Page 14 of The Duke's Accidental Wallflower
Minerva rubbed her temples, distracted by Cherie’s reading. The day’s gossip sheet had a number of stories of rakish men, and she had had her fill lately. “Cherie, I think I have had enough of the stories today.”
Cherie had claimed the settee with her usual flair, lounging as though the world existed solely for her amusement. Across the room, Samantha sat near the window, idly sketching in her notebook, her disinterested demeanor always a contrast to Cherie’s lively enthusiasm.
“I thought you could use some entertainment,” Cherie protested, sneaking a peak at Minerva’s progress on writing out invitations.
“Do not forget to invite Lord Radcliffe,” Samantha interjected.
“Why is that?” Minerva asked, counting the number of cards she had left before committing to writing out another invitation. For some reason, she thought she had more cards than she had on her desk at that moment.
“Why shouldn’t we invite him? Lord Radcliffe hasthemost charming smile,” Cherie declared as she sank back into the settee, her dark curls bouncing. Her eyes sparkled with mischief, and her quick grin showed that, as always, she had no interest in keeping her thoughts to herself. “He would be such a good match for any number of ladies.”
Minerva glanced up from the stack of invitations she was sorting, her expression mildly amused. “Lord Radcliffe? The one who cannot seem to hold a conversation for more than a minute without fumbling his words?”
“He is shy,” Cherie admitted, crossing her legs and draping one arm over the back of the settee. “I find it endearing. Besides, what he lacks in conversation, he more than makes up for in looks.”
“If you say so,” Samantha said with a soft chuckle. “Though personally, I find Lord Pembroke much more intriguing.”
Minerva sighed, dipping her quill into the ink well. “Lord Pembroke? He is themostunreliable man in London.”
Minerva sighed as she sorted through the stack of invitations on the desk. The room was meant to be a haven of order and tranquility, yet Cherie’s lively banter made it feel more like a bustling marketplace. Not that Minerva entirely minded—it was a distraction, however brief, from the constant hum of worry that had taken root in her chest.
“Unreliable or unpredictable?” Samantha corrected, raising a brow as she continued sketching. “There is a difference, and I rather enjoy the mystery.”
Cherie gasped dramatically, sitting up straight. “You cannot mean to say you are considering him as a potential suitor?”
Samantha gave a nonchalant shrug, her lips curving into a playful smile. “Why not? He is certainly more interesting than the others.”
Minerva smoothed out another invitation, her fingers brushing against the embossed edge. The Wallflower Garden Party was not just an event; it was her way of giving overlooked young ladies a chance to shine, a space where they could mingle without the stifling judgment of society’s usual gatherings.
She couldn’t afford any mistakes this time, especially with Chastity’s increasingly reckless behavior. If the party was not a success, it would not just be her reputation on the line—it wouldbe Chastity’s future. The thought sent a pang of anxiety through her chest, though she kept her face composed.
“I do not see how why you would be surprised, Cherie, you fell for a man with a well-tailored waistcoat and a bit of mystery. What happened to sensible choices? We are not debutantes anymore.”
“Oh, Minerva,” Cherie laughed, tossing a cushion toward her. “Sensibility is boring! Besides, you are hardly one to talk. What aboutyou? You have not mentioned a single eligible bacheloryouare interested in.”
Minerva straightened her back, brushing a few stray strands of hair behind her ear, her expression resolute. “Because I am not interested in anyone at the moment. My focus is on the Wallflower Garden Party, thank you very much.”
Samantha arched an eyebrow, setting down her sketchpad. “Ah yes, the party where youcouldfind an eligible match for yourself, if you were not so busy playing matchmaker for everyone else.”
“Speaking of which,” Minerva interjected, “I have been trying to determine who would make a suitable match for Chastity. She needs someone steady, someone who can balance her wild nature without stifling her.”
Cherie’s mischievous grin widened. “Youdolove a project, Minerva. But are you sure Chastity wants to be matched? From what I have seen, she enjoys her freedom.”
“She needs guidance,” Minerva replied, her tone thoughtful but firm. She rose from the desk and moved toward the window, gazing out at the meticulously kept garden below. “Her behavior has been more impulsive than ever, and I do not want her to make a rash decision. It is my responsibility to ensure she finds someone who will care for her.”
Samantha tilted her head, her dark eyes narrowing in thought. “What about Lord Sheffield? He is reliable, and I hear his family has been looking for a match for him.”
Minerva shook her head. “Too stiff. Chastity would grow bored of him in a week.”
“Lord Archer, then,” Cherie suggested, swinging her legs over the settee’s armrest with a carefree grin. “He is charming and well-liked, but not overly serious. And I have seen him steal glances at Chastity during the last two balls.”
Minerva considered this for a moment, her fingers tapping lightly on the windowsill. “Perhaps. He is pleasant enough, and he does have a good reputation. But I wonder if he has the patience for her... spirited nature.”
Samantha leaned back, her expression amused. “When are you going to focus on your own prospects?”
Minerva laughed softly, shaking her head as she returned to the desk, shuffling the invitations back into a neat pile. “Oh, I am perfectly content without prospects, thank you. I would much rather see to it that Chastity is settled first.”
“Always the selfless older sister,” Cherie teased, flopping back onto the settee dramatically. “But do not forget, Minerva, you deserve a bit of happiness too.”
