Sebastian fiddled with his neckwear for the tenth time since the carriage left the manor. What if they were early? Would it be better to be delayed?
"If you keep messing with it, won't you mess it up?" Delilah stared at him with round eyes.
Clearing his throat, Sebastian lowered his hands to his lap. Delilah grinned at him and settled back in the seat. Her feet dangled over the edge, but she remained still. Her ruffled dress spread out around her like feathers. Unlike her previous attire, the dress was light blue. He wore something lighter as well-- a lavender-colored suit with silver cufflinks.
"It'll be fine," Delilah continued.
"You're not the one who must convince Lord Stark to let his sister be courted by a blood-born."
As soon as he spoke, Sebastian knew he had said it a bit harsher than intended. Delilah, however, gave him a sympathetic look.
"Mr. Timmons said it's fo...form..ity."
"Yes," Sebastian said. "It is a formality, but it must be done well. It's an important conversation. When you're older, a gentleman might come calling."
Delilah's face twisted in disgust. "I'm glad it won't happen for a long time."
"As am I."
The carriage stopped minutes later. As Delilah jumped off the seat, Sebastian gave her a look. Sheepishly, she sat back down. Once outside, Sebastian escorted his sister off the carriage and to the Stark Manor. Street light glowed above their heads, chasing the shadows away from the courtyard. Small hedges lined the area with tiny blooming flowers.
"It is...old," Delilah whispered.
Sebastian gave her another look. However, he too noticed the wear and tear on the house and the hint of faded paint. It was a stark contrast to the other homes nearby. His first prejudice against Avaline seemed childish now.
At the door, a butler answered. He was a neat man with his hair combed back. He greeted them with a bow.
"Welcome to Stark Manor," he said. "I am Jonna. Allow me to escort you inside."
Stepping through, Sebastian took in the rustic nature of the house. The warm colors and the wood furnishings spoke of a rich history. Well-traveled rugs lined the hallways. The home was cleaned and tidy.
"The family is in the lounge," Jonna said from the front. "Right this way."
They turned and entered a well-lit room. Contrary to the family portrait, only three Stark family members were present. Sebastian's gaze was immediately drawn to Avaline. Then, a fist lodged itself in his throat. She was stunning in a dark blue gown that accentuated her figure. It was the first time, he realized, he'd ever seen her in a gown. Her smile widened as their eyes met, and when she shyly looked away, only to look back, it was endearing.
Delilah stepped forward and greeted the Stark family flawlessly. Thankful for the distraction, Sebastian turned to the rest of the family. Charles and his wife were also in the lounge, though the second sister and the youngest two were missing. Delilah's face fell as she noticed the missing twins.
"Welcome, Lord Nightingale," Charles said. "I'd like to introduce you to my wife, Elaine Stark."
The willowy woman curtsied, and Sebastian bowed in return.
"Dinner is ready," Elaine said. "Shall we?"
As they walked toward the other room, Delilah and Avaline walked side by side.
"Where are Anna and Brian?" Delilah asked.
"They'll be at dinner," Avaline said.
Happily, Delilah moved ahead, leaving Sebastian and Avaline in the back.
"You look lovely," he said.
"You're very dashing," she said at the same time.
Sebastian and Avaline smiled, nearly laughing. When she turned away, Sebastian clenched his jaw. Despite the necklace, her neck was exposed. It was a tantalizing view, one he would cherish.
As soon as they arrived at the dining room, the other three members of the Stark family arrived. Delilah and the twins immediately greeted each other.
"My sister, Vivian Stark," Charles said.
With a thin smile, the eldest sister curtsied. Her gaze was sharper and her smile polite, but unwelcoming. Between her and Charles, Charles was more inviting.
Sebastian shared the side of the table with Avaline and Delilah. Savory meat, thick red wine, and pudding were brought out. Sebastian hid his surprise well, unlike Delilah's, whose eyes bulged.
"It's my favorite," she said. She leaned closer to her brother. "How did they know?"
How did they indeed? he thought. The meals were prepared exactly like they were at home. While the Stark family's differed in ingredients, each bite of the steak satisfied Sebastian's cravings. How had the Starks found the recipe? Most blood-born dishes were kept in the family. They were well-guarded secrets and a source of pride to many.
While Sebastian didn't follow such traditions, he made a mental note to ask Avaline for her source.
"I hope it is to your liking," Elaine said.
"Very much so," Sebastian said. "Your chef has outdone themselves."
Vivian took a sip of her drink. "It's only natural we accommodate our guests."
The sharpness of her voice was subtle. Sebastian glanced at Delilah, happily eating her pudding. If she had heard Vivian's tone of voice, she didn't show it.
From under the table, Avaline placed her hand on Sebastian's thigh. He glanced at her and looked away. She was smiling, but it didn't reach her eyes. Sebastian placed his hand over hers. He expected some hostility, and this was nothing more than child's play.
Charles's brow furrowed. The pointed look would chill most people's fervor.
"Of course," he told her. "I expect nothing less. Lady Avaline here has regaled me with tales of her family. They do not fall short."
Avaline's cheeks turned pink. "Nothing too scandalous," she explained.
Elaine was a experience host, changing the subject almost immediately. From his time in the military to his time in Blackburry, Sebastian answered what he could. He was limited in his conversation as he preferred to leave the masses to their own devices rather than interact with them.
"You're kept busy then," Vivian said. "Then, how much time do you think you have to spare?"
The dining room was filled with nothing more than the clinks of silverware. Charles and Elaine stared at Vivian with wide eyes. Sebastian had to hold Avaline's hand as it clenched.
"Plenty," Delilah blurted out.
Sebastian turned to her, surprised.
"He reads bedtime stories to me," she continued, "and we always have our meals together. He listens to me read, too." She placed her spoon down. "It's true, I want him to stay home a lot, but he keeps people safe."
Vivian dabbed her mouth with a napkin, looking away.
"Charles is the same way," Anna spoke up. "He works a lot, too."
Brian nodded and turned to Vivian. "You're busy, but still make time for us."
"How wonderful," Elaine said, grasping for straws. "Your value with family is well-noted." She smiled at Charles. "Our family is different as...our elders aren't able to assist us. However, we all support each other."
Sebastian intertwined his fingers with Avaline's. Her pulse had quickened, and the way she gnashed her teeth made him take note of her thinning patience. It was best to move things along.
"The only family I know is my coven," he said, "although they are far away, I haven't forgotten their teachings. Protecting and respecting those I hold dear is what I strive for."
Charles finished his drink and placed the glass on the table. "Then our conversation will be quick."
Sebastian squeezed Avaline's hand. Was that a good thing? Or perhaps he had already made a decision. The dinner was a formality.
"I'll say it here for everyone present," Charles continued. As he spoke, he stared at Vivian. "You have my blessings to court Avaline. Though I do hope proper etiquette is maintained." This time, he looked at Avaline.
Different emotions ran through Sebastian: apprehension, followed by panic, relief, then happiness. Most conversations such as these were held between the patriarch and the other party within a secluded place. The rest of the family wasn't informed until later. Yet, Sebastian appreciated the bluntness.
"What does that mean?" Anna asked.
Avaline cleared her throat. "It means we'll be seeing Lord Nightingale and Delilah around here more often."
As the children chatted excitedly about all the things they were going to do together, Sebastian rubbed his finger across Avaline's thumb. Though he had much to learn about each other, he at least had the peace of mind of knowing he had all her attention to himself.