Chapter 11

CHAPTER ELEVEN

" Y ou may come in."

Evelina had been standing at the door to the Duke's study for what felt like an eternity, her heart pounding in her chest as she raised her hand to knock. Only with a deep breath did she gather her courage and then rapped gently on the frame, before her nerves got the better of her.

As she pushed the heavy door open, she was met with his ever-so-piercing green eyes.

"Good morning, Your Grace," she greeted him, with a polite nod.

Gabriel raised an eyebrow, ignoring her greeting. "What's so pressing that you have come to see me so early? I thought I would finally get to enjoy a peaceful morning today, but it seems you're quite dedicated to ensuring that I have no respite."

Evelina's eyebrows knitted together, and she bit her tongue, keeping herself from answering in the way he expected.

Insufferable man.

His insanity did not matter to her at this moment. Her thoughts were fixated on dear Eliza. Her reason for being here had to be achieved.

The silence that followed seemed to surprise the duke, and his fingers drummed the table as he watched her, brows raised in question.

"Is there a problem with my daughter or the lessons you have with her?" he asked, his tone measured.

Evelina reassured him immediately, "No, everything is well with Lady Eliza, Your Grace." She cleared her throat and hesitated briefly before continuing, "It concerns the nature of our lessons."

Gabriel observed her with a hint of intrigue, waiting for her to elaborate.

"Your Grace," Taking another deep breath, she finally mustered the courage to make her request, "May I have your permission to conduct today's lessons with Lady Eliza in the gardens?"

A hush fell over the room following her inquiry. Gabriel looked away from her, seeming to consider her request.

Sensing the weight of the moment, she cleared her throat before delicately reminding him, "Your Grace, you mentioned previously that outdoor lessons would require your approval, hence my presence today."

Still, he didn't answer, so she continued. "I did not mean to disrupt your schedule, and if I had already been given the permission, I would have decided differently." She swallowed. "Your Grace, outdoor lessons would give her the chance to learn amidst nature's beauty, thus fostering a deeper connection with the world around her—which we know she needs."

The tension in the room was nearly palpable. Evelina's heart raced as she awaited his response. Anticipation filled her heart as he remained silent, his thoughts veiled behind a stoic facade.

"If only you watched us a moment longer when you found us outside, Your Grace," she pressed, her voice steady yet laced with a hint of urgency.

"Eliza was… full of smiles. She was more than eager to participate, and she did so with a vigor that I hadn't witnessed in her before. She was bubbly and excited the entire time."

With each word carefully chosen to shift the duke's opinion, she did her best to paint a vivid picture of the educational benefits awaiting Eliza amidst the natural surroundings. Imagine, Your Grace, the joy and knowledge she could gain from firsthand experiences with the flora and fauna in your gardens," she continued, her eyes fixed on him, searching for any sign of agreement or consideration.

As the seconds stretched into a pregnant pause, her resolve remained unwavering. Yet, her irritation started to grow.

The ball now lay in Gabriel's court, the decision hanging in the balance, the outcome of this exchange poised to shape Eliza's educational journey within the estate's walls.

Did the man not want his daughter to step out of her shell? Or was he only against it because she was the one who brought it up?

Evelina fumed. What was his issue with her truly?

"Your Grace, I implore you-"

"That's quite enough." In a monotone that betrayed little emotion, the duke cut her short, raising his hand as he uttered, his gaze fixed on the table and expression inscrutable as always.

Evelina pouted slightly and furrowed her brow in frustration. Undeterred, she attempted to reason with him. "Your Grace, this would be very good for Eliza. If only you could reconsider?—"

However, the Duke lifted his hand once more, silencing her. "You may go, have the lesson outside today."

"Oh, but Your Grace, I promised her earlier that I would convince you—" Evelina broke off as his words registered. "What?"

Her head snapped up in shock, her eyes wide as she sought clarification.

Meeting her gaze, Gabriel delivered his next words in the same monotone voice, his directive firm and leaving no room for argument. "But not without an escort."

Caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, Evelina bit her lip, her mind racing with questions.

Could the lesson go well if he accompanies us? Eliza would be uncomfortable in his presence, would she not? Should I perhaps persuade him not to come along? What if that just makes him upset? What if he ends up scrapping the whole thing?

