“And I would assume you could be kind enough to mind your assumptions, Your Grace,” Evelina shot back with a fake smile, no longer caring about the consequences. “If you are as concerned for your daughter’s education as you say, your only interest would be my actual abilities. Pardon me, however, if this is how you typically conduct your affairs. I assume I’m to be grateful for the dubious honor of receiving your particular brand of scrutiny?”
Clara let out a strangled sound that might have been a gasp or a laugh. The Duke, for his part, seemed to be wavering between feeling outrage and begrudging respect.
“You are either exceptionally brave or exceptionally foolish, Miss Balfour,” he said at last. “I have dismissed servants for far less impertinence.”
“Thankfully I am not your servant.” Evelina met his gaze unflinchingly. “And perhaps you should consider why a woman in my position would risk such impertinence. Could it be that I have faith in my worth and abilities, regardless of your attempts to undermine them?”
The Duke studied her for a long moment, his expression inscrutable. “A fair point,” he conceded. “Though I maintain that your methods of argumentation leave much to be desired.”
“As do your methods of conducting interviews, Your Grace,” Evelina countered. “I came here prepared to discuss my qualifications and approach to education. Instead, here I am, defending myself against unfounded accusations and thinly veiled insults.”
The Duke’s lips twitched. “Touché, Miss Balfour. It seems we have both failed to put our best foot forward in this encounter.”
Evelina took a deep breath, attempting to rein in her temper. “Perhaps we might start anew, Your Grace? I assure you, I am more than capable of engaging in a civil and productive discussion of Lady Eliza’s educational needs.”
The Duke regarded her thoughtfully. “A tempting proposal. However, I find myself curious to see how you might fare in a more… challenging environment. Tell me, Miss Balfour, how would you respond if faced with a particularly recalcitrant student?”
Evelina’s brow furrowed. “I believe in tailoring my approach to the individual needs and temperament of each student, Your Grace. Without knowing the specific circumstances, it would be difficult to provide a definitive answer.”
“Come now, Miss Balfour,” the Duke pressed. “Surely a woman of your experience and intellect can offer some insight into your general philosophy on such matters.”
Evelina narrowed her eyes, sensing a trap. “Very well, Your Grace. In general, I find that even the most difficult students respond well to a combination of firm boundaries, consistent expectations, and positive reinforcement. It is crucial to identify the root cause of any behavioral issues and address them with patience and understanding.”
“An admirable sentiment,” the Duke replied, his tone maddeningly neutral. “And how, pray tell, would you apply such principles to a student who, for example, openly defied your authority and questioned your every instruction?”
Evelina’s patience, already stretched thin, was on the brink of snapping completely. “I would remind the said student that respect is earned, not demanded,” she replied. “And that true authority stems from knowledge, wisdom, and compassion—not from an accident of birth or an inflated sense of self-importance.”
The Duke’s eyebrows shot up. “I see. And you believe such an approach would be effective in maintaining discipline and order?”
“I believe it would be far more effective than attempting to browbeat a student into submission through intimidation and arbitrary displays of power,” Evelina replied, her voice sharp. “But perhaps you have a different perspective on the matter, Your Grace?”
For a moment, the Duke simply stared at her, his expression unreadable. Then, to Evelina’s utter astonishment, he cocked his head and laughed—a soft, genuine sound that seemed to transform his entire countenance.
“Bravo, Miss Balfour,” he said, his eyes glinting with what might have been amusement. “I do believe you’ve managed to thoroughly upend every expectation I had for this interview.”
Evelina blinked, momentarily thrown off balance by the sudden shift in his demeanor. “I… I’m not entirely sure how to interpret that statement, Your Grace.”
The Duke’s lips curled into a wry smile. “Take it as a compliment, Miss Balfour. It has been a long time since anyone has dared to challenge me so directly. I find it… refreshing.”
Evelina’s eyes narrowed suspiciously. “Does this mean you are considering me for the position, Your Grace?”
“Absolutely not,” the Duke stated matter-of-factly. “I would never consider someone so insolent and lacking ladylike qualities to school my young daughter.”
Evelina’s heart sank. However, she squared her shoulders, determined not to show any sign of disappointment to such a callous man. “As you wish, Your Grace. I’ll take this as a sign from the heavens. Perhaps there is more suitable employment for me elsewhere.”
The man’s eyes were dark as he clucked his tongue. “Oh, I doubt anyone would take you in the way you are, Miss Balfour. Do not get your hopes up.”
“Thank you. Yet, what I do with my hopes is my concern only, Your Grace.”
With their gazes locked, the two breathed heavily, angling for another argument.
Evelina straightened her back, steadying herself. Yet, she still felt somewhat small under his piercing gaze.
There was something about the way he looked at her that made her want to melt…
“Well, I’d say things have finally come to a standstill, have they not?” The Countess’s anxious giggle filled the air, thankfully slicing through the tension.
“Good day, Miss Balfour. Aunt Clara.”
