Chapter 208

Isabella tightened her grip on Margaret's arm.

Margaret calmly patted her granddaughter's hand. "It's fine."

If they could predict her arrival, how could she not have anticipated their presence? Nathaniel said, "Mrs. Sinclair, I'll go find Mr. Ashford inside. Would you and Isabella like to join me?" He was offering to introduce them to Walter, giving Isabella a chance to meet her idol.

But Margaret shook her head. "Seeing so many of the artist's works in one place is honor enough. I wouldn't dream of disturbing him."

With her decision made, Nathaniel had no choice but to relent. Still, with the Kensingtons present, he felt uneasy leaving them alone.

Isabella reassured him, "Go ahead. We'll be fine."

The Kensingtons valued their reputation too much to cause trouble in such a public setting.

Nathaniel departed.

Isabella asked, "Grandmother, which painting would you like to see first?"

Margaret smiled. "Let's begin with the nearest one."

"Of course."

As Isabella turned to guide Margaret away, Dominic and Simon entered. They spotted her immediately.

Simon, still harboring feelings, moved to greet her.

Dominic instinctively frowned.

Isabella ignored them and turned away.

Margaret inquired, "Do you know those young men?"

"We've worked together before."

Satisfied with the professional explanation, Margaret asked no further.

Just then, Reginald and Eleanor arrived. Before they could greet Dominic, he spoke first. "Mr. Kensington, Mrs. Kensington, what a surprise to see you here."

"Indeed."

Reginald began to speak when Diana and Beatrice approached.

"Reginald, Eleanor," Beatrice asked, "do you know these gentlemen?" She'd noticed the brief exchange between Isabella and Dominic.

Reginald smiled. "This is Mr. Fairchild, a friend of Victoria and Calvin."

"I see."

After exchanging pleasantries with the Kensingtons, Dominic and Simon proceeded inside.

Upon entering, they spotted Nathaniel but weren't surprised. "Nathaniel's here too?"

Since they were all attending at their families' behest, they maintained proper decorum. Nathaniel smirked. "Obviously."

Sebastian emerged then, handing Nathaniel a teacup before noticing Dominic. "You made it."

Dominic nodded. "Of course. Where's your grandfather?"

"Inside with other guests. He'll be awhile. Why don't you gentlemen sit?"

Dominic took a seat. "Very well."

But Nathaniel kept checking his watch restlessly.

Sebastian noticed. "Nathaniel, are you expecting someone?"

Nathaniel hesitated. "No... I just have another engagement. Though leaving without seeing Walter would be rude."

His concern won over etiquette. "Forgive me, Sebastian. I need to step out briefly."

Sebastian waved him off. "By all means."

Nathaniel departed immediately.

Dominic watched him go, quickly dedising his destination was Isabella.

Sebastian remarked, "Grandfather will be occupied for some time. You two might enjoy the gallery while you wait."