"Do I make myself clear?"

His words pulled her out of her thoughts. Still, she found herself in a state of bewilderment, unsure how to respond. The room fell into silence. Locking eyes with Gabriel, she couldn't fathom his lack of resistance this time. His expression was unreadable, his eyes clouded with an emotion she hadn't quite seen before.

In that suspended moment, her attention shifted, unable to help but notice the duke's striking features that exuded strength and sophistication.

His dark, commanding presence in the study chair added to his aura of authority, and the poised manner in which he held himself only accentuated his enigmatic allure, drawing her gaze like a magnet.

Captivated by the intensity of his presence, she felt herself drawn into a mesmerizing trance. There was something about him that stirred a deep, inexplicable emotion within her, a sensation that made her feel drawn to him.

"Miss Balfour…"

How she loved the sound of her name on those lips.

"Lady…"

His words seemed like a distant echo, blurred by the intensity of the moment as she remained entranced by his presence.

"Evelina?"

His voice jolted her out of her reverie once more, his brows furrowed in confusion and curiosity.

"Didn't you hear me, Miss Balfour?" His brow furrowed in confusion.

Evelina averted her gaze, unable to meet his eyes directly.

What is the matter with you today?

She tried to gather her thoughts, breathing in and out slowly to regain her composure.

"On the matter of an escort, I shall join you and Eliza today. I believe I'll be more at ease when I see how the lesson unfolds."

Her head snapped up in astonishment, and she stared at him, her eyes wide with surprise. "J-Join us today? Escort us? Her head snapped up in astonishment, all her breath work down the drain as she stared, her eyes wide with surprise at this unexpected announcement.

Stammering slightly, she tentatively questioned, "A-Are you suggesting you'll be spending the afternoon with Eliza and I, Your Grace?" Her head swirled as she struggled again to process his announcement.

Almost immediately, he rose from his chair and approached, sending a shiver down her spine, a subtle tension crackling in the air between them.

His deliberate steps towards her only heightened the charged atmosphere, each stride seemed purposeful and deliberate.

As he stood towering over her at last, his gaze piercing and intense, he spoke, slowly.

"I am not suggesting anything. I am informing you of how things will go." His tone, firm and unwavering, resonated with a quiet authority that both unnerved and intrigued her.

Nodding slowly, her breath caught in her throat. At this sudden proximity, completely overwhelmed, she struggled desperately to maintain her calming breath work once again.

"Eliza, do tell me your secret for bringing such joy to the garden today. Is it the flowers or perhaps a hidden talent for making even the dullest of lessons entertaining?"

As they sat amidst the vibrant blooms in Dunmore House's gardens, Evelina's cheeks ached from smiling as she engaged with the young girl, their lesson for the day nearly coming to an end.

Eliza's cheeks were flushed with mirth as she responded, "It is but your dear company that brightens even the gloomiest of days, Miss Balfour. But yes, the flowers do help, of course."

The day had been quite successful, and Eliza had done well in the lesson, despite the few self-conscious hiccups she had as a result of the watchful gaze and imposing presence of her father.

The Duke sat a couple of feet away from them, watching them the whole time.

Noticing another one of Eliza's nervous glances towards her father, Evelina playfully nudged her and whispered, "Don't worry, dear. I believe even your papa's stern facade might crack with a good joke or two." She grinned mischievously. "The day is nearly over, so he shall have no room to judge us. What do you say? Shall we attempt to charm him with our wit today?"

Eliza burst into laughter at the audacious suggestion, a tiny spark of hope in her eyes as she hesitantly nodded in agreement.

Filled with determination, Evelina stood up from the bench and turned to the Duke with her quickly thought-up proposal and an enticing smile. "Your Grace, might I make a suggestion that I feel may bring a touch of levity to this splendid afternoon?"

Gabriel's eyebrows rose as he watched her. "And what might that be?"

Evelina took a deep breath. She knew a positive response was highly unlikely, yet she had to try. "Perhaps we could all partake in a game of blind man's buff? Eliza would do well with a bit of exercise."

The Duke pursed his lips. "Blind man's buff, Miss Balfour?" His voice rose higher in his shock. "Are you suggesting I engage in such a frivolous pursuit?"

