Page 51 of The Duke's Accidental Wallflower
Chastity eyed her for a moment longer, suspicion flickering in her gaze, but she allowed the topic to drop, albeit reluctantly. “Yes, well,” she said, ”Perhaps that lilac dress…”
Evan stood beneath the sprawling branches of an ancient oak in the park, the leaves casting dappled shadows across the ground. The afternoon was bright and pleasant, but his mood was anything but serene. His hands were clasped behind his back, and he couldn’t help but pace a few steps every now and then, the anticipation and uncertainty gnawing at him.
He had spent days searching, questioning his circle of acquaintances and discreetly pressing for information until he had finally found the man he suspected had been courting Chastity in secret. The revelation had surprised him—though,admittedly, it shouldn't have. Love often found its way into the most unexpected corners of society, and this case was no different.
Evan’s thoughts were interrupted by the sound of approaching footsteps. He turned to see Minerva making her way toward him, her expression composed, but he could see the worry beneath her calm facade. Her presence never failed to stir something deep within him—a mix of admiration, exasperation, and something else he still couldn’t quite name.
Their exchange in the gallery had left him introspective, more aware of the flaws in his own character. He wanted to be the kind of man who could be worthy of her respect. It had been a strange realization, but one he could not dismiss.
Minerva reached him, her gaze searching his face for any hint of what news he might bear. “Your Grace,” she greeted, her voice steady, though he could sense the anxiety beneath it. “You found him?”
Evan nodded, his expression softening. “I have,” he said, though there was a heaviness in his voice. He gestured to a bench nearby, where a young man sat with his head bowed, nervously twisting the brim of his hat in his hands.
The gentleman in question was Lord Wellford. He came from a good, honorable family with a proper social standing, but he hadn’t made a significant name for himself within the social circles. He wasn’t known for any particular accomplishments,wealth, or notable influence. Moreover, Wellford had the air of someone who wore his heart on his sleeve.
He was not the sort of suitor Minerva might have chosen for Chastity, but his loyalty to Chastity had been evident in the way he had spoken of her, even if he had still refused to admit to their courtship.
Minerva’s eyes widened slightly as she took in the sight of Wellford. “Lord Wellford?” she whispered, more to herself than to Evan. Her surprise was clear, but Evan also noticed the flicker of understanding in her eyes.
Evan stepped closer to her, lowering his voice. “He cares for her, Minerva. More than I think you realize.” His tone softened further. “I know you want what is best for your sister, but sometimes love is found in places we least expect.”
Minerva looked up at him, her expression conflicted. For a moment, Evan thought she might argue, but then she drew in a deep breath and nodded. She set her shoulders and approached Lord Wellford.
Lord Wellford stood as Minerva neared, his face pale, eyes shadowed with apprehension. “Lady Minerva,” he greeted, his voice tight with nerves, and he dipped his head stiffly. His grip on his hat was almost desperate, the brim bending under the pressure of his fingers.
Minerva drew herself up, poised and unyielding, even as her heart ached for her sister. “Lord Wellford,” she began, her voicecalm but with an undercurrent of determination. “We must speak about my sister.”
Wellford’s jaw clenched, and he looked as though he might bolt. “I am not sure what you mean,” he replied—though his eyes betrayed him, darting nervously to the side.
Minerva arched an eyebrow, her tone hardening slightly. “Do not play coy, my lord. I know about the affection between you and my sister.”
“Well, I—” He faltered, his shoulders tensing as he glanced between Minerva and Evan. “I assure you, Lady Minerva, I would never wish to compromise your sister’s reputation. I have always acted with the greatest respect.”
Evan, who had been silently observing, shifted his stance, stepping forward. “Come now, Wellford,” he said with a touch of teasing in his voice. “We are not here to accuse you of any wrongdoing. But there is a matter of the heart at stake, and it deserves your honesty.”
Wellford’s throat bobbed as he swallowed, his gaze flickering to Evan as if he distrusted the Duke’s easy manner. Still, Wellford shook his head. “I do not know what you mean,” he repeated, though his voice wavered, his composure fraying.
Minerva’s eyes narrowed. “Do not deny it. Chastity has been heartbroken since you left her. You owe her?—”
Evan gently touched her arm, cutting off her words. “Minerva,” he said softly, his gaze meeting hers with a steadiness that spoke volumes. “Perhaps we should give Lord Wellford a moment. This cannot be easy for him.”
Minerva bit the inside of her cheek, frustration simmering, but she took a breath and stepped back. Evan turned his attention back to Wellford, his voice softer now, his teasing edge replaced by an unexpected kindness. “She means a great deal to you, doesn’t she?” he asked, his eyes searching Wellford’s face.
Wellford’s defenses wavered. His eyes glistened with emotion he couldn’t hide. “Yes,” he admitted, his voice cracking. “She means everything to me. But being a secret—being hidden away—do you understand how it felt?” His words tumbled out, raw and aching. “I wanted to be worthy of her, but it was never enough.”
Evan watched as Minerva took a breath, her voice unwavering but full of a quiet vulnerability he hadn’t often seen in her. “Lord Wellford,” she began, her words measured but sincere, “what you need to understand is that the secrecy of your courtship wasn’t Chastity’s doing. It was mine.”
Evan felt a pang of surprise at her admission, but he remained silent, observing the way Wellford’s brow furrowed with confusion.
“Yours?” Wellford echoed, his voice uncertain, as if he were trying to make sense of her words.
“Yes, mine,” Minerva replied. Her poise was intact, but Evan could see the guilt simmering beneath her composed exterior. “I have always tried to protect my sister—sometimes too much. I feared scandal, the possibility of disgrace. She did not believe that I would approve of a match.”
Evan studied Wellford’s reaction. The young lord’s shoulders relaxed just a fraction. Clearly, Minerva’s confession had taken him by surprise, perhaps even disarmed him.
Minerva continued, her voice growing gentler. “Chastity never wanted to hide you. She wanted to be with you openly, to share her joy with the world. But she wanted my approval, even though it hurt her. And now, because of my misguided attempts to protect her, she’s the one suffering.”
Evan’s admiration for Minerva deepened. It took courage to admit fault, especially when that fault had caused so much heartache. But as he watched her, he knew this was a side of her he was growing to understand—and perhaps even care for.
