章節 27: Nothing More than an Inconvenience

CHAPTER 27

Morning arrived and Evelina woke up, feeling the urge to slap herself for sleeping so soundly in an unfamiliar house.

She couldn't understand how she had let her guard down when she was usually more cautious.

She was disappointed in herself.

Filled with a sudden burst of emotion, Evelina sprang out of bed, her eyes flickering about as she absorbed the bright, energetic day on the balcony.

She couldn't believe breakfast wasn't served yet, as it should have been by now in her own home.

But this was the Duke's mansion, and things were done differently here.

Right, her home. Her mother!

Instantly remembering her mother, Evelina knew she had to get out of there and go home quickly.

She chided herself mentally for stalling as she hurried over to the sofa, where she found the red fur cover coat that Frederike had gifted her the previous night.

But where was Frederike now? Why hadn't she woken her up sooner, as they had agreed upon before parting ways?

With her cloak securely fastened over her near-translucent nightgown, Evelina whizzed out the door and traversed the winding hallway with ease.

Thankfully, she could still recall how they had entered last night.

Several floors below, Duke Alexander was consumed with a somber and melancholic mood as he anxiously waited for Frederike to return with news of Evelina's condition and readiness to join him for breakfast.

This would be the first time in ages that he would partake in a family meal - in a way this was akin to that, and his excitement and anticipation were only heightened by the prospect of dining with the woman that had captured his heart.

Determined to make this moment special and unforgettable, Duke Alexander had painstakingly instructed the culinary team to create a spread of exceptional dishes that would cater to Evelina's every taste.

The entire expanse of the grand oak dining table was now adorned with a variety of delicacies fit for an Elite's daughter.

"Why hasn't she joined me yet?"Alexander inquired, his gaze darting from the warm-hued centerpieces to the imposing woman who had just joined him. "And who are you to come unaccompanied?"

His tone betrayed his anxiety and frustration; he had longed for this moment with Evelina more than anything, and her absence was a tremendous letdown.

The lavish spread of appetizing delicacies that lay before him seemed to mock him in his distress.

The woman beside him, sensing his crestfallen mood, sought to allay his concerns. "Apologies, Your Grace. But I could not force her to kome because you instructed me not to disturb her sleep also.

"I haf just returned from her room vhere she is sleeping soundly as a babe. Is zere anysing else you would like my assistance on or do I go back und vake her to tell her zat you expect her down for breakfast?"

Alexander's features softened slightly at her reassuring words, but his impatience continued to gnaw at him like a persistent itch.

Would Evelina ever show up?

And if she did, would they truly be able to share a decent mealtime together?

With a forceful shove that sent his chair clattering loudly against the marble floor, Alexander sprang up from his seat and muttered, "That won't be necessary," before striding out of the dining hall.

He was convinced that Evelina was deliberately avoiding him.

The thought filled him with a sense of bitterness and frustration, making his scowl deepen with each step he took clambering up the stairs that would lead him to the room she was in.

He was certain that she was awake, so what exactly was she playing at, and why wouldn't she come to breakfast?

Did she find him revolting? Was that why she had stayed away?

These thoughts tormented him as he marched up the stairs further. Regardless of how she felt about him, he couldn't just sit back and watch her go hungry.

She needed nourishment for the journey back to Longdale.

The hallway appeared never-ending, stretching out before Evelina like an endless abyss. With each step, her heart sank lower and lower. Why was it suddenly so difficult to find the turn that led to the stairs? Frustration welled up inside her, threatening to boil over.

After what felt like an eternity of wandering the winding passages with no success, Evelina sank down against the wall, her shoulders slumped in defeat.

Maybe it was time to retreat back to her room. She could find another way out, she was sure of it.

Perhaps the Duke had intentionally kept Frederike away from her that morning, hoping to trap her like a prisoner. But she was determined not to let that happen.

Turning back the way she had come, Evelina started to make her way back to her room.

But before she could take more than a few steps, the sound of agitated footsteps echoed through the hallway, growing louder with each passing second.

She froze as the footsteps came closer, and stopped just behind her.

Turning to face the source of the sound, a gentle trickle of relief ran down her neck as she recognized Alexander.

"Your Grace," she stammered, her voice coming out in a jumbled mess.

Alexander muttered something under his breath, his scowl evident as he slipped his hands into his pockets.

Despite his stern expression, Evelina couldn't help but take notice of how incredibly handsome he looked that morning.

"What are you trying to do?" he questioned, his tone severe as he raised an eyebrow in suspicion.

Evelina stumbled over her words, trying to think of an appropriate response.

"Well, Frederike didn't show up, and I was just trying to find my way out. I should be heading back to Longdale," she managed to say, hoping that her explanation would quell his suspicions.

"Looking like that?" Alexander asked incredulously, eyeing her up and down.

Evelina cocked her head to the side, unsure of what he meant. "Looking like what, Your Grace?" she asked innocently.

It was only then that she realized her jacket had fallen to the ground, and she quickly stooped to retrieve it.

"I … I apologize, Your Grace. I had no idea," Evelina muttered, bowing her head in shame.

But Alexander's mind was already heavily consumed with lewd images caused by her accidental display of skin.

Despite himself, he couldn't help but feel frustrated and agitated by the mere sight of her teasing nipples.

It was unfair that she could have such a profound effect on him, for no apparent reason at all - And the fact she didn't want him. His frustration only drove him to anger.

"I sent Frederike to check on you several times this morning," he continued, his voice carrying a hint of annoyance. "Breakfast has been waiting for you this entire time, but since you seem so eager to leave, I won't hold you back.

"I'll make sure that Frederike or someone else attends to you and ensures you're properly attired for your journey back to Longdale. As for explaining your absence to your family, I'll take care of that."

Evelina nodded, silently accepting his offer. A wave of relief washed over her at the thought of finally being able to leave this place and return to her family.

She couldn't wait to be back in her own home, surrounded by familiar faces and the comforts of her childhood.

As she turned to make her way back to her room, she felt a pang of sadness for what could have been.

It was clear that the Duke viewed her as nothing more than an inconvenience, someone to be managed and dealt with, rather than as a person deserving of compassion and respect.

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