His brow furrowed slightly. “And what, pray tell, are your qualifications for such an undertaking?”
The way he looked at her was almost electrifying.
Evelina squared her shoulders. “I have extensive experience in instructing young ladies in all the proper feminine accomplishments—music, art, dancing, and needlework. Additionally, I am well-versed in history, literature, mathematics, and the natural sciences.”
The Duke’s expression remained impassive. “I see. And your education?”
“I was fortunate to receive a comprehensive education from some of the finest tutors in London, Your Grace. I have also continued my studies independently, particularly in the areas of philosophy and classical languages.”
He nodded slowly. “Impressive. However, I find myself curious as to why a lady with such accomplishments has not secured a match. Surely a woman of your… maturity would have had ample opportunity to enter into matrimony by now.”
Evelina felt her cheeks grow warm at the subtle barb. “I have chosen to focus my energy on intellectual pursuits and the care of my younger sisters, Your Grace,” she replied, a hint of steel entering her voice. “I do not consider marriage to be the sole measure of a woman’s worth or success.”
The Duke’s eyebrows rose fractionally. “Indeed? How very modern of you, Miss Balfour. I wonder, do your unconventional views extend to other areas as well? I should not like my daughter’s head to be filled with improper notions.”
Evelina bit back a sharp retort, reminding herself of all that was at stake. “I assure you, Your Grace, that I hold the utmost respect for tradition and propriety. The young miss’s education would be conducted in full accordance with your expectations.”
The Countess’s short laugh interrupted the tense moment, “Of course, dear. I mean, look at you. Just from your looks alone, we can tell you are quite the proper lady.”
Evelina was grateful for the woman’s words, yet she could not look away from the Duke’s alluring eyes to offer a smile.
“Hmm.” The man’s piercing remained fixed on her face. “And what of your family background? I believe I recall”—he turned to Clara with a nearly wicked glint in his eyes—“my auntmentioning some rather… unsavory rumors about your father’s predilection for games of chance.”
Evelina heard the Countess gulp beside her. “Did I ever?” Her laughter betrayed her guilt despite how low it was. “I do not believe I recall…”
Evelina was least concerned about the woman at the moment, however. She watched as the Duke’s eyes flicked over to his aunt, a portrait-perfect smirk spreading across his perfect features.
Then his eyes flicked back to her, his eyebrows slightly raised as he studied her expression, his smirk almost taunting her.
Her hands clenched in the folds of her skirt, mortification and indignation warring within her. How dare the man cast such aspersions on her character based on idle gossip!
“I fail to see how my father’s personal affairs have any bearing on my qualifications as a tutor,” she said, her voice tight with suppressed emotion. “I can assure you that I comport myself with the utmost propriety and discretion at all times.”
The Duke’s lips quirked up in what might have been amusement. “Come now, Miss Balfour. Surely you must acknowledge that one’s family connections can have a significant impact on one’s reputation and standing in society. I would be remiss in my duties as a father if I did not thoroughly investigate the background of any individual who might influence my daughter.”
Evelina’s composure finally crumbled. “And I would be remiss in my duties as an educator if I did not point out the logical fallacies in your reasoning, Your Grace,” she retorted.
Her tone was sharper than a knife as she continued. “To judge an individual’s character and capabilities based solely on the actions of their relations is both narrow-minded and short-sighted. I had thought that a man of your status and education would be above such petty prejudices.”
A charged silence fell over the room.
Clara gasped slightly, her eyes wide with shock at Evelina’s audacity. The Duke himself appeared momentarily taken aback, his customary mask of indifference slipping to reveal a flash of surprise—and perhaps a hint of admiration?
Good! This is what he deserves for belittling me, and I refuse to be ashamed of my words!
After a long moment, his lips curled into a sardonic smile. “My, my. It seems you have quite a spirited temper hidden beneath that prim exterior, Miss Balfour. I wonder what other surprises you might be concealing.”
Evelina lifted her chin defiantly. “I conceal nothing, Your Grace. Unlike some, I have no need for pretense or dissemblance.”
The Duke’s eyes narrowed. “A bold claim, indeed. Tell me, Miss Balfour, how do you propose to instill proper decorum andrespect for authority in my daughter when you yourself seem to lack such qualities?”
“I beg your pardon, Your Grace,” Evelina replied, her anger rising, “but I fail to see how defending one’s character against unfounded accusations equates to a lack of decorum. Perhaps if you were less concerned with perpetuating baseless rumors and more interested in judging my actual skills, we might make some progress in this interview.”
A chilling silence echoed in the room. Evelina glimpsed the surprise that flashed behind the man’s eyes once again. For a moment, he seemed awed, sizing her up with an unreadable expression, sending tingles through her body.
Then, at last, his eyes returned to hers, and the fire in her eyes seemed to irk him.
The Duke’s jaw tightened. “You tread on dangerous grounds, Miss Balfour. I would advise you to mind your tone.”
