Evelina averted her gaze, unable to meet his eyes directly.
What is the matter with you today?
She tried to gather her thoughts, breathing in and out slowly to regain her composure.
“On the matter of an escort, I shall join you and Eliza today. I believe I’ll be more at ease when I see how the lesson unfolds.”
Her head snapped up in astonishment, and she stared at him, her eyes wide with surprise. “J-Join us today? Escort us? Her head snapped up in astonishment, all her breath work down the drain as she stared, her eyes wide with surprise at this unexpected announcement.
Stammering slightly, she tentatively questioned, “A-Are you suggesting you’ll be spending the afternoon with Eliza and I, Your Grace?” Her head swirled as she struggled again to process his announcement.
Almost immediately, he rose from his chair and approached, sending a shiver down her spine, a subtle tension crackling in the air between them.
His deliberate steps towards her only heightened the charged atmosphere, each stride seemed purposeful and deliberate.
As he stood towering over her at last, his gaze piercing and intense, he spoke, slowly.
“I am notsuggestinganything. I am informing you of how things will go.” His tone, firm and unwavering, resonated with a quiet authority that both unnerved and intrigued her.
Nodding slowly, her breath caught in her throat. At this sudden proximity, completely overwhelmed, she struggled desperately to maintain her calming breath work once again.
“Eliza, do tell me your secret for bringing such joy to the garden today. Is it the flowers or perhaps a hidden talent for making even the dullest of lessons entertaining?”
As they sat amidst the vibrant blooms in Dunmore House’s gardens, Evelina’s cheeks ached from smiling as she engaged with the young girl, their lesson for the day nearly coming to an end.
Eliza’s cheeks were flushed with mirth as she responded, “It is but your dear company that brightens even the gloomiest of days, Miss Balfour. But yes, the flowers do help, of course.”
The day had been quite successful, and Eliza had done well in the lesson, despite the few self-conscious hiccups she had as a result of the watchful gaze and imposing presence of her father.
The Duke sat a couple of feet away from them, watching them the whole time.
Noticing another one of Eliza’s nervous glances towards her father, Evelina playfully nudged her and whispered, “Don’t worry, dear. I believe even your papa’s stern facade might crack with a good joke or two.” She grinned mischievously. “The day isnearly over, so he shall have no room to judge us. What do you say? Shall we attempt to charm him with our wit today?”
Eliza burst into laughter at the audacious suggestion, a tiny spark of hope in her eyes as she hesitantly nodded in agreement.
Filled with determination, Evelina stood up from the bench and turned to the Duke with her quickly thought-up proposal and an enticing smile. “Your Grace, might I make a suggestion that I feel may bring a touch of levity to this splendid afternoon?”
Gabriel’s eyebrows rose as he watched her. “And what might that be?”
Evelina took a deep breath. She knew a positive response was highly unlikely, yet she had to try. “Perhaps we could all partake in a game of blind man’s buff? Eliza would do well with a bit of exercise.”
The Duke pursed his lips. “Blind man’s buff, Miss Balfour?” His voice rose higher in his shock. “Are you suggestingIengage in such a frivolous pursuit?”
Evelina hesitated. However, feeling Eliza shrink behind her at her father’s tone, she gave a daring smile and nodded. “Why, indeed. I believe it would help us all engage together healthily, to end the day.”
Gabriel’s eyes pierced hers with irritation and disbelief, however, this was not something she was unaccustomed to.
Then for a split second, his stoic demeanor faltered, revealing a glimmer of intrigue beneath his composed, disgruntled facade. His gaze seemed to flicker to his daughter behind her, with eyes wide with anticipation, observing the exchange.
A silence ensued. Suddenly, the duke’s eyes shifted and he got off his seat slowly.
“Very well.”
He conceded with a subtle nod. “Let us indulge in this game of yours, though I have to stress, it is quite unconventional.”
Evelina wondered whether her mind was playing tricks on her; the duke’s tone seemed to soften, betraying a hint of amusement.
In the sun-drenched garden, her eyes widened in surprise, only the soft gasp from the little girl behind her convincing her this was not merely a figment of her imagination.
