Page 60 of The Duke's Accidental Wallflower
Minerva’s smirk faltered for just a moment, but she masked it quickly. “Then I shall listen,” she said, “but I won’t let him off so easily. He will have to work for my forgiveness. I am not some naive girl to be won over with a few sweet words.”
Samantha’s eyes gleamed with delight. “Now that’s the Minerva I know and admire. Dignified, resolute, and not to be trifled with.”
Minerva linked arms with Samantha made her way toward the refreshment table, her steps quicker than usual. The crowd seemed to blur around her, and the only thing grounding her was the persistent thrum of emotions she couldn’t quite control.
The moment Minerva reached the table, she grabbed a glass of champagne and downed it in one go, feeling the fizz burn slightly as it slid down her throat. Samantha’s eyes widened in surprise, her brows lifting in amusement.
“Goodness, Minerva,” Samantha said, stifling a laugh. “I don’t think I have ever seen you drink that quickly.”
Minerva didn’t respond, her hand already reaching for a second glass. She lifted it to her lips, pausing only when Samantha laid a gentle but firm hand on her wrist.
“Easy now,” Samantha warned, her voice still light but her eyes filled with concern. “I don’t think drowning your feelings in champagne will make facing him any easier.”
Minerva let out a humorless laugh, her grip tightening around the delicate stem. “What gives him the right, Samantha?” she demanded, her voice low but heated. “What gives him the right to play with my heart like this? To disappear for weeks and then show up here, as if nothing happened?”
Samantha sighed, her expression softening as she watched her friend struggle to hold herself together. “He doesn’t have the right,” she said gently. “And you have every reason to be angry. But if you speak with him now, at least do it with a clear head.”
Minerva scowled, but she set down the second glass of champagne without taking a sip. Her hands were trembling, and she balled them into fists to steady herself. “I just... I don’t know if I can face him,” she admitted, her voice cracking. “Not without feeling foolish for ever letting him get close.”
Samantha squeezed her shoulder, her presence a comforting anchor in the whirlwind of Minerva’s emotions. “You are not foolish,” she said fiercely. “You are brave, and you deserve to know the truth. But if you’re not ready, then we can stay right here and drink all the champagne this ball has to offer.”
Minerva managed a small smile, the tiniest hint of relief breaking through her frustration. “Thank you, Samantha,” she whispered, her voice thick with gratitude. “For being here.”
Samantha tilted her head, a playful grin spreading across her face. “Always. Now,” she said, casting a quick glance over her shoulder, “shall we spy on him from afar and pretend we’re invisible? Or do you want to make a grand entrance and remind him exactly who he’s dealing with?”
Minerva took a deep breath, the humor in Samantha’s words lightening the weight on her chest. “I think,” she said, squaring her shoulders, “that I need another moment. But when I do confront him, he’ll know I am not to be trifled with.”
Samantha gave Minerva’s arm a reassuring squeeze as they moved back into the heart of the ballroom. The music swelled, lively and full of energy, drawing couples to the dance floor. Laughter and the clinking of glasses filled the air, the atmosphere one of pure celebration.
“Come on,” Samantha said, her eyes sparkling with excitement. “If we’re going to have a grand night, we might as well make it one to remember. Let’s find something scandalously fun to do—perhaps start our own dance circle or challenge some gentlemen to a round of waltzes. What do you think?”
Minerva’s smile widened as she let herself get swept up in Samantha’s playful enthusiasm. “I think you are a terrible influence, and I adore you for it,” she replied, her voice carrying a hint of laughter.
“Good,” Samantha declared. “I suggest we begin with champagne, then see where the night takes us. Maybe we can even convince Chastity to join in the mischief—she deserves some fun before her life is overtaken by wedding plans.”
As they sipped their drinks, Samantha leaned in, her voice low and conspiratorial. “And if we happen to cross paths with a certain Duke,” she whispered, her eyes dancing with mischief, “just remember—you are a force to be reckoned with, Minerva. And I will be here to make sure you stay that way.”
Minerva’s heart swelled with gratitude. “It’s a bargain,” she said, lifting her glass once more. “Here’s to strong alliances and even stronger friends.”
Samantha laughed, and together, they made their way toward the edge of the dance floor, where the music was infectious, the crowd was lively, and the possibilities for the night seemed endless.
As Samantha and Minerva made their way toward the edge of the dance floor, giggling and taking in the lively atmosphere, they were suddenly intercepted by Cherie, who appeared out of the crowd with her hands on her hips and a dramatic flourish.
“Ah-ha!” Cherie declared, her eyes narrowing with playful suspicion. “I leave you two alone for barely a moment, and here you are, plotting some sort of mischief without me. It is absolutely unacceptable. You must catch me up immediately!”
Minerva exchanged a knowing look with Samantha, her smile widening. “Cherie, we would never plot mischief without your invaluable input,” Minerva said, her voice full of mock seriousness. “In fact, you have arrived just in time.”
Cherie’s eyes lit up, and she clapped her hands together. “Oh, splendid! What are we plotting, then? A scandalous dance? Sneaking into the gentlemen’s card room? Or perhaps something even more outrageous?”
Samantha laughed, looping her arm through Cherie’s. “We were just about to toast to strong alliances and the mischief yet to come,” she explained. “And maybe—just maybe—Minerva was considering whether or not to confront a certain someone tonight.”
Cherie’s eyes widened in delight. “A confrontation? Oh, I simply must be present for that! But first, more champagne. We need to be properly fortified for such a momentous occasion. And where is Cassandra when you need her?”
Minerva shook her head, but she couldn’t help but laugh. With Samantha and Cherie on either side of her, she felt her spirits lift, buoyed by their infectious energy. “Very well,” she relented. “But if we’re going to do this, we do it with style.”
Cherie beamed and looped her arm through Minerva’s free one, completing their circle. “To style, strength, and an unforgettable evening!” she declared.
They made their way to the refreshment table, laughter ringing out between them as they filled their glasses once more. The ballroom swirled with color and music, and Minerva couldn’t help but feel a little lighter, a little more hopeful, knowing she had her friends by her side.
