Chapter 16: Tea Time

To Selina's surprise the next day, she was invited to a tea party by Evelyn. She sure acts fast. Selina gets dressed and Troye hands her a heavy jewelry box.

"Give this to Lady Evelyn. I can only do so much for you, make a good impression and invite her over as soon as you can. Understood?"

"Understood." Selina takes the box, hops in a carriage, and makes her way to the Count's household. 

The jewelry box Troye had handed her sat heavy in Selina's lap as the carriage trotted along. Its gilded edges gleamed faintly in the sunlight streaming through the window. The closest way to get into the heart of a merchant is to prove your status and influence. Money can go a long way. 

The Windsor estate was a testament to the family's rapid rise in status. Its pristine marble facade, sprawling gardens, and intricately designed gates screamed wealth and ambition. Selina's sharp eye caught the details: freshly painted walls, new sculptures in the courtyard, and servants dressed in the finest livery money could buy. 

A servant greeted her promptly, bowing low before escorting her to the back gardens. As they walked, Selina's gaze wandered over the estate's grandeur, taking mental notes. It wasn't just a home; it was a statement.

The gardens were breathtaking. Rows of meticulously pruned roses in every color imaginable lined the pathways, while fountains sparkled in the sunlight. At the center of it all sat Evelyn Windsor, poised and radiant in a lavender dress that complemented her sharp, fox like features. She looked up as Selina approached, a slow smile spreading across her lips.

"Lady Amelia," Evelyn greeted, standing with practiced grace. "How wonderful of you to join me."

"The pleasure is mine, Lady Evelyn," Selina replied, matching her smile and offering a small curtsy. She extended the jewelry box. "My brother, the Duke, sends his regards and a small token of our appreciation."

Evelyn's eyes flickered with intrigue as she accepted the box, her movements deliberate and elegant. She opened it, and for the briefest moment, her mask of calm cracked, revealing genuine surprise.

"My, my," Evelyn murmured, her fingers brushing over the sapphire necklace. "Your family certainly has impeccable taste. Or rather, you do, Lady Amelia."

Selina's smile remained steady. "You're too kind. It's a mere gesture of goodwill."

"Goodwill," Evelyn echoed, her tone teasing. "I'll treasure it. Please, have a seat."

Selina sat across from Evelyn at the ornate table set for two. The teacups and plates were fine porcelain, each piece painted with delicate floral patterns. As a servant poured her tea, Selina took a moment to observe Evelyn more closely.

There was a sharpness to her beauty, angled cheekbones, a confident tilt to her head, and eyes that sparkled with mischief. She was the kind of person who always seemed to know more than she let on.

Evelyn broke the silence first, her voice smooth and light. "You're admiring the gardens, I see. Do they meet your standards, Lady Amelia?"

"They're lovely," Selina replied politely, taking a sip of her tea. "The care that's gone into them is obvious."

Evelyn leaned forward slightly, her gaze never leaving Selina's face. "I'm pleased you think so. I was worried they might pale in comparison to the Amister estate. After all, the Duke's gardens are said to be unparalleled."

The tea party continued with a careful exchange of words. Evelyn was charming, her wit as sharp as a blade. She steered the conversation effortlessly, dropping subtle hints about her family's influence and successes while drawing Selina out without being overt.

At one point, Evelyn set her teacup down and studied Selina with an intensity that made her sit a little straighter.

"Tell me, Lady Amelia," Evelyn began, her voice soft but insistent. "What is it like to be the Duke's sister? To carry the weight of the Amister name?"

Selina hesitated, caught off guard by the personal question. "It's an honor, of course. But like any title, it comes with its challenges."

"Challenges," Evelyn mused, her lips curling into a half-smile. "And yet, you carry it so gracefully. I imagine it's not easy to shine when standing in the shadow of a man like Duke Amister."

There it was, a carefully veiled jab disguised as a compliment. Selina met Evelyn's gaze, refusing to back down. "Shadows are only cast when there's light, Lady Evelyn. And I assure you, I've learned to shine just fine on my own."

Evelyn's smile widened, a flicker of admiration crossing her features. "Indeed, you have. I see now why the prince chose you for his first dance. It's not every day someone commands such attention so effortlessly."

Selina's grip on her teacup tightened slightly, though her expression didn't waver. "The prince's choice was... unexpected. But I suppose we all have our roles to play."

"Unexpected, perhaps," Evelyn said, leaning forward slightly, "but not unwelcome, I imagine. After all, who wouldn't want to be swept off their feet by royalty?"

Selina kept her composure, though her heart skipped a beat. "It was certainly an... experience."

Evelyn chuckled, the sound low and warm. "You're fascinating, Lady Amelia. Beautiful, poised, and clever, such a rare combination. It's no wonder you've captivated so many."

Selina's cheeks warmed, but she refused to let Evelyn see her flustered. Instead, she set her teacup down with deliberate care and met Evelyn's gaze head-on. "Flattery will get you far, Lady Evelyn. But I'm sure you already know that."

Evelyn's eyes glinted with amusement, and she leaned back in her chair, clearly enjoying the exchange. "I do. But I find that honesty works even better."

As the tea party wound down, Evelyn stood, extending a hand to Selina. "This has been delightful, Lady Amelia. I look forward to our next meeting."

Selina rose, shaking Evelyn's hand with practiced grace. "The pleasure was all mine. And perhaps next time, I'll have the honor of hosting you."

Evelyn's smile widened, her grip lingering for just a moment too long. "I'll hold you to that."

After faring a few goodbyes, Selina enters back in her carriage, slumping in her seat. Evelyn…was truly something alright. She was charming, sly, pretty, and pretty. Wait? Did I mention pretty twice? Selina can feel herself heating up once more, woman are scary.