Page 76 of The Duke's Accidental Wallflower
She smoothed the folds of her shawl as the coachman opened the door, her heart feeling lighter than it had in weeks. The whirlwind of Chastity’s wedding was behind her—a beautiful, joyous affair that had left her brimming with gratitude but utterly spent.
It had been only days since Chastity and Wellford’s wedding—a joyful, bustling affair that had left her both exhausted and content. Now, she was grateful for the chance to spend a quieter evening in good company. Cassandra and Aiden were gracious hosts, and their invitation for dinner had come with assurances that it would be an intimate, casual gathering.
The sound of hooves behind her drew her attention, and she turned just in time to see another carriage pulling up. Her heart skipped a beat when she saw Evan stepping out, his tall frame and easy confidence unmistakable even from a distance. He spotted her immediately, his lips curving into a warm smile as their eyes met.
“Lady Minerva,” he greeted as he approached, his voice carrying the same rich warmth that never failed to send a shiver down her spine. He gave a small bow, his gaze holding hers.
“Your Grace,” she replied with a teasing smile, dipping into a curtsy that made him chuckle softly.
“Shall we?” Evan offered his arm, and Minerva hesitated only for a moment before taking it. Together, they ascended the front steps, the gentle rhythm of their footsteps echoing against the stone.
Cassandra greeted them at the door, her effusive energy making Minerva feel instantly at ease. “You’re both here!” she exclaimed, clapping her hands together. “Wonderful! Aiden is in the study, but the rest of us are just settling in the drawing room. Come along.”
Minerva exchanged a glance with Evan, a shared amusement passing between them, before following Cassandra into the house. The warmth of the interior, with its crackling fire and inviting decor, enveloped them as they entered.
Dinner was served shortly after, the group gathering around a beautifully set table adorned with fresh blooms and delicate candlelight. The conversation flowed easily, aided by Aiden’s dry humor and Cassandra’s infectious charm. But it wasn’t long before the topic turned to the recent wedding.
“Oh, Minerva,” Cassandra began, her tone conspiratorial as she turned to her friend. “Wasn’t Chastity radiant? She looked absolutely stunning in that gown, didn’t she?”
“She did,” Minerva agreed, her expression softening at the memory. “And Wellford... well, he could barely keep his eyes off her. It was clear to everyone how much he adores her.”
Cassandra’s eyes sparkled as she leaned forward, her fingers lightly drumming the edge of her wineglass. “And can we talk about Chastity’s dancing? I have never seen a bride look so delighted to be whirled about the room.”
“Delighted?” Aiden interjected with a wry smile, setting down his fork. “She looked as though she might take off like a spinning top at any moment. I was half-convinced Wellford had bribed the orchestra to quicken the tempo.”
Minerva laughed, shaking her head. “That was Chastity’s enthusiasm. She’s always been full of energy—though I admit, Wellford seemed equally thrilled to keep up with her.”
Cassandra sighed dreamily. “And their honeymoon! The wild north of England—so romantic, but fitting, don’t you think?The two of them always seemed like they belonged somewhere untamed, far from thetonand all its expectations.”
Evan, who had been quietly sipping his wine, leaned in slightly, his eyes alight with interest. “The wild north, you say? That does suit Wellford. I imagine he’ll spend half his time hunting and the other half convincing Chastity to let him spoil her.”
Minerva chuckled softly, nodding. “I think Chastity will enjoy the adventure. She’s always had a wild streak—though she’d deny it if you asked her outright.”
“She does take after her sister in some ways,” Evan remarked, his gaze shifting to Minerva with a hint of mischief.
Minerva raised an eyebrow, her tone light but challenging. “Are you suggesting I have a wild streak, Your Grace?”
Evan’s smile deepened, his voice low enough that only she could hear. “Perhaps.”
Cassandra’s voice broke through their quiet exchange. “I must say, Minerva, you handled the wedding with such grace. It is no small feat, managing everything with your sister’s... enthusiasm.”
“It was a labor of love,” Minerva admitted, though her cheeks flushed slightly. “Chastity deserved a day that was truly hers, and I am glad we could give her that.”
“And now,” Cassandra said, leaning back in her chair with a satisfied smile, “it is your turn to focus on your own happiness, isn’t it?”
Minerva glanced at Cassandra, whose knowing smile left no room for argument, and then at Evan, whose steady gaze warmed her from within. She felt a quiet contentment settle over her—a feeling that the pieces of her life were finally beginning to fall into place.
“Yes,” Minerva replied softly, her eyes meeting Evan’s across the table. “I believe it is.”
As the last of the dishes were cleared away and the candlelight flickered gently over the elegant dining table, Cassandra leaned toward Minerva with a glimmer of mischief in her eyes.
“Minerva,” she said, her voice low enough that only Minerva could hear. “Aiden and I have a most impressive addition to our library since you last visited. You must let me show you.”
Minerva glanced at her friend with a curious smile. “You have found another rare volume to add to your collection, I take it?”
Cassandra winked. “Something like that. Shall we?”
Minerva rose, her heart light, and allowed Cassandra to lead her from the table. She barely noticed when Evan excused himself moments later, murmuring something to Aiden about settling a score in their billiards room.
