JOURNEY TO BURNSBURY

CHAPTER 24

Evelina sat solemnly in her seat, her emotions in turmoil. She had attempted to engage in conversation with the Duke multiple times already, but he had blatantly ignored her, as if her presence was of no importance to him. She had pleaded and even considered apologizing to smooth the tension caused by her refusal of his proposal. However, she believed that even if she did, it may not sway his vengeful mindset.

Despite her frustration, she took a deep breath and tried to compose herself. She knew that the journey to Burnsbury and back to Longdale wouldn't be without challenges, but she was determined to endure it without giving the Duke the satisfaction of seeing her defeated.

Evelina's mind was consumed with worry. What would happen if Sylvester arrived at Lady Featherstonehaugh's Ball, and she wasn't there to meet him? It would undoubtedly upset her mother, particularly if news reached her that Prince Laith, whom she had asked as a last resort to bring her home, was still at the ball.

Evelina couldn't bear to tell her mother the truth about the Duke's company. Any mention would only fuel her mother's hopes of securing an engagement with him. It would work in her family's and his favor, but not hers.

The mere thought of Priscilla discovering she had been with the Duke and traveled to his castle was enough to make her tremble with fear. She couldn't begin to fathom the rage Priscilla would unleash upon her.

Had she even engaged in a conversation with the Duke before all of this chaos began?

"You seem nervous."

The Duke's sudden remark caught Evelina off guard. His three words conjured an uneasy feeling in her, making her feel like he was mocking her.

What puzzled her more was why he was even talking to her again. She turned to face him, and despite trying to be respectful, Evelina couldn't hold back her annoyance, and her tone betrayed her feelings. "With all due respect, Your Grace."

"Simply Alexander or Montague will do," interrupted the Duke.

Evelina was incredulous that the Duke was trying to be friendly in this situation. Who did he think he was? "Shouldn't I be considering that I am being abducted against my will?Anyone would be nervous in my state,"she argued.

Alexander sighed in response, knowing that Evelina would try to twist his words to make him look guilty. "Need I remind you that you had come to me willingly, using your own two feet?" He found it ridiculous that she would then accuse him of kidnapping her. "You should have nothing to feel nervous about."

Evelina was taken aback by Alexander's response. She bit her lip to prevent her anger from boiling over and she struggled to restrain herself from losing her temper.

"I begged to be let out as soon as I figured things out," Evelina fought back.

Alexander corrected her, "No, you didn't beg to be let out. You commanded me to let you out. There's a difference."

Evelina knew he was right, but she refused to admit it. "I did apologize for that, and I've been trying to get your attention ever since. But forget it. Never mind."

Exhausted, she decided to remain calm.

However, Alexander was relentless in his attempt to provoke her. "How can you propose to a Duke to 'never mind' about something? That's quite rude, Evelina."

"Quite rude?"

Evelina was filled with frustration, unable to believe Alexander's audacity.

"Yes, Evelina. That was quite rude. As Duke, I'll worry about whatever I please and you have no right to deny me that. Oh, and by the way, regarding tonight..."

Evelina interrupted, "Yes. I've learned a valuable lesson tonight."

"Ah, well," the Duke began calmly, "you'll have a whole room to yourself once we arrive at my castle."

Evelina was perplexed, "Wait, what-"

"I won't be releasing you to go home tonight. You'll stay with me. However, I'll have you brought back to your family in Longdale unharmed by morning. We still have an hour on the road before we arrive at the castle, but I wanted to clarify now.

"Don't think that I'm doing this for your welfare. My reputation as Duke is on the line here, and I must ensure your safety, one way or the other. If you still choose to be nervous after all of my assurances, that decision is entirely on you."

But Evelina felt anger boiling inside her, a fire burning within. How dare he act as if he was doing her a favor! The thought of spending the night under his watchful eye made her skin crawl.

Nevertheless, there was nothing she could do at the moment but wait patiently as the carriage trudged forward. Alexander refused to continue their discussion, leaving her alone with her thoughts. Despite the thickening darkness outside, she was compelled to observe the surroundings through the window. The sights around her were unbelievable. Just trees, and more trees.

This was her first time traveling by coach to a different town entirely, one that wasn't London, Longdale, or Windsor castle. This was Burnsbury, and she had no idea what to expect. The view outside was obscured in darkness, but what she could see were dense forests bordering the road on her side. It was almost as though the trees were guarding the path to Burnsbury.

As the journey progressed, a feeling of foreboding and anxiety descended upon her. Her fears began to weigh heavily on her mind and mood, until finally exhaustion gave way and she slept through the remainder of the journey.

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