Page 50 of The Duke's Accidental Wallflower
Evan raised his hands in mock surrender, though his eyes never lost their gentleness. “Peace, Lady Minerva. I only meant to lighten the mood.” His gaze grew more thoughtful. “You mentioned events where they met. Which ones?”
Minerva tried to think back, her brow furrowing. “There was a musicale hosted by the Marchioness of Dunley. And another at Lord Featherstone’s garden party... I remember Chastity makingsome excuse about the flowers, but she had disappeared for nearly an hour.” She paused, her mind racing. “He was always careful, but I remember her mentioning that he had a passion for poetry. She once quoted something to me and swore it was his favorite line.”
Evan’s eyes narrowed as he pieced the information together. How fast did his mind work? Minerva wondered. “Passion for poetry, studied at Oxford, and a penchant for sneaking around at garden parties,” he mused. “You paint quite a portrait, Minerva.”
She glared at him, but there was little heat behind it. “Can you help me or not?”
He studied her for a moment, then nodded. “I can. I know most of the young gentlemen who meet that description—or at least, I know enough to narrow it down.” He gave her a more earnest look, his playful demeanor softening again. “And if we do find this mysterious suitor, what do you intend to do? Drag him to Chastity’s feet and demand that he make amends?”
Minerva hesitated, her composure wavering. “I do not know,” she admitted, the words tasting bitter on her tongue. “I just... I need to understand what happened. And if there is any chance he still cares for her, I want to give him the opportunity to... to make things right.”
Evan’s expression softened, and for a moment, the empathy she had glimpsed earlier shone through. “You are a good sister,” he said quietly. “Stubborn, infuriating, but good.”
Minerva felt her cheeks flush, though she refused to let him see how his words had affected her. She straightened her back, lifting her chin. “Then you will help me?”
Evan smiled, though it was gentler now, lacking his usual edge. “Yes,” he agreed. “I will help you.”
Minerva’s heart gave a small, relieved flutter, but she tamped it down quickly. She was grateful—of course she was—but she would not let herself be swayed by his charm or his sudden flashes of sincerity. “Thank you,” she said, her voice steadier than she felt.
He stepped closer, his gaze fixed on hers with a kind of intensity that made her pulse skip. “I will do what I can,” he promised. “But be prepared, Minerva. You may not like what you find.”
She swallowed with uncertainty, understanding the implication. “I am prepared,” she insisted, though deep down, she wasn’t entirely sure.
Evan nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Very well. We begin our investigation, then.”
Minerva took a step back, determined to regain her composure. She had asked for his help, and he had agreed. Now all she could do was hope that together, they could untangle the mess her sister had fallen into.
She did not dare hope to find some peace of her own.
Twenty
The morning sunlight spilled across the breakfast table, highlighting the delicate china and the soft, golden rolls placed neatly on a platter between Minerva and her sister. The clink of Chastity’s spoon against her teacup was the only sound in the otherwise quiet room. Minerva had tried to enjoy the meal, but her appetite had been elusive ever since her visit to Evan’s mansion.
Just as Minerva thought to break the silence to ask Chastity about their next engagement, a sudden knock at the door interrupted them. Minerva’s eyes darted up, and a footman entered, bowing as he approached with a folded note on a silver tray.
“A message for Lady Minerva,” he announced, holding the tray out for her.
Minerva swallowed hard, her pulse quickening as she reached for the note. The paper felt smooth and crisp in her fingers,and she had a sinking feeling she already knew who had sent it. Offering the footman a polite nod, she waited for him to retreat before she unfolded the message.
Chastity watched her with curious eyes, pausing mid-sentence. “Who is it from?” she asked, her tone deceptively light.
Minerva forced a casual smile, hoping it didn’t look as strained as it felt. “Oh, just... a friend,” she said, her voice catching slightly. She cleared her throat, avoiding her sister’s gaze as she scanned the contents of the note.
Lady Minerva,
I have found the gentleman we discussed. He will not confess to anything directly, but he has agreed to speak with you. Meet us in the park at noon, near the west fountain. I hope you are prepared for this encounter.
—E
Minerva’s heart thumped erratically. He had done it. Evan had found the man who might hold the answers she so desperately sought. Relief and nervous anticipation warred within her, and she clenched her jaw to keep from betraying her emotions.
“Minerva?” Chastity’s voice broke through her thoughts, and Minerva realized she had been staring at the note for far too long.
Quickly folding it and tucking it away, Minerva met her sister’s inquisitive gaze. “Nothing important,” she said, feigningnonchalance as she set her napkin in her lap. “Just... an errand I must attend to later.”
Chastity’s brow furrowed slightly, but she didn’t press further. “An errand?” she echoed, her voice laced with skepticism. “You have been rather busy with mysterious errands lately, haven’t you?”
Minerva’s cheeks flushed, and she busied herself with slicing a roll in half. “Oh, nothing of interest,” she replied, hoping to change the subject. “Just some matters to see to.” She picked up her teacup, her hands steadier than she felt. “What will you be wearing to tonight’s soiree?”
