Page 30 of The Duke's Accidental Wallflower
“Minerva,” Chastity sighed, stretching out lazily. “Wasn’t today wonderful? I think the garden party was a grand success!”
Minerva’s chest tightened. How could Chastity be so carefree, so unaware of the dangers lurking right beneath the surface?She is too naïve. Too reckless.
“Chastity,” Minerva began, her tone gentle but firm, “we need to talk.”
Chastity’s brows furrowed slightly as she glanced at her sister. “Talk about what?”
Minerva stood from her chair and moved across the room, sitting beside Chastity on the settee. She took a steadying breath before speaking. “I know who your secret admirer is.”
Chastity blinked, her smile faltering. “What are you talking about?” Her voice was light, but there was a sudden guardedness in her eyes.
Minerva pressed on, determined. “The man you were going to meet in the garden? You invited him to the garden party today, didn’t you?”
Chastity's eyes widened for a fraction of a second, and Minerva noticed the slight hesitation before her sister responded. “I... do not know what you mean,” Chastity said, her tone carefully neutral, though her fingers twisted nervously in her lap.
Minerva sighed, frustration building. “Chastity, do not play games with me. I saw the note—the invitation written in your hand. You asked the Duke of Colburn to come today, did you not?”
Chastity’s face flushed, and she quickly looked away, but Minerva could see that her sister wasn’t ready to admit anything. “I did not... I did notinvitehim specifically,” she said, her voice a touch too high. “It was just... a general invitation to a few of the guests.”
Minerva’s brow furrowed.Why is she avoiding the truth?“You do not have to lie to me. You have been meeting him in secret, haven’t you?”
Chastity stood abruptly, pacing the room as if trying to shake off Minerva’s questioning. “No, I haven’t! I haven’t been meeting anyone in secret, let alone Duke Colburn!” Her voice wavered with a mix of anxiety and defensiveness.
Minerva rose, following her sister with a steady gaze. “Don’t lie to me, Chastity! Why were you sneaking around with him? Do you not understand the danger of getting involved with someone like him?”
Chastity spun around, her expression shifting from nervous to indignant. “I am not sneaking around with the duke!” Chastity clenched her fists. “And what makes you so sure I have any secret admirer at all, let alone a preening peacock like him?”
Minerva’s heart raced as she processed her sister’s words, struggling to feel the relief she ought to feel – if Chastity was telling her the truth.. “If it is not him, then who is it? Chastity, you must tell me.”
But Chastity shook her head, turning around with a flippant wave of her hand. “There’s nothing to tell, you have made up your mind and there’s no changing it.”
“I know you’re lying. There is someone, isn’t there?” Minerva’s voice softened, but her concern only deepened. “I just don’t understand why you will not at least tell me who. Should we not gossip about our suitors? Should we not be able to whisper our heart's desires before bed at night?”
Chastity’s shoulders slumped slightly, her arms wrapping around herself defensively. “It is just... it is not what you think. I am not doing anything wrong.” She turned back, meeting Minerva’s gaze with a pleading expression. “You have to trust me.”
Minerva frowned, her frustration mounting. “How can I? Chastity, you have been sneaking around, writing secret invitations. How can I trust you when you won’t even tell me the truth?”
“Iamtelling you the truth!” Chastity insisted. “And I promise, nothing... inappropriate is happening.”
Minerva studied her sister’s face for a long moment, trying to read between the lines. Chastity’s anxiety, her reluctance to speak—what was she hiding? If it wasn’t Evan, then who? Minerva’s heart ached for connection with her sister. Why could Chastity not bring herself to share her heart, her troubles, with her?
“If you won’t tell me who it is,” Minerva said quietly, “then I cannot help you.”
Chastity hesitated, her eyes flicking away. “I do not need help for this. Please Minerva... just let it be.”
“You know I cannot do that.”
Chastity let out a frustrated sigh, running a hand through her hair. “You are overreacting, Minerva. You always do this. I am not a child anymore.”
Minerva stepped forward, her expression softening. “I know you are not a child, but You are my sister. I need to protect you.”
“I do not need protecting,” Chastity muttered, but there was a hint of vulnerability in her voice. “You worry too much.”
Minerva exhaled slowly, her hands clenching into fists at her sides as she tried to keep her own emotions in check. She couldn’t shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong. And even though Chastity was evading her questions, Minerva knew there was more at stake than just her sister’s reputation.
“If it is not the Duke,” Minerva said, her voice barely a whisper, “then why are you keeping it a secret? Do you think I would not approve?”
Chastity did not answer, her silence only deepening Minerva’s concern.
