Page 41 of The Duke's Accidental Wallflower
“Not this again,” Minerva muttered, brushing a loose strand of hair from her face. “Lord Gillies is a fine man, and yes, I danced with him, but?—”
“There’s always a ‘but,’” Cassandra said with a grin, her eyes sparkling with the thrill of the conversation. “Spill it, Minerva. You know we’ll get it out of you sooner or later.”
Minerva sighed, knowing she couldn’t keep deflecting forever. “It is just...”
“Just what?” Samantha pressed, now thoroughly amused.
Just then, a waiter passed by with a tray of drinks, offering the group an opportunity to pause. Minerva seized the moment,grabbing another glass of champagne. “I think I need more of this,” she said with a forced laugh.
Samantha laughed, looping her arm through Minerva’s. “Come along, then. I will give you the private tour before the other guests catch on.”
As they made their way through the gallery, Minerva’s excitement rekindled. She pointed out her favorite pieces, her words quick and animated as she discussed the color palettes and compositions, her admiration for the artwork spilling out in enthusiastic waves.
“It is incredible how your family manages to curate such a collection,” Minerva said, her voice bright. “Every piece has its own story. It is like walking through history.”
Samantha chuckled, clearly pleased by her friend’s appreciation. “You know, Minerva, you are one of the few people I know who truly understands what goes into this. Most just come for the champagne.”
Minerva laughed, raising her glass in a playful toast. “Well, the champagne is certainly an added bonus.”
As they reached the next room, a hush fell over them. This section of the gallery was quieter, with fewer guests milling about, allowing the two friends a moment of peace as they continued their conversation. Minerva paused in front of a large landscape painting, her eyes tracing the sweeping hills and golden fields.
“Now this,” Minerva whispered, “is extraordinary.”
Samantha nodded in agreement, but before she could respond, Minerva’s gaze flicked toward the entrance of the gallery, her smile faltering for a brief moment. She thought she had seen... No, it couldn’t be.
Her heart gave a small flutter, and for a second, she swore she saw a tall figure in the doorway—a familiar silhouette with dark hair and a confident stride. But as quickly as the moment came, it was gone. The figure disappeared into the crowd, and Minerva shook her head, chiding herself for even entertaining the thought.
“Something wrong?” Samantha asked, noticing the change in her friend’s demeanor.
Minerva forced a smile, shaking her head. “No, not at all. Just... distracted.”
“Well, do not let the distractions ruin your night,” Samantha teased, nudging her lightly. “We’ve got art to admire, champagne to drink, and no time for whatever is swirling in that pretty little head of yours.”
Minerva laughed, though the flicker of disappointment lingered at the edges of her thoughts. She took another sip of champagne, pushing away the foolish notion that she had seen Evan.Of course he has not here,she told herself firmly.Why would he be?
Still, the thought gnawed at her as they continued their tour of the gallery. She caught herself glancing toward the door again, half-expecting to see him standing there, but each time, her hopes were dashed. And with each moment that passed, she grew more frustrated with herself.Why does it matter?
As Samantha led her toward the east wing, Minerva forced herself to focus on the art, her smile returning as she admired the new pieces on display. But no matter how hard she tried to concentrate, the nagging disappointment wouldn’t entirely leave her.
“Minerva,” Samantha called, drawing her attention back to the present. “You are miles away again.”
“I am here,” Minerva replied, her smile brightening. “Just... enjoying the evening.”
“Well, come along, then,” Samantha said, tugging her forward. “There’s more to see, and I have a feeling the next room might be your favorite yet.”
As they strolled further into the gallery, Minerva cast a sidelong glance at Samantha, trying to appear casual. The faintest hint of curiosity tugged at her as to if Evan even would have been invited, and though she wasn’t entirely sure why, she couldn’t resist the urge to ask.
“So, Samantha,” Minerva began, her tone light and conversational as she feigned interest in a nearby painting. “Anyone interesting invited to today’s event?”
Samantha, ever sharp, arched an eyebrow, a playful glint in her eye. “Oh, you know... the usual crowd. Family friends, prominent collectors...”
Minerva hummed in response, nodding as though she had not a care in the world. “And... anyone else of note?”
Samantha grinned, sensing her friend’s not-so-subtle attempt at gathering information. “Well, now that you mention it...” She tapped a finger thoughtfully against her lips, pretending to rack her brain. “Let’s see... Lord Archer is here, of course. A bit dull, but very polite. Lord Radcliffe as well—he is quite the conversationalist if you can tolerate stories about his hunting trips.”
Minerva gave a tight smile, knowing full well that Samantha was toying with her. “And...?”
“Oh, and of course, Lord Gillies made an appearance. How could I forget?” Samantha’s eyes sparkled with mischief, her grin widening. “I believe he has taken quite a liking to you, Minerva.”
