Still, he didn’t answer, so she continued. “I did not mean to disrupt your schedule, and if I had already been given the permission, I would have decided differently.” She swallowed. “Your Grace, outdoor lessons would give her the chance to learn amidst nature’s beauty, thus fostering a deeper connection with the world around her—which we know she needs.”
The tension in the room was nearly palpable. Evelina’s heart raced as she awaited his response. Anticipation filled her heart as he remained silent, his thoughts veiled behind a stoic facade.
“If only you watched us a moment longer when you found us outside, Your Grace,” she pressed, her voice steady yet laced with a hint of urgency.
“Eliza was… full of smiles. She was more than eager to participate, and she did so with a vigor that I hadn’t witnessed in her before. She was bubbly and excited the entire time.”
With each word carefully chosen to shift the duke’s opinion, she did her best to paint a vivid picture of the educational benefits awaiting Eliza amidst the natural surroundings. Imagine, Your Grace, the joy and knowledge she could gain from firsthand experiences with the flora and fauna in your gardens,” she continued, her eyes fixed on him, searching for any sign of agreement or consideration.
As the seconds stretched into a pregnant pause, her resolve remained unwavering. Yet, her irritation started to grow.
The ball now lay in Gabriel’s court, the decision hanging in the balance, the outcome of this exchange poised to shape Eliza’s educational journey within the estate’s walls.
Did the man not want his daughter to step out of her shell? Or was he only against it because she was the one who brought it up?
Evelina fumed. What was his issue with her truly?
“Your Grace, I implore you-”
“That’s quite enough.” In a monotone that betrayed little emotion, the duke cut her short, raising his hand as he uttered, his gaze fixed on the table and expression inscrutable as always.
Evelina pouted slightly and furrowed her brow in frustration. Undeterred, she attempted to reason with him. “Your Grace, this would be very good for Eliza. If only you could reconsider?—”
However, the Duke lifted his hand once more, silencing her. “You may go, have the lesson outside today.”
“Oh, but Your Grace, I promised her earlier that I would convince you—” Evelina broke off as his words registered. “What?”
Her head snapped up in shock, her eyes wide as she sought clarification.
Meeting her gaze, Gabriel delivered his next words in the same monotone voice, his directive firm and leaving no room for argument. “But not without an escort.”
Caught off guard by the sudden turn of events, Evelina bit her lip, her mind racing with questions.
Could the lesson go well if he accompanies us? Eliza would be uncomfortable in his presence, would she not? Should I perhaps persuade him not to come along? What if that just makes him upset? What if he ends up scrapping the whole thing?
“Do I make myself clear?”
His words pulled her out of her thoughts. Still, she found herself in a state of bewilderment, unsure how to respond. The room fell into silence. Locking eyes with Gabriel, she couldn’t fathom his lack of resistance this time. His expression was unreadable, his eyes clouded with an emotion she hadn’t quite seen before.
In that suspended moment, her attention shifted, unable to help but notice the duke’s striking features that exuded strength and sophistication.
His dark, commanding presence in the study chair added to his aura of authority, and the poised manner in which he heldhimself only accentuated his enigmatic allure, drawing her gaze like a magnet.
Captivated by the intensity of his presence, she felt herself drawn into a mesmerizing trance. There was something about him that stirred a deep, inexplicable emotion within her, a sensation that made her feel drawn to him.
“Miss Balfour…”
How she loved the sound of her name on those lips.
“Lady…”
His words seemed like a distant echo, blurred by the intensity of the moment as she remained entranced by his presence.
“Evelina?”
His voice jolted her out of her reverie once more, his brows furrowed in confusion and curiosity.
“Didn’t you hear me, Miss Balfour?” His brow furrowed in confusion.
