Marquess Samed and Captain Desmo rolled their eyes when they saw the little girl trying to look adorable when she needed something from her father.
'The Earl is not a fool to fall for your tricks!' Sullivan scowled at his pupil for even assuming that her absurd plan would work.
'My friend isn't blind! I'm sure that he knows you are pretending right now.' Desmo sneered at her as she had tried to fool his old friend.
Yvonne could feel the mocking gazes being aimed at her but she only needed to pay attention to one person right now.
Rutherford stared at her then at the boy who was inviting his baby daughter to spend time with him.
"I have something to discuss with my daughter so I hope Master Taylor can excuse her for now." He came to his daughter's rescue.
Even if Yvonne had not turned towards him, he would have spoken up to refuse the boy's invitation.
However, when he saw her pleading eyes, he could not make her feel my grievances and hence had decided to come to her rescue earlier than expected.
This reply felt like cold water poured all over Desmo and Sullivan's thoughts.
They stared at the man who was under his daughter's spell and would do anything to keep her happy.
Raylene and Howard were pleased with the Earl's words as they too were against this boy getting too close to her.
'I knew that I could depend on you!' The little girl smiled widely in gratitude for his help.
Yvonne's victorious smile transformed into a discontented pout as she turned towards Taylor.
The only people who had seen her expressions change were the adults as the rest were facing the back of her head until now.
"Maybe another time?" She coaxed the boy who appeared gloomy after hearing the Earl's words.
Topher could notice his brother's face and decided that he needed to put an end to this before the foolish little brother threw a tantrum.
"Miss Yvonne must be tired after the trials. You wouldn't want her to get exhausted now, would you?" He questioned his brother and rolled his eyes when he saw Taylor shaking his head.
'I was inconsiderate to want to drag her with me!' Taylor scoffed at his selfish behavior and was glad that Topher had reminded this lest he made Yvonne hate him for this.
"Rest well, Vonny! We can always meet again!" He reassured her that there would be many instances where they could meet later.
This caused the family of the little girl to glare at him but he was oblivious as ever.
"Okay!" Yvonne accepted his suggestion without any scruples.
'That is… IF my father lets you meet me then sure, why not?' She chuckled as that would not be possible.
Taylor had no idea that he was being tricked by the little girl and nodded profusely before turning towards his friend.
"Let's go see what has gotten you so excited?" He scoffed at Howard, the contrast in his attitude towards the siblings was like night and day.
Howard was also mad at him for hiding the matter regarding the awakening so he did not spare him a second glance.
"Come with me, Big Brother Topher and Damien!" He invited and then led the boys away.
With their exit, the table looked empty and there was silence.
"I shall take my leave as well." Yvonne rose from her seat as she had other matters to attend to.
'Need to practice my piano skills.' She sighed while thinking of the large folder filled with piano scores.
Rutherford saw her and rose along with her.
"Have you forgotten the discussion that needs your presence?" He questioned while walking towards her.
His one hand went to his wife to help her stand and the other hand picked his daughter up in his arms.
'I won't refuse since I am feeling lazy to walk anyway.' The little girl granted this honor of carrying her onto her father.
Raylene accepted her husband's hand and stood beside him as she raised her hand to pat her daughter's head.
"You did good, Vonny." She praised her for everything that had taken place today.
In her father's arms, Yvonne had the advantage of looking at everything from a higher level.
She could see the four boys walking at a distance away from them, she could see the servants preparing to clear the table once the guests moved and she was also able to catch sight of another amazing sight.
'Jealous much?' She raised her brows when she found the maid glaring at this family of three.
Paula, the maid who stood at the side, had her head lowered but her eyes were peeking at the scene ahead of her.
Consumed with envy and bitterness she gazed upon the blissful sight of her Mistress with her husband and the child in his arms.
Her hatred for not being able to stand in that woman's position was greater than her admiration for the Earl.
'It won't be long before I am…' Paula's thoughts came to an abrupt halt.
Her brown eyes met those wide amethyst eyes which were staring right at her.
She had no idea since when the young miss was staring at her nor was she sure about how much the little girl had witnessed.
However, her panic lasted but for a minute as it faded when she remembered that this was just a little girl who could not do anything.
Once she was sure that she was not in trouble, she raised her head and smiled at the girl in the Earl's arms.
'Oh! Someone looks quite confident about themselves.' Yvonne snickered and flashed her widest smile in response.
'Won't be long before you leave this place forever.' She promised and then looked away.
Paula breathed a sigh of relief as she was unaware of the promise the little girl had taken regarding her.
Butler Limo had taken in this entire silent interaction between the child and the adult.
'Just you wait!' He gritted his teeth and looked away to avoid angering himself all over again.
Rutherford kissed his wife's forehead which made Yvonne roll her eyes at their affectionate behavior.
"What discussion, Papa?" She spoke up to interrupt the cozy atmosphere that was surrounding the couple.
'I am right here so stop that!' She sneered as she stared at her father.
The Earl snapped out of his thoughts of sticking close to his wife and cleared his throat to hide his awkwardness.
"Yes, that!" He coughed and glanced at his wife in his arms in apology for not continuing.
His shy bride was understanding as she nodded her head.
"I have to get the tables cleared and then prepare for the evening tea." She announced and then separated herself from his arms.
Bowing her head in a farewell to the men who are still seated at the table, she glanced at her maid who was quick to follow her.
The father and daughter watched as the Countess strode away with her maid in tow and only then did they turn towards the Captain and Marquess.
"To the Parlor?" Rutherford proposed and saw them nod in acceptance of his idea.
'Hmm? Why the Parlor?' Yvonne wondered what this new discussion might be as she was carried to the Parlor with the two men and the Butler following after them.