avaline hadn't had the chance to dine at such prominent places in years.
"Okay." Anna slipped off the bed. "Bring me something sweet?"
Avaline smiled. "Yes. I will."
Charles and Elaine waited downstairs as Avaline reached the foyer. They wore blue couple outfits. No doubt it was a "gift" from Elaine's mother. Avaline had only met the woman once during the marriage talks, and she hadn't stopped by since. Considering how Avaline didn't miss her snide remarks, it was good fortune.
"Right on time," Charles said. "Let's go."
Outside, Avaline shivered at the cool breeze. She rubbed her arms and hurried into the carriage after Elaine. The carriage ride into town was silent. Avaline couldn't stop wiping her palms. She couldn't stop bouncing her leg. When should she talk to Lord Ross? Charles had said it was a business meeting about the mine. All Avaline had to do was wait until it was over. I can do this. I need to do this.
The carriage ride was over all too soon. Charles stepped off first, followed by Elaine. Avaline almost tripped on her way out. The restaurant had three stories with balconies overlooking the streets, with the name 'Louie' above the entrance. Wide-eyed, Avaline clenched her jaw. She smoothed her hair and smoothed out her dress. Lights flared from every floor. Laughter and chatter spilled around them. Attendants waited around the entrance, helping guests.
Couldn't they have had a meal at home instead? It was a lot more personal and had fewer witnesses. The sound of unfamiliar music grated against her ears. They didn't belong here.
"Is this the right place?" Elaine asked. Her voice wavered.
Charles was the first to compose himself. Escorting Elaine, he approached the door. An attendant stepped forward.
"Lord Ross awaits you on the third floor," the man stated. "Please follow me."
The third floor? It wasn't like Lord Ross to show off his wealth.
The attendant took the Stark through the restaurant. Everywhere Avaline looked, dishes were brought out of the kitchen. Wine flowed into the glass. It was a lot noisier on the first floor. Dinners filled every table. Light reflected off their glasses. Avaline felt the prickling of stares against her back. The color of their clothes was dull in comparison to everything else.
As the family moved up the stairs, the noise level dropped. The second floor was more private in nature, with doors hiding the room. On the third floor, serene music played on a piano welcomed them. The attendant took them toward the left into a private room, where Lord Ross waited by the balcony. As the three Starks approached, he stood with a smile.
"I'm glad you could make it," he said. "Please sit. I've taken the liberty to order our meal."
"Thank you for the invitation," Charles replied.
With a trembling smile, Avaline accepted Lord Ross's help into the chair. As they waited for the food, a waiter poured wine into their glasses. Avaline couldn't bring herself to take a drink. All her energy was focused on her posture and keeping her expression from wavering. She was amazed by Charles's ability to hold a conversation with Lord Ross despite the circumstances. She couldn't focus on their words.
Instead, Avaline focused on the paintings on the walls. They were all colorful landscape paintings of forest images and glittering streams. She finally took in the room. The walls were made of smooth, dark wood, and the floor was carpeted.
"It's all thanks to Lady Avaline," Lord Ross suddenly said. "My stay here in Blackburry is due to the recent project with the church."
Charles took a sip of his drink. "Yes, Avaline is very involved within the community."
Avaline bowed her head with a smile. She hadn't asked him for help at all. Why was he using Lord Nightingale's request as something she had asked him? Avaline hadn't been the one to come up with the idea either.
The waiters returned with their meal. Avaline could barely taste the fish. This invitation was a bit too much.
"This is very generous," Elaine said.
"I've found great success when I came to Blackburry," Lord Ross explained. "Due to the Stark family, my venture wasn't a failure. I have much to repay."
"Your praise humbles us," Charles began.
"I've brought some partners with me this time around," Lord Ross said. "They're also dining here. I'd like to introduce them to you if that's all right."
"I - of course," Charles said. "Thank you for thinking of me."
Avaline's stomach clenched. Why did it feel like we kept being indebted to Lord Ross? If this was a way to buy her favor, she had to put an end to it. Any help he gave should be because he believed Charles was capable.
"Lord Ross," Avaline said, hoarsely. She cleared her throat. "I'd like to ask for some of your time after dinner." She turned to Charles. "Brother, would you permit it?"
Her pulse quickened. She was sure Charles wouldn't refuse, but uttering those words made it more real.
Charles elegantly cut through his steak. "That's fine."
"Of course, my lady," Lord Ross said with a smile.
Avaline tried finishing the rest of her meal. It would be a waste to come all this way and not enjoy something like this. Who knew when the next time she'd get the opportunity to eat in such a place? The savory of the fish occupied all her thoughts. The lime zest was the added flavor that made her mouth burst.
When dinner finished, Lord Ross and Charles stood.
"Let's have our conversation when I return," Lord Ross said.
Together, he and Charles walked out of the room. At their departure, Elaine and Avaline leaned back against their chairs.
"It's a shame not everyone could have such a tasty meal," Elaine said.
Waiters flocked around, clearing the dishes. Another refilled their glasses.
"Dessert will be brought out momentarily," said another.
Left alone, Avaline sipped the strong drink. She shuddered as the liquid touched her tongue.
"It takes some time getting used to," Elaine said.
From what little she did know, Elaine's father was a wine connoisseur. Charles often received bottles of wine for his birthday.
"I'm sure," Avaline said.
A waiter returned with cheesecake. Avaline salivated at the sight. Almonds adorned the top of the slice. With a grateful smile, Avaline grabbed her plate and took a bite. She nearly groaned. The softness with the hint of crisp shortcrust made every bite memorable. She must bring some back for her siblings.
