Chapter 9

CHAPTER NINE

" L ook around, Eliza. The gardens offer a whole new world for our lesson today. Let's embrace the sunshine and fresh air—our studies will be much more enjoyable, I am certain."

As tutor and tutee ventured into the gardens of Dunmore House, the warm sunlight cast a golden hue over the vibrant flowers. The air was filled with a symphony of fragrances, and birds chirped in the distance.

Despite the pleasant atmosphere, however, Eliza's expression betrayed a mix of worry and discomfort as she stepped into the green expanse.

Evelina was determined to lift the young girl's spirits amid nature's beauty. Lessons like these had helped open her younger sisters' minds, and plant therapy had aided her personal life a lot as well. Nothing calmed her more than carrying for her garden.

But her reserved eleven-year-old student was very much accustomed to routines and was struggling to accept the unusual more than Evelina had expected.

Eliza's usually composed demeanor was clouded with apprehension. Her eyes darted around their surroundings, a hint of doubt flickering in them.

"Are you certain, Miss Balfour, that it is proper for us to have our lesson outside?" Her voice quivered slightly.

With a graceful poise befitting her station, Evelina knelt beside the little girl, flashing her a comforting smile. "I am, my dear. I understand your uncertainty, but rest assured that it is perfectly acceptable."

Her words carried a sense of conviction, gently nudging Eliza to embrace this deviation from the ordinary.

"Our lessons shall continue as usual, only enriched by the enchanting surroundings that nature provides." Seeking to allay the girl's concerns and kindle her curiosity, she painted a picture of the benefits awaiting, "The fresh air would invigorate our minds, the colorful blooms inspiring our thoughts. Perhaps, we may even indulge in a bit of painting? It would not be so difficult to request the needed materials."

"Really?" Eliza asked, wide-eyed.

"Yes! You see those flowers, Eliza? Each one holds a story and a lesson waiting to be discovered, to be recreated on paper. And paint we shall." Evelina beamed at her. "Nature, my dear, has a way of awakening our senses and nurturing our intellect in ways the walls of a room cannot."

By the time the sun was situated high in the sky, the atmosphere had changed and young Eliza's apprehensions were long forgotten.

As they continued their lessons, Evelina discovered more about Eliza's preferences and inclinations. Through engaging conversations, much laughter and shared discoveries, the bond between mentor and pupil deepened further.

"Miss Balfour, might we have our lessons in the gardens every day?" Eliza's voice now carried a newfound confidence and excitement as she looked around. "I find the fresh air quite invigorating."

Evelina smiled graciously. "Of course, dear. If it pleases you, we shall make the garden our classroom going forward."

"Thank you!" Eliza's eyes twinkled with enthusiasm. "I do adore the space. How I wish I could spend more time outdoors. The roses are in bloom, and they make the perfect setting for my little tea parties."

Evelina smiled at her warmly. "What a delightful thought, indeed! Perhaps we shall have to host a grand tea party one afternoon!"

"I'd like that." Eliza nodded shyly. "Perhaps we might do something unconventional and play pirates by the fountain?" Fidgeting with the hem of her dress, she added, "As I said, I do find more joy in tales of adventure."

Evelina's laughter was loud and hearty as she nodded. "Oh yes, of course! What a time we would have. We could go ahead and?—"

"What in the heavens is going on here?" a booming voice interrupted, causing both ladies to spring up from their seats in alarm.

Evelina turned to meet the Duke's gaze, his expression a mix of disbelief and horror, sending a shiver down her spine. She felt Eliza creeping closer to her, seeking shelter from her father's stern gaze.

"Well, will either of you explain what this is? What are you doing having your lessons outside?"

Evelina's heart raced with that familiar dread. The accusatory look in Gabriel's eyes always unnerved her, a constant reminder of their strained relationship.

Each encounter with him felt more like a trial, his gaze piercing through her composure, seeming to unravel her with every passing moment, a relentless cycle that threatened to consume her sanity.

