Chapter 15

CHAPTER FIFTEEN

" M iss Balfour, I must admit, my head feels as heavy as a leaden tome after today's lesson." Eliza let out a loud sigh as she stretched her arms, shifting uncomfortably on the bench.

Evelina's laughter carried across the garden, and her smile was warm as she motioned for the girl to get up. "Perhaps a walk, then? The blooms shall surely invigorate you."

Along the winding paths, the sunlight filtered through the lush canopies overhead as they strolled through the manicured gardens of the estate, the soft rustle of their skirts blending with the gentle whisper of the wind.

Eliza's footsteps grew lighter, her fatigue melting away the longer they walked. "Your company is a balm to my weary mind, Miss Balfour. Thank you for being here."

"Oh…" Evelina's heart swelled at this unexpected confession. She let out a peal of laughter that tinkled like a crystal chandelier, filling the air with joy. "If this is what I get for our strolls, then we shall simply have to make them a daily occurrence."

Eliza's giggles were infectious as she looked up at Evelina lovingly. "Do I not say it enough? I am grateful for having you, Miss Balfour."

Evelina shook her head quickly. "No, you do not have to tell me a thing." She smiled down at her as though she were precious cargo. "Your dedication to your studies is all I need, and your actions let me know that you appreciate me enough."

"I still want to say it, however." Eliza's smile grew shy. "Miss Balfour, I do so enjoy our lessons together, every single day."

Evelina returned her smile, her eyes reflecting the genuine affection she held for her charge. "And I, too, cherish the time we spend learning and exploring the world, my dear."

They smiled at each other warmly.

But then, the sweet moment was interrupted by a soft wailing sound drifting from the garden, piquing their curiosity.

"Do you hear that?" Eliza asked, her voice wavering slightly as the unfamiliar sound came again from the bushes.

Evelina's eyes widened in curiosity and apprehension. "Indeed, Eliza. It sounds like…" She strained her ears. "It sounds like a whimper."

She paused and looked around, suddenly worried about their lack of an escort. It was very unlikely that a dangerous, wounded animal would stray this close to the main buildings. Nevertheless, her eyes darted towards the path leading back to the mansion.

"Eliza, perhaps we should?—"

"Shall we investigate, Miss Balfour?" Eliza looked up at her with excited eyes. "Adventure beckons, and I feel a newfound boldness stirring within me."

"Are you certain?"

Evelina's question did not deter the young girl. Instead, Eliza nodded her head vehemently.

They approached the bushes cautiously, uncertainty clouding their expressions as they braced themselves for the unknown.

As they neared the source of the sound, Eliza's hand instinctively reached for Evelina's, seeking reassurance. "We should be careful. The thrill of the unknown grips me, yet I'm still quite a bit afraid."

Evelina's lips curled into a smile despite her racing heart. "Would you like us to turn back?"

Eliza's inquisitive gaze met hers, and a silent agreement passed between them. They followed the source of the sound, taking deep breaths before pulling back the thorny bushes.

Their eyes widened as they found a small golden puppy, slightly dirty and seemingly lost, nestled among the flowers.

"Oh!" they gasped, the sound echoing through the garden and slightly startling the animal.

"Miss Balfour, look! A tiny puppy all alone!" Eliza exclaimed, her voice filled with concern.

Evelina smiled warmly, her eyes reflecting the little girl's compassion. "Oh, dear, it seems this little one has lost its way, indeed."

She searched their surroundings for a sign as to how the puppy ended up there to no avail.

Slowly, they approached the puppy, who started wagging its tail in excitement. Evelina couldn't help but be taken by the animal's openness.

Eliza knelt down, her hands reaching out tentatively towards the furry creature. "Come here, little one. Do not be afraid," she cooed, her voice tender and reassuring.

The puppy, sensing her gentle nature, nuzzled her hand affectionately, eliciting a delighted giggle from her.

Evelina observed the scene with a fond smile, touched as she watched the animal inch closer to Eliza. "It seems it likes you, dear."

"Oh, Miss Balfour, may we keep him? He seems so lost and in need of a home," Eliza pleaded, her eyes showing her desperation.

Evelina's heart swelled with affection for the girl's kind heart. "You know, I suppose we could care for him until we find his rightful owner. But I'm not the one to come to an ultimate decision on the matter, you know this."

"Oh, but isn't he such an adorable creature?" Eliza's eyes sparkled as she peered at the puppy now nestled in her arms. "He is indeed charming. But Father won't allow a dog in the manor." Her brow furrowed in concern. "I can't bear the thought of leaving him out in the cold. We must find a way to keep him safe and warm." She pleaded, her gaze fixed on the dog's innocent eyes.

Evelina mulled over the situation for a moment, before a spark of determination lit up her eyes. "I have an idea. Follow me, Eliza. We'll find a shelter for our furry friend that your father won't stumble upon."

