Page 58 of The Duke's Accidental Wallflower
Michael leaned forward, his demeanor softening. “Enough about past frustrations,” he said, his tone returning to its usual smoothness. “I find our current company far more pleasant. Will you consider my offer?”
She blinked, thrown off guard by how quickly he reverted back to the earlier conversation.
The life he promised was everything she thought she wanted—stability, respectability, security. But now, faced with the reality of it, she realized how much it paled in comparison to what her heart secretly yearned for. The idea of a carefully ordered existence, devoid of passion or choice, suddenly seemed unbearably bleak.
“Thank you for your... consideration, Lord Gillies,” she said, forcing herself to stand, her voice steadier than she felt. “I will need time to reflect.”
“Of course,” he agreed, rising to his feet with a bow. “But do not take too long. Our futures are waiting.”
When he was gone, Minerva sank back into her chair, her hands trembling. The late afternoon light had begun to wane, casting shadows across the room, but it was not the dimness that unsettled her. It was the realization that, despite everything, she was yearning for something more. Something real. Something, or perhaps someone, who had the power to turn her carefully ordered world upside down.
And that terrified her.
Before Minerva could catch her breath and process Lord Gillies's departure, the drawing room door burst open with a whirlwind of laughter and joy. Chastity swept into the room, her face aglow with happiness, her eyes sparkling as she looked back at Lord Wellford, who followed closely behind. They were a picture of love, radiant and utterly absorbed in each other.
“Oh, Minerva!” Chastity exclaimed, her voice bright with excitement. “You will never guess what happened!” She grabbed her sister’s hands, pulling Minerva into her orbit of joy. “Wellford has just asked Father’s permission for something very important.”
Lord Wellford stepped forward, his expression warm and adoring as he looked at Chastity. “And he gave it,” he added with a grin, his hand finding Chastity’s and entwining their fingers.
Minerva’s heart clenched at the sight of them, their happiness so pure and unclouded. It should have lifted her spirits, but instead, it made the ache in her chest feel all the more pronounced. She forced herself to smile, her lips curving up in an attempt to match their cheer. “That is... wonderful news,” she said, though her voice wavered slightly.
Chastity was too blissful to notice the strain in Minerva’s expression. “Isn’t it? We shall be married, Minerva! Officially engaged, and soon we will belong to each other forever.” She beamed, turning to Wellford with a look that could melt the iciest of hearts. “I cannot believe how perfectly everything has worked out.”
Minerva swallowed hard, her throat tight. “I am so happy for you,” she managed, her voice thick with emotion she struggled to suppress.
Lord Wellford, his arm now protectively around Chastity’s waist, gave Minerva a genuine smile. “We owe you a debt of gratitude, Lady Minerva,” he said. “If not for your understanding and support, none of this would have been possible.”
Minerva’s stomach twisted with guilt and longing. Here was the love she had always wanted for her sister—genuine, unburdened, and freely given. It was everything she had foughtto protect for Chastity, and now that it was real, it made her own doubts feel that much sharper.
Chastity, still oblivious to Minerva’s inner struggle, giggled and leaned closer to her sister. “You must help me plan the engagement ball! I want it to be the grandest celebration of the season. Everyone must know how in love we are.”
Minerva’s hands trembled, and she clasped them tightly together to steady herself. “Of course,” she whispered. “Anything for you, Chastity.”
Her sister tilted her head, finally noticing the dimness in Minerva’s eyes. “Are you well, Minerva?” she asked, her brows drawing together in concern. “You look... pale.”
Minerva forced a laugh, though it sounded hollow to her own ears. “I am quite all right,” she insisted. “It has just been a rather... eventful afternoon.”
Chastity seemed satisfied with that explanation and turned back to Wellford, her worries forgotten as she lost herself in the warmth of his gaze. Minerva watched them, feeling like an outsider in her own life, and she couldn’t help but wonder if this was what fate had in store for her: a life of watching from the sidelines, always the one to hold things together for everyone else while her own dreams crumbled quietly in the background.
The door closed softly behind them as they left the drawing room, leaving Minerva in a silence that felt suffocating. She closed her eyes, letting out a shaky breath. The joy inChastity’s voice, the tenderness between her and Wellford—it was everything Minerva had worked so hard to ensure for her sister. And yet, the emptiness it left in her own heart was almost too much to bear.
She was happy for them. She truly was. But as she stood there, alone with her thoughts, she couldn’t help but wish—just for a fleeting moment—that she might find a love like that for herself. One that was real, unguarded, and full of passion.
And deep down, she knew that the man who had stirred that longing within her, the one she tried so hard to forget, was the very man she couldn’t seem to let go of: Evan.
Twenty-Four
“Minerva, you look lovely tonight.” Chastity’s voice was warm as she leaned in to adjust a delicate piece of lace on Minerva’s gown. Her eyes, bright with happiness, searched her sister’s face for something unspoken. “Are you sure you’re feeling all right?”
Minerva forced a smile, the one she had perfected over the years to mask any emotion she didn’t want to share. “This night isn’t about me,” she replied, gently batting Chastity’s fussing hands away. “It is about you. And you are radiant.”
Chastity’s laughter rang out like the tinkling of bells. “Only because I have you to thank for all this,” she said, her voice softening. Her gaze lingered on Minerva’s face, as if she could see the heaviness her sister was trying so hard to hide. “But really, Minerva, if you’re feeling overwhelmed or?—”
Minerva shook her head, cutting her off with a determined smile. “Nonsense,” she insisted. “I am perfectly fine. Tonight isyour night, Chastity, and I won’t let anything take away from your happiness.”
Chastity hesitated, a flicker of concern passing through her blue eyes. But then Lord Wellford appeared at her side, grinning with such adoration that Chastity’s worries melted away. She turned toward him, her face lighting up with joy, and Minerva felt her own heart twist at the sight. It was the kind of pure, unrestrained love that she’d once thought she might never witness firsthand.
Lord Wellford bowed gallantly. “Lady Minerva,” he greeted with genuine warmth, “may I steal my fiancée away for another dance?”
