They came together again, his hand on her waist, hers on his shoulder. The Duke’s eyes bored into hers as he spoke. “I think not, Miss Balfour. Your reputation is quite pristine. Save, of course, for the matter of your… unmarried state.”
Evelina stiffened, missing a step in her indignation. The Duke smoothly corrected their movement, his grip on her waist tightening almost imperceptibly.
“I was unaware that my marital status was a matter of such fascination, Your Grace,” she said, her voice low and tight with anger.
Gabriel’s expression remained impassive, but Evelina could have sworn she saw a flicker of amusement in his eyes. “Come now, Miss Balfour. Surely you’re aware that a woman of your age and position is something of an… anomaly in Society.”
As they parted again, Evelina fought to keep her composure. “Perhaps, Your Grace, I simply have higher standards than to marry the first man who deigns to propose marriage.”
This time, there was no mistaking the spark of interest in Gabriel’s eyes. “Is that so? How… intriguing. And, pray tell, Miss Balfour, what sort of man might meet your lofty standards?”
Evelina’s cheeks flushed, but she held her ground. “A gentleman of intelligence and integrity, Your Grace. One who values a woman for her mind as well as her appearance.”
“A rare creature, indeed,” Gabriel murmured. “And here I thought all young ladies dreamed only of titles and fortune.”
“You do us a great disservice, Your Grace,” Evelina retorted. “There are many women who seek more than status in marriage.”
Gabriel’s eyebrow arched. “And you count yourself among their number, I presume?”
“I do,” Evelina affirmed. “Though I fail to see how my aspirations are any concern of yours, Your Grace.”
“I usually find no interest in people, yet you…” A low chuckle escaped the Duke’s lips. “Miss Balfour, you are full of surprises.”
As they continued to dance, the other guests couldn’t help but notice the intensity of their interaction. Lady Worthington fanned herself vigorously, her eyes never leaving the pair.
“Did you see that?” she whispered to Lady Ashworth. “I do believe Miss Balfour just said something that made the Duke laugh! When was the last time anyone saw him so… engaged?”
Lady Ashworth shook her head in wonder. “Not since before his wife passed, I’d wager. This is most unusual, indeed.”
Evelina tried to ignore the rather loud voices of the women behind her.
“You still haven’t explained your sudden interest in my family, Your Grace,” she pressed. “I find it hard to believe that my sisters’ accomplishments are truly so fascinating to a man of your standing.”
Gabriel’s eyes glinted with amusement. “Perhaps I simply enjoy a good mystery, Miss Balfour. And you, I must say, are quite the enigma.”
Evelina furrowed her brow. “I assure you, Your Grace, there is nothing mysterious about me. I am exactly as I appear.”
“And that,” Gabriel said softly, “is what intrigues me the most. In a world of masks and pretense, your honesty is… refreshing.”
Evelina faltered, caught off guard by the sincerity in his tone. For a moment, she saw past the Duke’s stern exterior to the man beneath—a man who, perhaps, was not as cold and unfeeling as he appeared.
The music swelled, and Gabriel spun her expertly, breaking the spell. As they came back together, his expression had returned to its usual impassivity.
“Miss Balfour, I have come to a decision,” he announced, his voice low and serious.
Evelina’s eyes widened in shock. Surely he wasn’t…
“I’ve thought long and hard about my interview with you, as well as the unpleasantness that followed it. But since I received your letter, I’ve started to reconsider. My aunt strongly recommends you, and given my satisfaction with your skills and experience, I must say you’re the perfect tutor for my daughter, Eliza. I’d love it if you gave it some thought, and I hope this incident does not influence your response to my offer.”
Relief washed over Evelina, quickly followed by confusion. “I… I’m not sure what to say, Your Grace.”
Gabriel’s lips curled into a smile that was equal parts charming and predatory. “Say yes, Miss Balfour. Though I warn you, I will be keeping a very close eye on your progress with my daughter.”
Evelina bristled at his tone. “Do you doubt my abilities, Your Grace?”
“Not at all,” he replied smoothly. “I simply take a keen interest in my daughter’s education. You’ll find I can be quite… involved when it comes to Eliza’s welfare.”
“I see,” Evelina said, her voice cool. “And what, precisely, would my duties include?”
