Time crawled at a snail's pace before the day of Sol's invitation finally arrived. Sebastian's message last night had been brief. While Delilah had felt better and Sir Myla had returned to her post, he wasn't sure if he'd be able to attend.
Avaline nibbled on a light breakfast, her leg bouncing underneath the table. If Sebastian didn't appear, how was she going to alleviate the members' concerns? Lord Nightingale was the authority on Hellios and how best to send supplies.
One by one, her siblings had gone about their day, leaving her alone. Avaline had scraped the bottom of her bowl with a wooden spoon when Lottie hurried into the dining room.
"Lady Yolanda is here," Lottie announced.
Thanking her, Avaline stood. Her breakfast churned uncomfortably. A day ago, Yolanda had sent a letter to Avaline. She would like to share a carriage. Avaline's home was on the way, and they had much to talk about.
The bright morning sun greeted Avaline before hiding behind passing clouds when she stepped out of the house. Avaline took her umbrella from Lottie and used it to shade herself from the sun.
Yolanda waited inside the carriage in a light pink colored dress. The girls greeted each other.
Avaline was careful with her clothes. Vivian and Elaine had combined their wardrobes to dress Avaline in a light blue skirt and turtle neck blouse with ruffles along the sleeves. Avaline had promised to return them in perfect condition.
Once Avaline boarded, the carriage moved.
Yolanda smiled. "How are you, Avaline?"
Avaline squeezed the umbrella in her hands. "Doing well. And you? How's the family?"
Yolanda's face turned into a grimace. "Busy, as you can imagine." She leaned forward. "Any news?"
Avaline leaned back against the cushioned seat. "Nothing's changed if that's what you mean."
"So, you haven't talked to your lover."
Avaline coughed, heat rising in her cheeks. "His sister is ill."
Yolanda unfurled her fan. "How terrible. I'll pray to Sol for her health."
Trying to change the subject, Avaline said, "How are the preparations for Dominic's birthday coming along?"
Yolanda deflated against the seat. "He doesn't want a ball. He wants a hunting party."
"Those were popular," Avaline began.
"Before the war," she interrupted. "What are the men going to hunt? Berries?"
Avaline snorted, trying to stop her laughter. "That won't stop them from riding their horses."
Yolanda fanned herself. "Mother is adamant about changing his mind. He's refused three times."
Avaline smiled. "There have been retired soldiers patrolling the area. Maybe they can provide extra security."
"You make it sound like we should let Dominic, the heir of Vann, ride in the woods with Hellios around." Yolanda stomped her foot. "Are you trying to ruin my family?"
If Avaline hadn't seen the smile at the corner of her friend's mouth, she would have apologized.
Choosing her words carefully, Avaline said, "If there were Hellios around, there would be a curfew. They only attack when the Sol sleeps."
Yolanda crossed her arms. "I know, but he's my brother. He should be more responsible."
"It's better to let them do it out in the open than have them hide it."
At her silence, Avaline continued, "Besides, if you don't start the preparations now, there won't be enough time."
"Then what should we do?" Yolanda's fan moved quickly.
"Make it into a picnic," Avaline suggested. "The heirs can ride their horses in leisure while their partners drink tea and eat light meals. It'll be a festivity out in the open."
"You do have a point," she admitted. "When I get home, I'll talk to Mother about it. But, I have a condition."
Avaline frowned. "What?"
"You need to help me. You said it yourself, there won't be enough time for preparations."
"What do you need help with?"
"The invitations," Yolanda admitted. "We've drafted a list, so if you could write them out..."
Avaline gaped at her. "That's a lot of writing."
She smiled slyly. "I'll make it worth your while." She grabbed her hand. "Please, Avaline. Your handwriting is the best."
Avaline couldn't help but smile. Yolanda knew how to flatter her. "Fine. Send a carriage for me the day after, and I'll come to write your invitation letters."
They both knew Vann's butler would be more than capable of writing the invitations, but when Yolanda mentioned making it worth her while, Avaline knew it would be something monetary. It was also something she couldn't refuse. Yolanda was her friend, and Avaline wanted to help.
***
When the carriage finally arrived at Sol's church, it stopped in front of the annex buildings rather than the main church. It was where they held their warehouses and sleeping quarters. Yolanda and Avaline stepped out of the carriage, leaving the umbrella behind in the carriage, and were greeted by Sister Anoise.
"Sister Tucker is waiting in the meeting room," she said. "Please follow me."
They walked under the shade of the trees across the courtyard. The meeting room was entirely indoors, but its ceilings were covered in glass. Light filtered through the panes, making it appear as if tiny lights floated in the air. As Yolanda and Avaline walked inside, the other guests waited at a rectangular table in the middle of the room.
