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?”
