Page 20 of The Duke's Accidental Wallflower
“It is not the minor things with which I concern myself,” Minerva replied quietly, her eyes drifting back to Chastity.
Cherie sighed dramatically, fanning herself. “Oh, you and your need to control everything! Chastity is fine. Look at her—she is surrounded by admirers already.”
Minerva allowed herself a brief smile as she watched a young gentleman approach Chastity with a bow. “Yes, but she is always one misstep away from causing a scene.”
“Then let her cause a scene,” Cherie teased with a wink. “Maybe she’ll attract the attention of some dashing rogue.”
Minerva groaned, rubbing her temple. “That is exactly what concerns me.”
Before her friends could reply, a servant approached, bowing his head. “My lady, the Earl of Radcliffe has just arrived and wishes to greet you.”
Minerva straightened, smoothing her gown. “Thank you. Please show him to the main seating area.”
As the servant left, Samantha gave her a sidelong glance. “See? Everything is going smoothly.”
Minerva nodded, but a tightness lingered in her chest. For the first time in weeks, the event she had meticulously planned was unfolding without issue. The young women were mingling, the men were engaged, and even the weather had cooperated. And yet...No matter how hard she tried, she couldn’t stop thinking about the Duke of Colburn. The way he had stood so infuriatingly close to her, that knowing smirk on his face. How his very presence had unsettled her, making her feel as though she had lost control for the first time in years.
She shook her head, trying to refocus.This isn’t about him. It is about Chastity. It is about making sure she finds the right match.
Minerva had just started to relax when she saw him.
The Duke of Colburn swaggered into the gardens as if he owned the place, his stride slow and deliberate, a faint smile playing on his lips. His tall frame, dressed impeccably in dark tailored attire, drew every eye in the vicinity. The moment he stepped through the archway, it was as if the atmosphere shifted. The soft hum of conversation faltered, and more than a few ladies straightened in their seats, casting furtive glances in his direction.
Minerva’s pulse quickened, and her grip on her fan tightened.
What is he doing here?
She knew, beyond any doubt, that she had not invited him. She had made sure to avoid his name when sending out the invitations, determined to keep the event free of any complications his presence might bring. And yet, here he was, looking entirely too pleased with himself.
Cherie, noticing the sudden stillness in Minerva’s expression, turned toward the source of her distraction. Her eyes widened, and she stifled a laugh. “Well, well, well. Look who’s decided to grace us with his presence.”
Samantha followed her gaze, her brow lifting in mild surprise. “The Duke of Colburn? He has certainly not on the guest list, is he?”
“No,” Minerva replied through gritted teeth, her voice tight. “He is not.”
Cherie’s eyes gleamed with mischief. “This should be entertaining.”
Minerva, on the other hand, was anything but entertained. As Evan made his way through the garden, his eyes scanning the crowd with casual interest, she could already see several ladies swooning in his wake. A small cluster of women had gathered near the rose bushes, giggling behind their fans and casting admiring looks his way. He returned their attention with a brief, amused glance, but his stride never faltered.
Of course, Minerva thought bitterly. The Duke would never have lacked for admirers, with his looks, status, and reputation.
And now, here he was, uninvited, threatening to disrupt the entire event.
How can I remove him from the scene? The Duke had already proven he would not answer a courteous request, and anything more would cause a scene. The last thing she needed was for the gossiping tongues of thetonto start wagging again. No, she couldn’t afford that kind of scandal. Not today.
She inhaled deeply, forcing a calm expression onto her face. “I will have the staff find him an extra chair. Far away from me—and from Chastity.”
“Are you going to toss him out?” Cherie asked, her voice full of teasing amusement. “I would love to see that.”
“I am sure,” Minerva replied sharply. “The last thing I need is more attention drawn to him—or to me. We’ll seat him, and I will handle the rest.”
Samantha gave her a sympathetic look. “You are handling this better than I would. I would be tempted to confront him right here and now.”
Minerva sighed, already feeling the strain. “Tempting as it is, I would rather avoid any drama today. This event needs to go perfectly.”
She spotted a servant nearby and quickly waved him over. “Please bring another chair and place it near the far end of the seating area, away from the main group. And make sure the Duke is seated there.”
The servant nodded quickly and rushed off to carry out her instructions.