Lady Leah Poppy stood from her seat, as did Lady Tasha Stewart and Lady Melanie Kain. The ladies curtsied to each other. Excitement gleamed in their eyes. No one had expected their afternoon talk to bear fruit. Avaline reminded herself to thank Lord Nightingale for the opportunity once more. None of this could have happened without his help.
"Thank you for coming," Sister Tucker said. "Our other guests will join us momentarily."
Yolanda and Avaline sat beside each other. The wooden chairs were sturdy with thick cushions.
The committee didn't wait long. The door opened, and Lord Ross walked in. Avaline stared. He hadn't been part of the conversation. What was he doing here? Yolanda glanced at Avaline with a questioning look. Avaline shook her head subtly.
"Good afternoon, ladies," he said. He bowed.
"Welcome, Lord Ross," Lady Melanie said. "We didn't expect to see you here."
"I took the liberty of inviting him," Sister Tucker explained. "As Lord Nightingale stated, merchants are essential to what we plan to do."
Avaline perked up at his name.
"Will he be joining us?" Lady Stewart beat her to the question.
"It seems I arrived at the correct time."
Avaline's breath rushed out of her lungs. Lord Nightingale entered the room. Unlike Lord Ross's brown and striped suit, Lord Nightingale wore a grey suit. Avaline grabbed Yolanda's arm under the table. It had been days since they had seen each other. Yet, the heat from their last encounter rushed to Avaline's thoughts and her face.
"Since we're all here," Sister Tucker said, "let's begin the meeting."
Avaline couldn't concentrate on the meeting at all. Her gaze and mind wandered to take in how Lord Nightingale's hair glittered with sunlight. An attendant she hadn't seen before held an umbrella over him, shielding him from the light. She wanted to ask about Delilah and whether Dr. Kaya needed more of her blood. Yet, even as she stared, he didn't look my way.
As Sister Tucker spoke, Yolanda nudged Avaline's foot. Clearing her throat, Avaline returned her attention to the conversation. Avaline heard parts of the discussion, other than having a hand at bringing Lord Nightingale, she had nothing to contribute. She hadn't given it much thought.
However, she didn't need to worry. Lord Ross led the conversation with a businessman's perspective. He spoke about the types of transportable products that wouldn't spoil or be damaged by travel.
An hour later, Sister Anoise came around with refreshments and treats.
"Stop staring," Yolanda whispered at some point. "You're making it too obvious."
Hastily, Avaline looked away. Instead, she took a cookie and nibbled on it. The sweetness put her mind at ease. This wasn't the time to be distracted. But it was hard not to worry about Lord Ross meeting Lord Nightingale. Though they weren't engaged, Avaline hadn't rejected Lord Ross's proposal yet. She didn't want Lord Nightingale to assume she and Lord Ross had some special relationship.
"This will be a good point to stop the meeting," Sister Tucker announced. "We'll meet in two weeks at the same time if that's all right with everyone."
"Of course," Lady Tasha replied. "It'll give us plenty of time to disclose our objective with the rest of Blackburry."
"We'll need investors," Lady Melanie supplied. "Lord Ross, I'm sure you can draft up a list of other merchants that could be partners. I'll reach out to them as well."
"I shall send you a list," he replied smoothly.
"I'll write the proposal," Lady Leah added. "I'm sure the Countess will take an interest in our endeavor."
Countess Selene oversaw Blackburry as her territory. Most of her family had fallen in the war. It was rumored that she had adopted a son, but no one had ever seen him. Avaline's mother used to visit Countess Selene during her youth, but she didn't know what caused a rift between them.
"I'll see to the security," Lord Nightingale spoke up.
"Lady Stark and I will look for warehouses to store the goods," Lady Yolanda declared. "The building must accommodate the courier staff and merchants."
"I'll look for personnel," Lady Tasha said. "I won't talk to anyone about our plan until Countess Selene agrees. However, it is her decision whether this will be a paid endeavor. As it stands now, this plan might fail if we aren't realistic."
The mood shifted at her words. However, no one had initially expected a reward for doing something that benefited them all.
"Let's ensure our proposal is strong so we don't fail," Avaline said. "At our next meeting, we should have enough information for Lady Leah to finish the proposal."
As Sister Anoise and Sister Tucker cleaned the meeting room, Lady Melanie and Lady Tasha took their leave first. Lord Ross and Lord Nightingale had stepped outside, and they hadn't returned.
While Yolanda and Lady Leah discussed the proposal, Avaline stepped outside for fresh air. At least Lady Yolanda had been there to save her from embarrassment. She should have paid more attention to the meeting.
"Lady Stark."
As Lord Ross approached, it was difficult to force a smile.
"Hello, Lord Ross." Avaline curtsied. "I didn't expect you to remain. I know how busy you are."