Her voice faltered, her heart racing as she forced her words out, trying to explain the innocent scene before them, "Your-Your Grace, we were just-"

"And what is that on my daughter's dress?" His accusing gaze bore into her, disbelief evident as he pointed towards Eliza, demanding.

Eliza, trembling slightly, sought more refuge behind Evelina, her eyes wide with fear as her father craned his neck to inspect her with a stern expression.

Feeling the weight of the duke's scrutiny, Evelina mustered her courage and inquired, "Your Grace, what seems to be the matter?" Her voice steady, yet laden with apprehension at the sudden turn of the afternoon's peace.

"Have you turned blind?" The duke's accusatory tone cut through the tense atmosphere, betraying the usual air of suspicion.

Pointing to a barely noticeable stain on the hem of Eliza's dress, he sought answers, "Is this the standard of care and teaching you provide for my daughter?"

The gravity of his words hung heavy in the space, challenging Evelina to defend dedication and commitment to Eliza's well-being, as always.

Evelina, her resolve unwavering, met the man's gaze with composure and determination.

As she examined Eliza's dress once more, she maintained her poise and replied firmly, "Your Grace, I assure you, young lady's Eliza's attire was impeccable before our lesson. This was bound to happen however, and I shall ensure it is attended to promptly."

"Bound to happen, you say?"

Evelina balled her fists to stop herself from squirming beneath his glare. "We were having our lesson outside. Accidents are unavoidable?—"

"Unavoidable?" Gabriel scoffed, his eyes nearly red with rage. "You crossed the boundaries, forcing my daughter outside for no good reason, risking her?—"

"For much good reason, Your Grace. Eliza's constitution has improved due to being out in nature for once. She has not left the estate, so there is no risk," Evelina countered, struggling to keep her cool.

"Perhaps you saw no issue with using such methods with your sisters, Miss Balfour. But my daughter is delicate. She is certainly not a wayward lady."

Evelina's head snapped up. "Pardon?" she hissed, her brow creased in anger.

"My words are quite clear, are they not?" Gabriel took a step closer to her, holding her gaze.

"Are you implying that my sisters are improper, Your Grace?" Evelina scowled at him, her voice tinged with defiance as she faced him. "How dare you judge anyone based on your narrow views? You think you know everything? You think you know your own daughter?"

"You would do well to mind your tone when you speak to me, Miss?—"

"Eliza has greatly enjoyed her lesson today. However, you would not understand that. You live with her, yet you're blind to the truth right in front of you," she spat out before he could finish, her eyes blazing.

Gabriel's eyes narrowed as he scoffed, his tone sharp with accusation. "You speak as if you understand my daughter better than I do. You think your meddling is helping her, but all you're doing is disrupting her peace!"

Undeterred by his dismissive demeanor, Evelina stood her ground, her voice unwavering. "Peace? Is that what you call it? Ignoring her potential? Stifling her spirit?" She let out a derisive laugh. "Eliza deserves more than your outdated notions of propriety, Your Grace."

Her sharp words cut through the tension like a knife.

Gabriel's eyes nearly bulged out of their sockets, his frustration boiling over. "You have no right to question my methods. Eliza is my daughter, and I know what's best for her," he asserted.

Fueled by a mix of anger and determination, Evelina jutted her chin. "Your daughter deserves to be heard, to be seen for who she truly is, not just a reflection of your expectations. If you can't see that, then you're the one failing her," she shot back.

Her words hung in the air, daring him, pushing him.

Gabriel's nostrils flared. "How dare you come into my house and question my parenting? You know nothing of what Eliza needs or what she's capable of!"

Evelina, unflinching in the face of his outburst, matched his intensity with unwavering resolve. "Your house may indeed shelter her, but it doesn't define her worth. Eliza is more than just an extension of your authority—your authority is the reason she's been so closed up! You did this to her, and then you required my services to fix it, did you not?"

Gabriel clenched his fists at his sides, his jaw tight with frustration. "You think you can waltz in here and lecture me on what's best for my daughter? You have no idea the sacrifices I've made, the lengths I've gone to protect her," he seethed, raw vulnerability underlying his anger.

