As the afternoon wore on, the chat naturally turned to the recent salon in the city, where Evelina had been seen in conversation with the young Duke Ravenscroft and the Grand Duke Montclair.
Victoria leaned in with a playful smile, her eyes twinkling with curiosity. "Evee, everyone has been talking about your encounter at the salon. You spoke with the Duke of Ravenscroft and the Grand Duke Montclair, did you not?"
Evelina felt her cheeks warm just a little, but she kept her composure. "Yes, I did. It was a pleasant enough exchange." Another girl, with a teasing grin, prompted, "And what did you think of them? Are they as charming as all the gossip suggests?"
Evelina paused for just a moment, choosing her words with care. "The young Duke of Ravenscroft is very courteous but he's quite reserved. He speaks little unless spoken to while the Grand Duke Montclair, I know him as a family friend. He was warm and engaging, very much the gentleman we all know him to be."
Lady Margaret Lescott, Evelina's other closest friend's eyes sparkled with interest. "Did they talk of marriage, or did they seem interested in you?" Evelina offered a polite smile, feeling the weight of their curiosity. "They're well aware of their positions. Lord Ravenscroft was quiet and kept, so there was not much flirtation. The Grand Duke, being a family friend was more familiar, but our conversation remained polite and general."
The girls giggled softly, exchanging knowing looks, but Evelina maintained her grace and calm.
"I prefer to keep my interactions simple and genuine," she said softly. "I'd rather not get caught up in gossip or expectations. Honesty and friendship are what matter most to me."
Victoria nodded approvingly. "That is very admirable, Evee. It's better to be true to yourself than to indulge in speculation."
The conversation shifted to other topics, but inside, Evelina felt a small sense of relief. She had handled their questions with tact and remained true to her feelings. The afternoon carried on with laughter and light chatter but her mind kept returning to the complexities of her heart and the uncertain road ahead.
Suddenly, a refined voice cut into the group's lively tone. "Ladies," said Lady Selina of Count Marlowe, stepping gracefully into the circle. Her presence was almost mesmerizing poised, beautiful, and with a softness that drew others closer, often without them realizing it. Her words were always gentle, her laughter light, yet there was a keen intelligence behind her eyes, as if she was always weighing every word and gesture.
She nodded politely to Victoria and the others before her gaze settled softly on Evelina "I believe I know the young Duke of Ravenscroft," she said smoothly, her tone calm and measured. "He is a close friend and a brother of the Crown Princess and I've had the pleasure of knowing him through her circles. He is quite reserved perhaps more so than most but very observant."
Evelina's eyes widened a little at the mention of his connection to Selina. She had heard whispers about the young duke being reserved, careful with his words and always maintaining a dignified air.
Selina's smile was gentle but her eyes held a hint of knowing. "He's a man who chooses his words carefully and I suspect that's part of his charm. Not everyone appreciates silence as a sign of strength but I do. You must understand his reserve masks a sharp mind."
The girls listened intently, some glancing at Evelina, who nodded politely, feeling the weight of Selina's insight. Margaret, eager to learn more asked, "And what about the Grand Duke Montclair? You know him well too?"
Selina inclined her head slightly, her expression softening. "Yes. I have known him for some time. He is a warm kind man, very much the gentleman. I have seen him at many social gatherings. He is gentle, attentive but with a quiet strength beneath his kindness."
Evelina considered Selina's words, sensing that beneath her delicate charm was a mind always observing and calculating. She felt a flicker of respect for someone who could be so charming yet so perceptive.
"Thank you, Lady Marlowe," Evelina said softly. "It's reassuring to hear such perspectives from someone with your experience."
Selina's smile deepened but her eyes remained sharp. "It is important to look beyond appearances, especially among those we meet in society. Sometimes the most reserved are the most thoughtful and perhaps, the most ambitious."
The group fell into a gentle silence, the air tinged with unspoken understanding. Evelina felt her own thoughts deepen, pondering Lady Selina's words about quiet strength and shadowed motives.
The afternoon passed in a quiet hum of laughter and conversation but inside, she was reflecting on the subtle power that lurked beneath graceful words and composed smiles.