"I wouldn't leave without exchanging a few words with you," he said. "Have you enjoyed the gifts I brought? I wanted to make sure they were to your liking."
How could her family not enjoy them? He had brought tea from the capital along with fabric and other precious goods. Elaine and Vivian had immediately started planning outfits for Dominic's birthday party. Avaline, however, had only heard it in passing and hadn't been interested in them.
"Very much so," Avaline said. "The twins enjoyed the new toys. Anna was ecstatic about having such a life-like doll. Brian has slept with his practice sword ever since then."
"I'm glad to hear that. I'll be sure to prepare others in a similar fashion."
His words tugged at her chest. "Don't be burdened by it," she said. "Being our family's business partner is enough already."
"That's one excuse," he said with a smile. "I don't think you were coy enough to pretend there wasn't another reason."
Avaline gripped her skirt. "That wasn't my intention."
"I tease," he said lightly. "I'll bring an apology at dinner in a few days."
He held his hand out. Unable to refuse, she placed her hand in his. When he kissed the back of her hand, Avaline felt her stomach churn. She needed to refuse him quickly, but now wasn't the place for it.
Avaline glanced behind him. Lord Nightingale stood in the distance, alone, holding a parasol that kept the sun from his skin. Avaline quickly withdrew her hand.
Lord Ross's smile wavered. "Have a good day. I must depart for some business." He gestured to the carriages. "Shall I take you home?"
Avaline smiled politely. "Thank you for the offer, but I must refuse. I'm waiting for Lady Vann."
With a bow, Lord Ross departed. As soon as he was out of sight, Avaline rushed up to Lord Nightingale.
"He's my family's business partner," she blurted out.
"It's none of my business." His voice was curt.
Avaline's pulse stuttered. "If you aren't busy, may I have some of your time?" she asked.
He nodded. She tried not to let his earlier words affect her mood as they walked.
"How Delilah?" she asked. "Is her fever gone?"
"She is on the mend."
Avaline bit her lip. She expected more, an explanation, a question in return. His silence made her chin tremble.
"Forgive me for the rudeness that night," she said. "I caused you trouble."
They stopped by small bushes. A faint breeze played with Avaline's hair.
"There is no need," Lord Nightingale said. "You helped my sister recover."
Avaline put her hand on her hip. "Then, why are you upset?"
His bewildered gaze turned to her. "That's a misunderstanding."
Sensing something was amiss, Avaline pressed. "Are you jealous?"
"Do you and I have such a relationship where I should be jealous?"
His words prickled. Avaline clenched her jaw.
"Scoundrel," she huffed and turned away.
Not a relationship? If they didn't, why would she go to his house? Why donate her blood? Why...share a kiss? Was that all he wanted?
"My lady, wait."
Avaline stopped.
"Forgive me for offending you," Lord Nightingale said. "Your earlier conversation with Lord Ross...I couldn't help but overhear."
Avaline swallowed thickly. Taking a deep breath, she turned. Lord Nightingale's ears had turned pink. Now that he knew, did he think Avaline had chosen Lord Ross? She couldn't let him think that.
"I mean to reject him," she blurted out. "This talk happened before I met you. I do intend to . . . continue my advances if you'd permit it."
Sebastian's eyes perked up. "Are you sure? What of your family?"
"I've told my brother." Avaline bit her lip. "I've yet to tell Lord Ross."
He nodded. His approval was all it took for the tension to ease out of her body. While his posture was rather cold, his eyes, on the other hand, were warm. A blush crept up Avaline's neck.
"Once you do, I'll accept your advances."
"Will you write to me?" she asked. Avaline looked away. "I miss our nightly exchanges."
A mischievous smile appeared on his lips. "Are you sure you want to?"
Avaline nodded. "I made my choice."
"Your bold approach suits you well, my lady."
"Do you like it when I'm bold?"
He smiled. "I find it part of your charm."
Her pulse quickened, and she stepped closer. "You think I'm charming?"
He looked away. His ears turned redder. "I - it's an aspect," he stammered.
"Now who's being reserved?"
When he didn't speak, Avaline pressed her lips together to hide her smile. With him, she didn't have to act so politely about her feelings or worry she might offend him. Sebastian was accepting of every part of her.
"Lady Stark," Yolanda said, walking out of the building. "Are you ready to depart?"
Avaline looked at her, wanting to refuse. Instead, she nodded.
"I'll wait in the carriage," Yolanda said.
She curtsied to Lord Nightingale before walking away.
When Sebastian held out his hand, Avaline placed her hand upon his, palm up. His piercing eyes gazed at her with a hunger that left her breathless. Without breaking eye contact, he brought her wrist to his lips. His tongue scraped the thin layer of skin above her pulse. Avaline's legs trembled, and she bit down a whimper.
For him to give her a palm kiss meant that he was willing to wait for her.