Page 21 of The Duke's Accidental Wallflower
Minerva turned back to Cherie and Samantha, her calm mask firmly in place. “There. He’ll be seated, and we’ll carry on as if nothing happened.”
Cherie smirked, clearly enjoying the unfolding drama. “I am curious to see how long that lasts.”
Minerva shot her a look. “Cherie, you are less than helpful.”
But even as she tried to resume her role as hostess, Minerva’s attention flitted back to the Duke. He had now reached the center of the garden, where several ladies had eagerly swarmed around him, hanging on his every word. He was charming them, of course, effortlessly weaving his way through their compliments and coquettish remarks, looking every bit the dashing nobleman.
Her jaw tightened.Stay away from me. Stay away from Chastity.
Minerva watched as Evan settled into the far side of the garden, the ladies around him hanging on his every word. It irritated her more than she cared to admit, but she forced herself to look away, determined to maintain her composure.
Just as she began to move toward the main seating area, Cherie stepped in front of her, a playful grin tugging at the corners of her mouth. “You know, Minerva, this party isn’t just for Chastity to find a match. It is for you too.”
Minerva blinked, caught off guard by the comment. “What are you talking about? I am not?—”
“Oh, do not give me that,” Cherie interrupted, folding her arms. “This is the perfect opportunity for you to meet someone. You spend so much time worrying about your sister that You have forgotten about yourself.”
Minerva opened her mouth to protest, but Cherie pressed on. “ I will keep an eye on Chastity. You do not need to hover overher all day. Let me take care of her for a while. You should be enjoying this event, not just running it.”
Minerva hesitated, glancing over at Chastity, who was laughing with a group of young ladies near the fountain. She seemed fine, for the moment.
“I do not know, Cherie. This event is important. I cannot just?—”
“Yes, you can,” Cherie insisted, her tone firm but kind. “You have done enough. Everything is running smoothly, and Chastity is doing perfectly well on her own. You deserve to have a bit of fun too.”
Minerva raised an eyebrow. “Fun?”
Cherie rolled her eyes. “Alright, maybe not ‘fun’ in your definition. But at least allow yourself to sit at a separate table, away from all the responsibilities, and actually talk to someone. There are plenty of eligible men here, Minerva. You should at least enjoy their company.”
Minerva let out a long sigh, the tension in her shoulders slowly easing. “Fine. But only for a little while.”
As the guests continued to mingle, she signaled to the servants, who began setting the tables for tea. The clinking of china and the soft rustle of the garden party’s hustle and bustle filled the air as trays of sandwiches, pastries, and fine teas were brought out.
“Ladies and gentlemen,” Minerva called with a graceful wave of her hand. “Please take your seats and enjoy the refreshments.”
As the crowd took their seats, Cherie grinned, clearly pleased with herself. “Good. Now, let me handle everything here. Go find a seat and enjoy some tea with the other guests.”
Reluctantly, Minerva nodded and allowed Cherie to guide her toward one of the smaller tables near the garden’s edge.
Minerva, for once, found herself seated away from her usual duties. The table she had chosen was quieter, tucked beneath a shaded pergola where the scent of jasmine wafted through the air. She inhaled deeply, trying to calm the lingering tension in her chest.
As the guests settled in, Minerva glanced around the garden, watching the animated conversations taking place around her. The sight should have filled her with pride—her event was a success, after all—but instead, she found herself wondering how long it would last before something went wrong.
From across the garden, she noticed Cherie keeping a careful eye on Chastity, who had now attracted the attention of two gentlemen. Minerva smiled faintly in relief. Everything seemed to be under control.
Nine
Chastity tilted her head with practiced politeness, her fan moving idly in one hand as she listened to Lord Willis recount yet another tale of his estate’s lavender fields. The younger gentleman’s enthusiasm bordered on overwhelming, though she managed a soft laugh in all the appropriate places.
“Our lavender has been the talk of Kent for years,” Willis said, his grin broad as he leaned forward, the sunlight catching his bright blond hair. “Even Lady Torrington wrote to me personally, asking for clippings.”
“How... enviable,” Chastity replied, the faintest flicker of amusement curving her lips. Her gaze briefly flicked to the man seated to her left, the Baron of Wellford, whose silence stood in stark contrast to Lord Willis’s exuberance.
“Wellford, you have surely seen my gardens,” Willis said, turning to his companion as if seeking validation. “What do youthink of my topiary designs? I have been told they rival even the Earl of Harrington’s.”
Wellford’s lips twitched, but his expression remained neutral. “Topiary has its charm,” he said evenly, his voice deep and unhurried, “but I have always preferred gardens that follow nature’s wilder paths.”
Chastity’s fan paused mid-movement, her curiosity piqued by the implication of his words. She turned her gaze to him, studying his profile—the firm set of his jaw, the way his eyes, dark and steady, seemed to see more than he said. His words hinted at a mind less concerned with outward perfection and more attuned to something deeper.
