Chapter 19 #2
Minerva’s frustration flared again, but this time, she felt the hint of a smile tugging at her lips. “If you would take this seriously,” she began, though the sharpness in her voice had softened. “I might actually get some help from you.”
Evan’s gaze never wavered, and she found herself holding her breath as he regarded her, his eyes thoughtful. Finally, he inclined his head, the playful mask slipping just enough to reveal something warmer, something sincere. “All right,” he said quietly. “Tell me what happened.”
Minerva swallowed hard, the tension in her chest easing slightly.
She wasn’t sure what had made her come here, what had driven her to seek him out of all people.
But as she looked into his eyes and saw the genuine concern he was trying so hard to hide, she realized that perhaps she had chosen better than she’d thought.
Minerva took a deep breath, steadying herself. She had come this far, and now she had to follow through. Chastity’s heartbreak and the guilt she carried for her part in it pressed heavily on her chest. She clasped her hands tightly, her knuckles turning white.
“It all started when I discovered that Chastity had been... seeing someone in secret,” Minerva began, her voice low but steady.
She kept her eyes on Evan, trying to gauge his reaction, but his face was impassive, waiting for her to continue.
“I did not know who he was, only that she was meeting him at events we attended, slipping away when I was not paying attention. I never imagined it would come to this.”
Evan’s eyebrows lifted slightly. “And you are certain he is someone of our circle?” he asked, his voice gentle but probing.
Minerva nodded. “Yes. From what I could gather, he is well-educated. He studied at Oxford—classical literature, I believe. And Chastity spoke of him with... such reverence.” Her voice faltered for a moment, the ache of her sister’s betrayal fresh.
“I know they danced together at several events, though always in a way that seemed... inconspicuous. It was meant to be secret, but now that everything has fallen apart, I need to know who he is.”
Evan’s expression had shifted as she spoke, the teasing glint in his eyes replaced by a seriousness she had rarely seen. His mouth tightened as if he were wrestling with some unspoken thought. When she finished, he exhaled, his shoulders relaxing.
“Let me see if I have this right,” he said, his voice lightening with just a hint of humor. “You want me to hunt down this mystery scholar from Oxford, this lovestruck philosopher who managed to charm your sister under your very nose?”
Minerva bristled, her pride flaring. “I do not find this situation amusing, Your Grace,” she snapped. “Chastity is heartbroken, and if there is any way to... to mend this, to set things right, I will do whatever it takes.”
Evan raised his hands in mock surrender, though his eyes never lost their gentleness. “Peace, Lady Minerva. I only meant to lighten the mood.” His gaze grew more thoughtful. “You mentioned events where they met. Which ones?”
Minerva tried to think back, her brow furrowing.
“There was a musicale hosted by the Marchioness of Dunley. And another at Lord Featherstone’s garden party.
.. I remember Chastity making some excuse about the flowers, but she had disappeared for nearly an hour.
” She paused, her mind racing. “He was always careful, but I remember her mentioning that he had a passion for poetry. She once quoted something to me and swore it was his favorite line.”
Evan’s eyes narrowed as he pieced the information together. How fast did his mind work? Minerva wondered. “Passion for poetry, studied at Oxford, and a penchant for sneaking around at garden parties,” he mused. “You paint quite a portrait, Minerva.”
She glared at him, but there was little heat behind it. “Can you help me or not?”
He studied her for a moment, then nodded.
“I can. I know most of the young gentlemen who meet that description—or at least, I know enough to narrow it down.” He gave her a more earnest look, his playful demeanor softening again.
“And if we do find this mysterious suitor, what do you intend to do? Drag him to Chastity’s feet and demand that he make amends? ”
Minerva hesitated, her composure wavering. “I do not know,” she admitted, the words tasting bitter on her tongue. “I just... I need to understand what happened. And if there is any chance he still cares for her, I want to give him the opportunity to... to make things right.”
Evan’s expression softened, and for a moment, the empathy she had glimpsed earlier shone through. “You are a good sister,” he said quietly. “Stubborn, infuriating, but good.”
Minerva felt her cheeks flush, though she refused to let him see how his words had affected her. She straightened her back, lifting her chin. “Then you will help me?”
Evan smiled, though it was gentler now, lacking his usual edge. “Yes,” he agreed. “I will help you.”
Minerva’s heart gave a small, relieved flutter, but she tamped it down quickly. She was grateful—of course she was—but she would not let herself be swayed by his charm or his sudden flashes of sincerity. “Thank you,” she said, her voice steadier than she felt.
He stepped closer, his gaze fixed on hers with a kind of intensity that made her pulse skip. “I will do what I can,” he promised. “But be prepared, Minerva. You may not like what you find.”
She swallowed with uncertainty, understanding the implication. “I am prepared,” she insisted, though deep down, she wasn’t entirely sure.
Evan nodded, his expression thoughtful. “Very well. We begin our investigation, then.”
Minerva took a step back, determined to regain her composure. She had asked for his help, and he had agreed. Now all she could do was hope that together, they could untangle the mess her sister had fallen into.
She did not dare hope to find some peace of her own.