As they stealthily made their way through the estate, she led Eliza to a corner behind the garden, hidden from the prying eyes of the staff.

"This spot should keep him safe from your father's disapproving gaze," she reassured her.

The girl's face lit up with gratitude. "Thank you, Miss Balfour! I couldn't bear to part with him."

Evelina smiled in response. "You're welcome. What shall we name him?"

"How about Whiskers? A fitting name for our clandestine companion," Eliza suggested with a smile, before cooing at the animal once again.

Evelina nodded in agreement, smiling at Whiskers in the girl's arms. "Whiskers it is."

"Oh, thank you for helping me, Miss Balfour. I shall come to visit him every day!"

In the secluded, serene depths of the garden, vibrant colors of blooming flowers surrounded Evelina and Eliza as they sat on a weathered wooden bench.

The area was a hidden oasis, shielded by lush greenery and fragrant blossoms, a perfect sanctuary for their secret rendezvous with Whiskers.

Evelina watched with a soft smile as Eliza's eyes sparkled with joy, her laughter mingling with the rustle of leaves. The little girl's gentle hands caressed Whiskers, who responded with contented barks, basking in her affection.

Evelina's heart swelled with pride at Eliza's kindness and the bond forming between her and her newfound companion. As the puppy lay at Eliza's feet at last, a sense of peace settled over the trio.

Eliza leaned against Evelina and let out a contented sigh.

"Eliza, what's on your mind?" Evelina inquired gently, her eyes reflecting concern for the young girl beside her.

Eliza suddenly raised her head. She hesitated for a moment, her gaze fixed on a point somewhere in the distance. "Miss Balfour, I've been thinking about my mother more often lately," she began, her voice soft with emotion.

"I've always heard such lovely things about her. They say she was beautiful and confident, a woman of grace and poise." Her eyes flickered with an inexplicable longing. "I often wonder, Miss Balfour, if life would be different if she were here. Maybe things would be easier, and I wouldn't feel so lost at times. I wouldn't be… how I am."

"Eliza…" Evelina trailed off, her heart heavy with sympathy.

Yet, she was also surprised by the unexpected turn their conversation had taken. Her mind drifted to the Duke's warning against discussing his late wife—a warning that lingered in the back of her mind.

But the raw sadness on Eliza's face pushed away any thought to dismiss the young girl's longing or change the subject.

Gulping back her initial instinct to steer the conversation away, Evelina met Eliza's eyes, compassion and determination flickering in her own. Eliza's sorrowful expression spoke volumes, prompting Evelina to listen, to be the confidante she needed at that moment.

"I always feel awful that I never met my mother," Eliza confessed, her words heavy with unspoken grief. Her voice was barely above a whisper, "Not having any memories of her… it hurts."

Evelina's hand found hers, offering silent reassurance and understanding.

"My father told me she loved me very much and that she passed away in an accident," Eliza continued softly, her fingers fidgeting with the delicate lace on her gown. "And about my father, Miss Balfour… I-I don't feel close to him." She took a deep breath, her gaze drifting to the floor. "He's… intimidating. I get too anxious, and sometimes… I'm even scared of him."

Evelina's heart ached for the young girl and her complicated relationship with her father. Eliza looked up at her again, seeking words of comfort.

"I understand, my dear. It can be daunting when a parent appears stern," Evelina acknowledged, her voice filled with empathy. "But remember, love can manifest itself in different ways. Your father cares for you deeply, even if he may seem imposing at times."

Eliza searched Evelina's face for reassurance. "He has been less strict with me lately, but I still feel uneasy around him," she admitted, her vulnerability laid bare.

Evelina shifted on her seat, straightening her back. Then she took Eliza's hands in her own, not breaking eye contact for a split second as she said, "I want you to keep in mind that there is absolutely nothing wrong with the way you are now, do you hear me? Her voice was firm, urgent to pass her message. "You are a beautiful young lady, Eliza. Brave, kind, so incredibly intelligent."

"You really think so?"

Evelina wished she could banish the girl's doubts. "I know so," she declared, her voice unwavering.

Eliza's gaze shifted to the puppy at her feet for a moment, then a small, shy smile spread across her face. "Thank you."

Evelina smiled as well, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "And about your father, change takes time, my dear. Trust in the bond you share with him. Give it room to grow and evolve," she advised softly. "You are cherished, Eliza, and you are indeed fortunate to have a father who loves you deeply. Believe me, he does. You'll begin to notice this from now on."

Eliza nodded.

Silence fell over the gardens once again, the weight of their conversation lingering in the air. Evelina let out a sigh, wishing with all she had that her words provided comfort to her charge.

She decided right then and there that she would take the Duke's request for help more seriously.