Summer 1818

Chapter 5 - Family Affairs

PART 1

As the sun sets over London, the atmosphere shifts to anticipation as Jasper's and Adela's families prepare for dinner together. The occasion is rare, marked by the coming together of two esteemed households. After hearing of the Creed family's return, Adela's mother invited them for dinner.

In the grand halls of the Lockhart residence, servants hurried to set the table with exquisite china and gleaming silverware. The aroma of roasting meat and freshly baked bread wafted through the corridors, enticing the senses and heralding the impending feast.

In the opulent dining room of the Lockhart mansion, Adela stood before the mirror, her reflection framed by the flickering candlelight. Her gown, a masterpiece of silk and lace, draped elegantly over her small frame, accentuating her delicate features.

"You look radiant, my dear," Adela's mother remarked, her eyes shimmering with pride as she admired her daughter's appearance.

Adela smiled gratefully, though her thoughts were elsewhere, consumed by memories of her recent encounter with Jasper. Despite their childhood closeness, their reunion by the lake had stirred unfamiliar emotions within her, leaving her heart in turmoil.

"Are you looking forward to seeing Jasper again, darling?" her mother inquired, unaware of the clandestine rendezvous that had already taken place.

Adela's gaze faltered for a moment, a flicker of guilt fleeting across her features before she masked it with a practiced smile. "Yes, Mama," she replied, her voice steady despite the tumultuous emotions swirling within her. "I am eager to catch up with him."

Her mother nodded, oblivious to the turmoil brewing beneath the surface. Little did she know, tonight's dinner would be anything but ordinary, as hidden desires and unspoken truths threatened to unravel the carefully crafted facade of propriety.

Jasper and his family arrived promptly, greeted by the Lockhart with warm embraces and polite smiles. Pleasantries were exchanged, but underneath the veneer of civility, an undercurrent of tension simmered, fueled by the unspoken attraction between Jasper and Adela.

Seated opposite each other at the lavish dining table, Jasper and Adela exchanged fleeting glances, their eyes betraying a silent conversation that spoke volumes. As the first course was served, the conversation flowed freely, punctuated by laughter and animated gestures.

"My dear Mrs. Lockhart, this soup is simply divine!" exclaimed Mrs. Creed, her eyes twinkling with delight as she savored each spoonful.

"Thank you, Mrs. Creed. It's an old family recipe," replied Mrs. Lockhart, her voice tinged with pride.

"Indeed, it's so delicious, I might have to steal your cook!" joked Mr. Creed, earning a round of chuckles from the Lockharts.

As the jovial banter filled the room, Adela couldn't resist injecting a bit of humor into the conversation. With a playful glint in her eye, she turned to Mr. Creed and quipped, "Ah, but if you're truly desperate, I could always lend you my brother. He fancies himself quite the chef, though I can't guarantee the results won't be... shall we say, adventurous?" 

Adela's brother, who is seated right next to her and Jasper, flashes a mischievous grin before retorting, "Ah, but dear sister, I'm not sure they're ready for my culinary masterpieces. Last time I cooked, the fire brigade showed up faster than you can say 'overcooked soufflé'!"

The table erupted in laughter, with even the usually stoic Mr. Creed chuckling at the jest. Adela couldn't help but steal a glance at Jasper, who met her gaze with a twinkle in his eye, silently acknowledging the shared moment of levity amidst the formality of the evening.