8- Gavin's Sweetheart

                                        

                                              
Just over a month ago, a theatre in the Capital burned down, killing several nobles and laymen alike. It was a fact Gavin couldn't get out of his head even as he sat in a different theatre watching an entirely different play, next to the girl who would one day be his wife. Eniola Sikali was sixteen like Gavin, and they'd been best friends until he kissed her at ten. Ever since they've been in love and every year its harder to wait until they were finally wed. 
The play absorbed Eniola's attention, some dramatic retelling of the Osiris myth, and Gavin used the chance to shamelessly study her lovely features. The Sikali Dukedom Family's colour was a deep and rich orange that suited the soft brown of her skin and the darker brown curls she had pinned up, leaving the diamond shape of her face clear and tempting him to press kisses along. Gavin had to shift in his seat, looking towards the play he had no interest in just so he wouldn't humiliate himself.
Thankfully, neither Eniola nor Alaric had noticed his ungentlemanly conduct. Eniola was focused on the play, and Alaric was focused on Derbie wit Lady Ban. Those two had their heads close together, a whispered conversation that looked intimate. Gavin was happy for Derbie, it felt good to find love, to be loved, and his brother got to experience what Gavin had for the last six years. 
Gavin once again looked around the theatre, seeing where a fire might start in this one, and already having mapped out the exit route in his head. He didn't think such a tragedy would occur again so soon, but it made more sense to be prepared just in case. And he'd already given Eniola the lace handkerchief he'd asked Farran to make; it was fire proof. 
By the time the play ended, Gavin was ready to be far outside and away from all those candles and curtains. While Lady Ban and Eniola discussed the play with Derbie, Gavin walked behind and Alaric led, herding their loved ones out to a fresher, safer April evening. 
"Would you ladies mind terribly if we stopped along the way at Abernathy's?" Alaric was polite enough to inquire. 
"Not at all," Eniola smiled, accustomed to accompanying Gavin on many errands. As the daughter of a Duke, neither Gavin nor Alaric would dare send her home without a direct escort, so if she'd said no they would have brought her straight home first. 
"I've heard of Abernathy's but my Father prefers that we use the House dressmaker," Lady Ban admitted. "I wouldn't mind seeing what the renown tailor's is like." 
Due to the Debut Season starting, most of the shop districts had set up covered pavilions for customers to walk under, able to avoid the rain but continue shopping the entire street. One only got wet when crossing a road or boarding a carriage. It meant that ever if it wasn't currently raining, they could walk out their legs after sitting so long at the theatre. Eniola curled her arm through Gavin's, resting her head against his shoulder as they walked, and Gavin knew they got away with such affectionate gestures because they were still considered children. Meanwhile, Alaric was watching how close Derbie's hand came to brushing Lady Ban's like a hawk did an incautious mouse. 
The walk to Abernathy's was pleasant but not strenuous, and before long they had arrived at the tailor's to collect the suits Alaric, Calvin, and Derbie had ordered for the Viscount Ram Garden party. Gavin had only seen glimpses of the parties his own Family hosted, or a few from when Eniola's Family did if he could slip out after curfew, so he was curious to see what his brothers planned to wear. As the youngest boy he was the only one not receiving a suit, but Gavin still enjoyed watching his siblings dress up. 
It was far more enjoyable to imagine the lovely garden dress Eniola might wear to such an Event. Given the nature of a garden party, he'd be able to see her in something close to the Briggs Family scarlet, and the idea took his breath away. "I cannot wait to see how lovely a Debutante you'll be," he admitted softly to Eniola and she smiled warmly.