Evelina hesitated. However, feeling Eliza shrink behind her at her father's tone, she gave a daring smile and nodded. "Why, indeed. I believe it would help us all engage together healthily, to end the day."

Gabriel's eyes pierced hers with irritation and disbelief, however, this was not something she was unaccustomed to.

Then for a split second, his stoic demeanor faltered, revealing a glimmer of intrigue beneath his composed, disgruntled facade. His gaze seemed to flicker to his daughter behind her, with eyes wide with anticipation, observing the exchange.

A silence ensued. Suddenly, the duke's eyes shifted and he got off his seat slowly.

"Very well."

He conceded with a subtle nod. "Let us indulge in this game of yours, though I have to stress, it is quite unconventional."

Evelina wondered whether her mind was playing tricks on her; the duke's tone seemed to soften, betraying a hint of amusement.

In the sun-drenched garden, her eyes widened in surprise, only the soft gasp from the little girl behind her convincing her this was not merely a figment of her imagination.

She turned to Eliza, her astonishment mirroring that of the young lady. Then, she shifted her gaze back to Gabriel, her lips curling into a grateful smile as she nodded.

"Shall we begin?"

In the sunlit garden, the game of blind man's buff unfolded with a mix of laughter and Eliza's light screams. It was as though the worried, timid young girl had vanished.

As Gabriel stumbled in his attempts to catch his targets, Eliza's laughter bubbled forth, a rare display of uninhibited delight.

"Miss Balfour, look at Father's clumsy pursuit." She giggled, her eyes alight with joy. "He moves as though the very shadows conspire against him. Oh, it is quite a sight to see him struggle so."

"I'll say I've lost this round as well, then."

Pulling off the blindfold in defeat, a small smile tugged at the Duke's lips at his daughter's infectious laughter. His eyes met Evelina's, who observed the scene with a mix of astonishment and joy.

"So, you do smile, Your Grace," she remarked, her voice filled with awe.

She wondered if her vision was clear, for his ears turned a light red.

"And for what reason are you taking notice of my smiles, Miss Balfour?" He smirked at her.

Evelina's cheeks flushed, and she quickly looked away from him, her heart racing at the question. Struggling to hide the wave of embarrassment that overtook her, she turned around just to avoid his gaze.

Unfortunately, in doing so, her foot caught in a stray root, and she tripped. "Oh no!" The words left her mouth as she hopelessly felt her body angling towards the ground.

Suddenly, Gabriel's arm shot out, wrapping around her waist and pulling her to him in a protective embrace. Their eyes locked and Evelina could barely breath. And the worst part was that she was certain it had little to do with her shock.

"Careful there, Evelina." His voice was low, a hint of concern lacing his words as their proximity sparked a tension that filled the air instantly.

Evelina's breath caught in her throat, her heart racing with a mix of surprise and something more profound. "Thank you, Your Grace…" she managed, her voice barely above a whisper, staring into his intense green eyes.

The outside world faded into the background for a brief moment, as if time had stopped. Eliza's presence was forgotten momentarily in the intensity of their stare and the unspoken emotions that hung heavy in the air.

At last, reality intruded, and they both pulled away, a sudden awkwardness settling between them like a veil.

"The… day seems to have finally come to an end." Eliza's small voice was like a lifeline to Evelina at that moment.

Evelina agreed quickly, and after declaring it was time to take her leave, she curtsied politely and scurried away, her heart pounding in her chest.

Back at home, at last, the weariness of the day caught up to Evelina. The moon shone brightly, casting a glow over the hallway leading to her room.

As she hung her hat and gloves, a maid approached her with a gentle smile. "Good evening, Miss Balfour. You look exhausted. Shall I draw a bath for you?"

Her kind words and thoughtful offer brought a sense of relief to Evelina's fatigued spirit.

"Yes, please. Thank you, Collina."

"Oh, and a letter came for you today, Miss. I left it on your nightstand."

The delicate envelope caught Evelina's eye as she stepped into her room. Curiosity piqued, she opened it to find an invitation to a garden party hosted by the Countess of Claymont.

Her weariness disappeared momentarily as she imagined the upcoming gathering in the Countess's beautiful garden, and the opportunity to find better prospects for Margaret.

Her heart thumped as a second thought crossed her mind.

Perhaps she'd find suitors as well.