A waiter stepped up to the table. "Lady Elaine," he said. "Lord Stark requires your presence."
"Go," Avaline said, without looking up. "I'm fine here."
She was engrossed in the desert when a shadow fell over her.
"Lady Avaline?"
She jumped at her name. Blushing, she glanced up and saw Lord Ross. With a smile, he sat at the table.
"Are you done with your conversation?" she asked.
"The investors were more interested in your brother than in me," he said with a smile. "If I may, you look beautiful tonight."
Avaline's neck prickled. She didn't want his compliment. Nevertheless, she smiled.
"Thank you. It's the gown."
"Nonsense," he said. "Your beauty far outshines any gown."
Avaline grabbed her napkin, twisting it on her lap. The moment of bliss from the treat was gone. I can do this.
"I apologize for overstepping last time," he continued.
She frowned, then she realized what he was talking about. "Oh, it's in the past. I'd forgotten about it."
He sat back in his chair. "That saddens me," he confessed. "I'd thought our relationship was a little more than formal."
Avaline licked her lips. "I-It's been a long time."
"It has. I had meant to return a lot sooner, but my business kept me at home longer." He plucked his glass from the table, taking a sip.
"Will you continue to travel?"
"I am a merchant." He placed his glass on the table. "However, I plan to set up different branch offices and stay at the main branch once that's done."
Blackburry wasn't his final destination.
"It will take some time before this happens."
"The branch for Blackburry," she said, "how is that going?"
"Slower than I'd like," he confessed. "However, there's been some progress."
Avaline nodded, taking it in.
"I don't imagine this is what you wanted to speak about."
She hesitated. Was it really that obvious?
"That isn't to say that I don't appreciate the interest." He smiled.
"You're right." Avaline's voice wavered. "It's about your proposal." She took a breath. "I - I'm... I've had time to think about what you said before your departure. To be honest, it's a bit abrupt. I can't accept your proposal. We shouldn't pursue it any further."
As she finished speaking, she met his gaze. Lord Ross's face flickered momentarily before he regained his composure.
"I appreciate your honesty," he said. "I'm sure my absence didn't help with your decision. One needs time to know their partner, and I haven't given you any."
"It's not only that," Avaline explained. "The dista-"
"Is there someone else?" he interrupted.
Avaline stopped. "What?"
Wouldn't it be better to be honest? Lord Nightingale's presence had helped her make her decision. It was only fair that Lord Ross knew about it.
Before she could speak, Lord Ross said, "I don't need an answer. I believe I know who it is."
Avaline bit her lip. Perhaps Yolanda wasn't the only one who had noticed her staring at Lord Nightingale.
"Despite your decision, I hope we don't become strangers."
"That'll be difficult to do," she muttered, thinking of Charles.
"Then, to that extent, I'd like to continue my pursuit."
It took her a moment to realize what he'd say. "Lord Ross."
"This might be too greedy of me," he explained, "I wouldn't feel right without earnestly trying. I feel I might have disappointed you in my attempt. A lady such as yourself should be pursued with dedication."
"I-I don't think it's going to be possible," she blurted out. "There is someone else."
Her chest felt ready to burst. However, she couldn't drag this conversation out any longer. If Avaline didn't tell him now, she wouldn't be able to tell him later.
"It's also about my brother," Avaline said. "Your business - with our family. It feels like you're obligated to court me. It makes me feel uncomfortable. I don't want you or Charles to stop working with each other. However, I'd hate to think I've been the reason for the partnership."
"I see," he said, "that's a pity."
Avaline pressed her lips together. "There are many factors to this decision."
"As you said, the nature of my partnership is very important. I wouldn't be successful without it."
"Then, your earlier decision," Avaline began.
"It's my choice," he said. "I hope you're not burdened by it.
"I don't want to give you false hope," she told him.
"This is for me to deal with," he assured her. "I bear no ill will towards the lady."
Now that Avaline told him of her intentions, there wasn't much else she could say. He seemed adamant about continuing to pursue her. All that was left was for her to show him that she wasn't interested in him.
"Does your brother know of your intentions?" he asked.
"My brother and I have talked," Avaline said.
Luckily, Charles and Elaine returned to the table at that time.
"Thank you for your time," Avaline said a little louder than intended. "I'm pleased we were able to clear things up."
Lord Ross engaged immediately in a conversation with Charles. This time, Elaine sat next to Avaline. She grabbed Avaline's hand.
"I think it's time we head back," she said. "I'm a little weary."
"I didn't mean to keep you here," Lord Ross said. "Let me escort you out."
Elaine and Avaline headed to the carriage while Lord Ross and Charles walked behind them.
"Did anything happen?" Elaine asked as they walked down the stairs.
Avaline shook her head. "He accepted my decision not to accept his proposal. However, I don't think he'll keep his distance."
"You don't have to meet him if you wish to."
"Then, can I ask for a favor?" Avaline bit her lip.
"Of what nature?"
"Any gifts to the family," Avaline whispered, "I want to reject them. I fear they might be given under some other pretext. It makes me feel uncomfortable."
Elaine stayed silent until they walked outside. Avaline breathed easier as they left behind all the noise and people. Their carriage waited for them a few steps away.
"Then, I'll inspect what is sent and act appropriately," Elaine said. "We can't refuse everything lest we offend him. We're business partners after all."
"I understand. Thank you."