Page 52 of The Duke's Accidental Wallflower
Evan decided to step in, sensing that Wellford needed more than just a confession to be swayed. He adopted a gentler tone, a stark contrast to his usual teasing demeanor. “Minerva’s telling the truth,” he said, his gaze steady on Wellford. “Love doesn’t always come easily, nor is it without obstacles. But if it is real, it is worth the effort, don’t you think?”
Wellford’s eyes shifted between Evan and Minerva, doubt and hope warring on his face. He held his hat tighter, the muscles in his jaw working as he processed everything.
“I thought…” Wellford finally spoke, his voice breaking slightly. “I thought Chastity didn’t care enough to stand up for us. That she was content to let things stay hidden.”
Minerva’s expression softened further, and Evan felt a stirring of something he couldn’t quite name as he watched her take a step closer to Wellford. “She cared deeply,” Minerva said, her voice thick with sincerity. “And she still does. If you felt hidden or unimportant, it wasn’t because of her lack of feeling, but because of my fear. And for that, I am so sorry.”
Evan’s heart twisted slightly at the genuine remorse in her voice. He leaned forward, catching Wellford’s gaze. “Sometimes,” Evan said, his voice warm but firm, “the right path forward means letting go of old hurts. If you still care for her, don’t let a mistake like this be the end. Give her—and yourself—another chance.”
Wellford’s eyes met Evan’s, and for the first time, there was a flicker of understanding. He looked back at Minerva, who stood with an earnestness that seemed to reach him at last. The tension in Wellford’s frame began to ease, and Evan could see the hope beginning to take root.
“Wellford, Lady Chastity deserves to hear how you feel,” Evan added, softening his voice even more. “And you deserve to know the truth of her heart.”
The young lord hesitated, fear and longing etched on his face. Finally, he drew in a deep breath, his voice steadier than before. “Very well,” he said, determination glinting in his eyes. “I will speak to her. I owe her—and myself—that much.”
Evan couldn’t help the small, satisfied smile that curved his lips. He exchanged a brief glance with Minerva, whose relief was palpable, and something about the moment felt… right. For once, it felt as though they were on the same side, and that realization sent an unexpected warmth through him.
Twenty-One
Minerva stepped out of the carriage, her hands feeling clammy despite the cool breeze sweeping across the front of her family’s home. She stole a glance at Evan, who stood beside her, and found a flicker of reassurance in the way his eyes met hers. Drawing a deep breath, she straightened her shoulders and led the way up the stairs.
The door opened before they reached it, and the butler, looking slightly taken aback at the sight of their unexpected guests, quickly ushered them inside. Minerva’s heart pounded in her chest, the urgency of what they were about to do pressing down on her. She had never imagined herself in this position, bringing Lord Wellford home for a reunion that would determine the course of her sister’s future.
Within moments of them stepping into the house, Chastity appeared at the top of the staircase, her expression perplexed. Her hands clutched the banister as she saw the group gathered below. She descended slowly, her confusion evident as her gaze moved from Minerva to Lord Wellford and finally to Evan.
“Minerva?” Chastity’s voice held a note of apprehension. “What’s going on?”
Minerva stepped forward, her hands clasped together. “Chastity, we’ve brought someone who needs to speak with you.”
Chastity’s eyes darted to Wellford, her brows furrowing. “Lord Wellford,” she said, her voice taut. “Why are you here?”
Lord Wellford stepped forward, his hat in his hands, his knuckles white as he gripped it. He opened his mouth, but no words came out at first. He swallowed hard, looking every bit a man facing his greatest fear. Minerva’s heart clenched at the sight, but she remained still, knowing this moment was crucial.
Minerva, sensing his struggle, took a half-step closer to her sister. “Chastity,” she said gently, “there is something you need to hear.”
Chastity’s confusion deepened, and she turned to Minerva. “Is this… really necessary?” she asked, her voice trembling. Minerva could hear the hurt in her sister’s words, the fear of reopening old wounds.
Minerva offered a small, reassuring smile, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes. “Chastity, please. Just listen.”
Chastity’s eyes narrowed slightly. “I am not sure I want to hear anything he has to say,” she said, her voice cracking. Her fingers curled around the banister, her face tense with pain and anger.
Evan’s presence at Minerva’s side was a steadying force. He spoke up, his voice calm and persuasive. “Sometimes the hardest words to hear are the ones that bring the most peace,” he said, his gaze fixed on Chastity. “He’s here because he regrets what happened. At least give him the chance to speak.”
Chastity’s gaze flicked to Evan, who was watching the exchange intently. “And what about you, Your Grace?” she asked, a hint of defensiveness creeping into her tone. “Why are you here?”
Evan stepped forward, his presence as calm and composed as ever. “To make sure Lord Wellford didn’t lose his courage on the doorstep,” he said, his voice light, though his eyes carried a deeper meaning. He glanced at Minerva, and for a moment, their shared purpose bound them together.
Chastity hesitated, her gaze flicking between Minerva and Evan before finally settling on Wellford. She crossed her arms over her chest, her chin lifting in defiance. “Fine,” she said, though her tone was anything but welcoming. “Say what you need to say, Lord Wellford.”
Wellford took another step forward, the tension in his face palpable. “Lady Chastity,” he began, his voice wavering, “I know I have no right to ask for your forgiveness, but I need you to understand... it was never my intention to hurt you.”
Chastity’s eyes glistened, though she kept her composure. “And yet, you did,” she replied, her voice brittle.
Minerva watched the exchange, her heart in her throat. She glanced at Evan, who gave her a small, encouraging nod, and then turned back to Wellford, silently willing him to speak from the heart.
“I never wanted that,” Wellford said, his grip tightening on his hat. “But I was afraid—afraid that if our courtship continued, the end would be inevitable, so I ended it myself. I was a coward, Chastity, and I see that now.” His voice grew steadier as he continued, his eyes shining with sincerity. “But I would rather face the world’s judgment than live another day without you. If you’ll let me, I want to court you properly, openly, and with the respect you deserve.”
Chastity’s breath hitched, and for a moment, she seemed torn between hope and disbelief. Minerva felt her own throat tighten, but she kept her gaze steady on her sister, willing her to believe in this man’s remorse.
