Page 19 of The Duke's Accidental Wallflower
Evan’s gaze dropped to the billiard table, his hands resting on the edge as if to steady himself. “I know that. But it does not change anything.”
Ashford, still processing what had been revealed, leaned back against the table. “You do not have to be like them, you know. You can make different choices.”
Evan looked up, his eyes hard and unyielding. “I have made my choice. I will not be marrying anyone, let alone Lady Minerva. And that is final.”
Evan’s friends fell into silence once again. Cedric and Ashford exchanged a glance, but neither pushed the matter further. They had gotten the truth out of him, but they could see that the issue ran far deeper than just a near kiss.
Evan straightened, his expression cold and unreadable as he moved back toward the table. “Now, if you will excuse me, I have a game to win. I put far too much money against this bet.”
Cedric and Ashford, still concerned but knowing better than to press further, returned to the game, though the easy banter from earlier had all but disappeared.
But as Evan lined up his next shot, he felt more unnerved than before. He had made his decision. He needed to clear his mind of Minerva before he crossed the point of no return. She was indeed a very eligible woman, and he would never marry her.
Eight
Minerva strode through the manicured lawns of the rented London garden, her heeled slippers tapping lightly on the gravel path. The sprawling greenery provided a rare oasis in the bustling city, and the shaded pergolas and flowered archways made the perfect backdrop for her annual Wallflower Garden Party. Guests were already arriving, and the warm chatter of conversation filled the air.
She glanced around quickly, her eyes scanning for any potential problems. Servants carried trays of tea and finger sandwiches, and a string quartet played softly in the corner. The vibrant display of roses and peonies framed the walking paths, while the delicate fountains sent a gentle spray of mist into the air.
“Lady Minerva! We are running out of lemonade on the west side,” called one of the footmen as he hurried over. He looked flustered, clearly overwhelmed by the number of guests.
Minerva nodded calmly. “Fetch additional lemonade from the kitchen, if you please. Ensure the trays are replenished with haste.”
“Yes, my lady.” The footman rushed away.
Minerva exhaled, turning toward the seating arrangements. The area beneath the large oak was already filled with young ladies in pastel-colored gowns, fanning themselves delicately. Nearby, a group of gentlemen were deep in conversation, but Minerva’s keen eye noticed a few sidelong glances cast toward the young women. She smiled to herself. Everything seemed to be working.
Good,she thought.For once, it is all going according to plan.
“Minerva!” Cherie’s voice rang out as she hurried across the garden, her rose-pink dress fluttering around her ankles. “I have been looking everywhere for you! You won’t believe what just happened.”
Minerva turned, her brow furrowed. “What is it?”
“One of the ladies spilled lemonade all over her gown! But do not worry, I found one of the maids, and they’re sorting it out. Honestly, though, I thought you’d want to know.”
Minerva sighed, pinching the bridge of her nose. “It is fine, Cherie. Nothing we cannot handle.”
“Of course,” Cherie said with a grin, glancing around. “I must say, though, You have outdone yourself this year. Look at the turnout! Every eligible gentleman in London must be here.”
“That is the idea,” Minerva replied, smoothing her gown and casting a critical eye over the gathering. “Chastity needs to make an impression today.”
Cherie’s expression softened. “She’ll be fine, Minerva. You have planned this down to the last detail. Besides, she is more than capable of catching a gentleman’s eye.”
Minerva’s gaze drifted toward Chastity, who stood near a fountain, laughing with a small group of young women. Her sister’s dark curls gleamed in the sunlight, and her gown of soft lavender made her look every bit the part of an eligible debutante.
For the moment, at least, Chastity seemed to be enjoying herself—no signs of the recklessness Minerva feared. Was she enjoying herself too much? Were those bright-eyed glances meant for the colorful crowd, or searching for her mysterious Duke?
“I hope You are right,” Minerva said, though her tone carried a note of worry. “I cannot afford any surprises today.”
“Minerva, dear, you really should relax,” Samantha’s voice cut in from behind. She appeared at Minerva’s side, looking effortlessly elegant in her rose colored gown, her dark hair pinned loosely at the nape of her neck. “It is your party. You should enjoy it.”
Minerva smiled faintly, though her mind was already racing through a mental checklist. “I will relax when everything has gone off without a hitch.”
Samantha chuckled, glancing around the garden. “Everything looks perfect. You have done an amazing job. Now stop worrying and take a breath.”
Minerva opened her mouth to protest when one of the musicians hit a sour note on the violin. Her head whipped around, but no one seemed to notice. She released a breath she had not realized she was holding.
“You are too tense,” Samantha noted, following Minerva’s gaze. “The world won’t end if something minor goes wrong.”