Evelina stood her ground, her voice steady but tinged with emotion. "Protect her or control her? There's a fine line between the two, Your Grace, and you've blurred it beyond recognition. Eliza deserves a chance to be herself, not a puppet dancing to your tune."

"Here I am, furious at you for taking such liberties, yet you seem to show no guilt, no care!" he boomed, making her take a step back.

His eyes narrowed in a mix of disbelief and indignation, "You overstep your bounds, meddling where you have no right!" The intensity of his tone, dripping with scorn as he snarled, caused Evelina to take a step back subconsciously.

He took a step forward, cornering her. "I knew you were forward, but this ? This is beyond what I had imagined. What made think that you can take my daughter outside without my consent?"

Slightly taken aback by the fearsome look on his face, Evelina held her tongue, eyeing him cautiously.

Gabriel's whole body vibrated with a potent mix of anger and wounded pride. "Eliza is not your responsibility, Evelina. You have no right to dictate her life or make decisions on her behalf," he spat.

"You hired me to tutor her, Your Grace." Evelina held her head high, righteous indignation radiating from her.

"You still believe your actions are justified?? You are unbelievable?—"

"Father?" Eliza's voice cut through the tension, her trembling hands betraying her fear. "I would like to stay outside for a while, Father," her voice, though firm and loud, showed vulnerability beneath its determined facade.

Gabriel's reaction was a mix of shock and anger, his eyes locking onto Eliza with a steely gaze.

The internal struggle within him was evident, torn between his set ways, need to control and protect his daughter and the realization that she for once seemed to be asserting her independence.

Evelina watched the scene unfold, her heart pounding with fear as well pride. She knew the significance of Eliza's words, the courage it took for her to request of her father.

As Gabriel's glare intensified, Evelina's worry deepened. She feared his outburst, the potential for him to crush Eliza's newfound voice and confidence.

In that charged moment, she found her gaze silently pleading with Gabriel to see beyond his own fears and embrace the growth and strength blossoming within his daughter.

However, the man's gaze darkened at the sight of this, worrying Evelina even more.

Please, Your Grace.

Finally, after a tense moment, Gabriel let out a sigh. His demeanor softened, his voice, now gentle, carried a hint of understanding as he addressed his daughter.

"Eliza, you are not allowed to be outside without my permission. And, you need protection if you're to do so, an escort, do you understand?" The weight of his authority was tempered by a touch of compassion in his tone.

He paused, and his brows furrowed slightly before he continued, "It's too late in the day to remain outside."

The little girl's disappointment was evident. "Oh."

Gabriel's expression shifted at this sight, and there seemed to be a hurry in his words as he added, "However, you can do this another day, have another one of your lessons outside."

There was a sense of compromise in his words, an eagerness to find common ground with his daughter.

The unexpected change in his approach left both Evelina and Eliza taken aback. Eliza's eyes were wide with gladness as she asked, "Really? You mean this, father?"

"Yes." Gabriel nodded matter-of-factly. His eyes flitted to Evelina for a brief moment. "But, I must be informed first."

The shift in atmosphere from tension to understanding was palpable, a moment of connection amidst the conflict.

Eliza, still processing the turn of events, nodded in acceptance, her gaze shy and satisfied.

"I understand," she murmured softly, gratitude evident as she mustered the courage to speak, "Thank you, father."

Evelina's warm smile to Eliza was met with the young girl's excitement, their connection apparent in their shared moment of joy.

However, as her eyes raised, she was met with Gabriel's gaze fixed on her, his expression disturbed and uneasy.

Feeling the weight of his unspoken words, her own unease surged, prompting her to attempt an apology to the duke for her words.

"Your Grace, I must apologize for-"

"It is best we all return inside now. The day is over."

Before she could fully express her regret, he intervened abruptly, his tone gruff and firm, as he redirected the situation.

With that, he turned on his heels, leaving her no other choice but to follow, along with Eliza, a mix of guilt and discomfort weighing on her every step.