Page 29 of The Duke's Accidental Wallflower
Twelve
Minerva returned to the garden party, her freshly gloved hands clasped together as she tried to regain her composure. The soft clatter of teacups and the light chatter of guests surrounded her, but her thoughts still returned to Evan’s lingering words. Her hands shook with anger and frustration.
Her pulse quickened just at the thought of his lips so close to hers, though she refused to let it show.Why am I letting him get under my skin?she chastised herself, eyes scanning the crowd for her sister.And why is he focused on me, when it was Chastity who invited him?He had to be more of a rake than she realized if he was trying to win a kiss from her, as well as courting her sister in secret.
As she searched the guests milling about in the garden, she finally spotted Chastity, laughing easily with a young lord by one of the croquet sets. Her sister appeared completely at ease, as though there were no hidden risks in inviting a man like Evan totheir party, as if there were no potential consequences waiting in the wings.
Minerva's frustration mounted, and she began making her way toward Chastity, her mind set on confronting her sister about the folly of mingling with such a notorious rake. But just as she crossed the garden, intent on her path, a voice interrupted her.
“Lady Minerva.”
Minerva paused, her breath catching as she turned to face the source of the interruption. Standing in front of her, looking as calm and composed as ever, was Michael, Lord Gillies. He smiled at her, a polite, intelligent smile that always held a trace of calculation behind it.
“Lord Gillies,” she greeted, though her mind was still on Chastity. She tried to keep her tone cordial, though she was eager to end the conversation quickly. “How kind of you to attend.”
“I wouldn’t miss it,” he replied smoothly, his voice warm but measured. “I have been hoping to steal a moment of your time, though I can see You have been quite occupied today.”
Minerva hesitated. Lord Gillies had always struck her as a man of wit and refinement, someone she could converse with easily. He was intelligent, well-spoken, and undeniably attractive in a quiet, composed way. And yet, for all his fine qualities, she had never felt even the slightest flutter of romantic interest towardhim. There was no spark, no thrill, no subtle pull of attraction that one might expect in such moments.
Still, he was a respectable gentleman, and she had no reason to be anything but polite. “I apologize for being distracted,” she said, offering a brief smile. “As you can imagine, hosting requires a great deal of attention.”
“Of course,” he said, his gaze steady on her. “You are managing it beautifully, I must say. The party is a remarkable success.”
“I am glad to hear you think so,” Minerva replied, her eyes flicking briefly toward Chastity, who was still deep in conversation with the young lord. She wanted to pull Chastity aside to ask why she had invited the Duke, to see if he was her secret suitor. However, it seemed like Minerva would have to wait.
Gillies followed her gaze, a glint of curiosity flashing in his eyes. “Lady Chastity seems to be enjoying herself as well,” he observed, his tone casual. “She has quite... charming, isn’t she?”
Minerva’s attention snapped back to him, her brow furrowing slightly. “She is,” she said, her voice clipped. “Though perhaps a bit too lively for her own good.”
Gillies chuckled lightly, his eyes flicking back to Minerva. “Sisters can be difficult to manage, I imagine. But I have no doubt that with you as a guide, she is in capable hands.”
Minerva offered a polite smile, though inside she bristled slightly.Guide?It wasn’t guidance Chastity needed—it was protection from herself and the reckless decisions she seemed intent on making. She needed to find out more about Evan’s connection to her sister, but here she was, caught in conversation with Lord Gillies.
“I do my best,” she replied, though her tone was distant. “But if you will excuse me, I must attend to her now.”
Before she could take a step, Gillies continued. “I have always admired your ability to maintain such poise, Lady Minerva. Especially under pressure.” His voice was smooth, complimentary, and there was nothing overtly wrong with it. But something in his demeanor—the way his gaze lingered on her—felt like more than a passing observation.
Minerva tilted her head slightly, her smile tightening. “Thank you, Lord Gillies. Though I assure you, it is nothing extraordinary. Any hostess must ensure her guests are well looked after.”
“And yet, you make it look effortless,” he added, stepping slightly closer, though his movement was subtle. “I have always appreciated that about you.”
Minerva blinked, a hint of discomfort stirring in her chest. The conversation was becoming too personal for her liking, and she needed to cut it short. “You are very kind,” she replied, her tone growing more formal. “But I truly must go.”
He nodded, though his gaze remained locked on her, his expression politely unreadable. “Of course, I won’t keep you. I look forward to continuing this conversation another time.”
Minerva inclined her head briefly. “I am sure we will speak again,” she said, keeping her voice light but firm. Lord Gillies was the last of her concerns today.
With that, she stepped past him, her heart beating a little faster than before. As she moved toward Chastity, she couldn’t help but reflect on the exchange. Lord Gillies was always composed, always charming, but there was something in his demeanor today that unsettled her. He had been... persistent, in a way she had not noticed before.
Still, she pushed the thought aside. Her mind needed to be on Chastity, on figuring out what role Evan was playing in all of this. Lord Gillies, respectable though he might be, would have to wait.
Later that evening, the sun had long set, casting their home in the soft glow of candlelight. Minerva sat at her dressing table, unpinning her hair in slow, methodical movements, her mind still occupied by the events of the garden party. The encounter with Evan replayed in her head—his cryptic words, his teasing smile—and the unsettling thought that he had been playing a game lingered.
But what game?she thought, as she heard the soft rustling of fabric behind her. Chastity was undressing, humming a light tune, completely unaware of the storm brewing in Minerva’s mind.
Minerva set her hairbrush down a little too firmly, the clatter breaking the peaceful silence of the room. She glanced at her reflection, her expression tight with frustration.This has to be addressed.
When Chastity emerged from behind the screen, her face was bright, her smile still in place from the day’s social triumphs. She flopped onto the settee by the window, unbound hair falling in soft waves over her shoulders.