When the tea party finally ended, Evelina prepared to leave with Victoria by her side. The gardens beyond Ashcombe's mansion stretched out in golden light, the scent of roses in the air and leaves whispering softly. Their footsteps barely disturbed the peaceful quiet as they walked along the gravel path, the quiet moments making their conversation feel more intimate.
"Evee" Victoria said softly, her voice low but her eyes sharp, "a word of caution, if I may. You are too trusting by nature, too generous with your kindness. I would hate to see you ensnared by a charming smile or a sweet word."
Evelina turned her head, her expression calm but curious. "Are you speaking of someone in particular?"
Victoria's fan moved gently, as if to hide the seriousness of her words. "Lady Marlowe. She's clever, undeniably so. But don't be deceived by her sweetness. Rumors say her heart is set and firmly so, on the young Duke of Ravenscroft."
Evelina's steps slowed for a moment. For a fleeting instant, her outward composure flickered but she quickly recovered, her face serene. "I see," she said softly.
Victoria nodded, her tone grave. "Be cautious, Evee. Affection such as hers can turn into ambition and ambition in court is rarely gentle."
Victoria had been Evelina's close friend since they were young, a trusted confidante who knew her better than most. Beautiful and intelligent, she carried herself with effortless grace but what truly set her apart was her sharp mind. She could read people easily and see through their facades. Calm and calculating, she knew exactly when to show kindness and when to hold back making her a quiet but formidable presence. Her loyalty to Evelina was firm, and her advice always came from a place of deep understanding.
The path ahead was quiet and elegant but inside, Evelina's mind was restless. Victoria's words echoed, shadowed by Selina's own subtle charm. Though she moved with the grace of her station, she felt a shift within her an awareness that she was stepping onto a road that could change everything.
She inclined her head with a gracious smile. "Thank you, Vicky for your concern. But I have only just met the young Duke a few days ago, in the salon, nothing more than a polite introduction. No intimacy, no deeper connection."
Even as she spoke, a shadow stirred in her mind, an image of that afternoon when she lurched on a dangerous bend and a steady hand caught her, grounding her. She had scarcely seen his face then, only dark eyes beneath a brimmed hat but that memory lingered and the calm command of his presence. Recalling the gaze that had met hers, the same dark arresting eyes, that sent her the faintest shiver traced her spine.
She steadied herself with a gentle smile, turning back to Victoria. "Thank you for your kindness and your warning. I will remember it well. Society can be a delicate place after all."
Victoria returned her smile with her eyes lingering with a knowing look. They exchanged a quiet farewell at the garden's edge, a parting filled with grace and understanding.
Soon after, Evelina made her way to her waiting carriage. The footmen closed the door and as the wheels rolled through the quiet streets, she cast a final glance outside bathed in the soft glow of evening.
By nightfall, she was back at Everleigh Marquessate, carrying not just the memory of the day's gathering but also the lingering image of dark eyes that seemed to follow her still.
In her chambers, her maids entered with whispers of excitement and delicate parcels wrapped in fine silk. They laid out gowns of satin and tulle, pale as moonlight, deep as roses with each embroidered with silver and pearls catching the lamplight like tiny drops of dew. Every piece was a testament to the care and taste of those who sent them.
Above the elegant array was a letter, sealed with Montclair's crest. Evelina broke the wax with gentle fingers and unfolded the parchment.
"My dearest Lady Evelina,
It is with great pleasure that I look forward to escorting you to the summer ball. Enclosed are gowns, crafted with the utmost care for you to choose from. Please do let me know which you prefer. My tailor is ready to fashion my own attire so that in both color and spirit, we may enter the ballroom together, as one."
The handwriting was warm and considerate affection. Evelina placed the letter on her dressing table, her gaze lingering on the words. The Grand Duke had already claimed her for the night of the ball, and his thoughtful gesture only deepened her sense of being enveloped in a kindness that felt both genuine and carefully considered.
Her maid, adjusting the folds of a pale ivory gown, spoke softly. "My lady, the Grand Duke's devotion is true."
Evelina's lips curved in a gentle, serene smile. "Yes… His Grace's kindness is constant. Few men show such care."
But as she gazed out the window at the growing dusk over the garden, her thoughts drifted not to the shimmering gowns or the promises of devotion but to that quiet moment in the street of the capital and the dark eyes that had met hers then, still lingering in her mind.