Page 66 of The Duke's Accidental Wallflower
Minerva frowned, confused by the cryptic statement. But Chastity didn’t elaborate. She simply kissed her sister’s forehead and left the room, leaving Minerva alone with her tangled emotion. Minerva cradled her head another moment before ringing for her maid, and side eyeing the tea for a little longer.
After dressing, she made her way slowly downstairs. When she reached the door to her father’s study, she stopped short, her heart thundering in her ears. Voices filtered through the heavy wooden door—Lord Gillies’s and her father’s, engaged in what seemed to be an important discussion.
Minerva's instincts told her to leave, but she hesitated, her hand frozen on the brass doorknob. The conversation inside was too compelling to ignore, so she pressed her ear to the door, her breath held as she listened.
“…and you are certain you wish to proceed with this marriage contract?” her father, Lord Bellington, asked, his voice measured and even. “It is a serious commitment, Lord Gillies.”
“Without question,” came Lord Gillies’s assured reply. “Lady Minerva is a most suitable match. Her grace and upbringing are precisely what I need in a wife. She will fulfill her role with the elegance befitting her station.”
Minerva swallowed hard. The words felt hollow, but there was a logic to them that she couldn’t deny. Lord Gillies offered stability, respectability, and a life free from scandal. It was everything she had been raised to want, to value. Even if her heart longed for something more—something unpredictable and exhilarating, something she had tasted but could never allow herself to hope for—she knew her duty lay elsewhere.
Lord Bellington’s voice interrupted her spiraling thoughts. “Have you spoken with my daughter directly? It would not do to simply assume her consent. Minerva is practical, but she is still my daughter, and I expect her to be treated with due respect.”
Lord Gillies let out a polite chuckle. “Of course, Lord Bellington. I understand. I intend to propose to Lady Minerva properly. I am certain she will see the benefits of our match and agree. It is only a matter of formalities now.”
Minerva bit her lip, a wave of resignation washing over her. Only a matter of formalities. How many times had she told herself that this was the right course, the responsible choice? Lord Gillies was everything she should want, everything society would approve of. And yet, the weight of her decision settled heavily on her chest.
Slowly, she stepped back from the door, the resolve she had built over the past weeks feeling thin and fragile. Marrying Lord Gillies would be the rational choice, the safe choice. Evan Pembroke, the Duke of Colburn, was a man of scandal, a man she couldn’t afford to dream about. He had hurt her, and she couldn’t let herself be swayed by foolish feelings.
Her heart clenched painfully, but she forced herself to take a steadying breath. She had to accept this. Logic and duty would win over reckless passion. Even if it meant silencing the part of her that yearned for more.
Hoping to avoid Lord Gillies for a little while longer, she stole back up to her room. If he asked for her, she could claim to be indisposed.
Chastity sat on the delicate settee in the drawing room, her hands folded neatly in her lap, though her heart raced with excitement. Lord Wellford had arrived earlier, bringing with him his usual warmth and charm that always left her feeling both flustered and elated. His modest compliments and sincere demeanor made her feel seen in a way she hadn’t realized she craved.
“I hope you found your morning pleasant, Lady Chastity,” Wellford said, his voice quiet but steady. “London mornings can be lovely this time of year, though I imagine it is not quite like the countryside.”
“They can be,” Chastity replied, her smile soft but distracted. The note he had given her at Samantha’s gallery was still tucked carefully in her pocket, a secret that warmed her even as she tried to maintain her composure. “Though I suppose it depends on the company one keeps.”
Wellford’s lips curved into a faint smile, his gaze lingering on her for just a moment longer than was proper. “Then I hope I can make this morning pleasant for you.”
Chastity opened her mouth to respond, but the door to the drawing room swung open abruptly, and Lord Gillies strode in with his usual overbearing confidence. His eyes barely flickered over Chastity before landing on Wellford with a glimmer of disdain.
“Lady Chastity,” Lord Gillies said briskly, as if acknowledging her presence was a mere formality. “I have come to speak with your sister. Is she available?”
Chastity stiffened, her pleasant mood evaporating like morning dew. “Minerva is indisposed,” she replied with measured politeness. “She is weary from her exertions yesterday.”
Lord Gillies let out a scoffing laugh, shaking his head. “Indisposed again? She has been rather elusive lately. I do hope she understands that she cannot hide forever. Certain decisions must be made, after all.”
“Well,” Chastity said, her voice colder now, “I imagine she will make her decisions when she is ready, not before.”
Gillies' smirk widened as he leaned casually against the back of a chair. “She is fortunate that some decisions are being made for her. A woman of her age and temperament should appreciate the opportunity to secure a match that is both advantageous and... enduring.”
Chastity’s hands curled into fists in her lap, her smile tightening. “I am certain Minerva is capable of deciding what is best for her.”
Gillies ignored her remark, his gaze flickering briefly to Wellford. “And who might you be, sir?”
“Wellford,” he said simply, inclining his head. “Baron of Wellford.”
Gillies blinked, a moment of surprise crossing his face before he recovered. “Ah, a pleasure,” he said, though his tone lacked sincerity. “You’ll forgive me, I wasn’t expecting to find you here. Not many among thetonfrequent this house.”
“Well,” Chastity interjected, her voice sharper than usual, “the company we keep is our choice, Lord Gillies.”
Gillies’s eyes narrowed slightly, but he gave her a stiff nod. “Of course.” Turning back to Wellford, he added, “It was an honor to meet you, my lord. I shall leave you to... your conversation.”
Without waiting for a response, Gillies turned and left the room, his boots echoing sharply against the polished floorboards.
As the door clicked shut behind him, Chastity let out a sharp breath, her anger simmering beneath the surface. “That man is insufferable.”
