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“I am not wrong.” Ava laughed. “I am jealous, actually. You kissed a duke. Was it as magical as the books described? I intend to live vicariously through you in this moment. Tomorrow, we can cry over everything.”

Eveline sighed, letting her head fall back against the seat.

It was beyond magical, she wanted to say. Perhaps the authors had wanted to leave something for reality to fill because they had not mentioned how his kisses would make her body feel like it was on fire or how she would want to lean closer to him even though there was barely any air between them.

“It wasn’t bad,” she said finally, feeling her sister’s questioning glare.

“Surely there was more to it than that, Evie,” Ava teased.

“It is not proper to discuss such things when everything is falling apart.” Eveline sighed.

“You are correct, but it is said that the Duke is a very private person, so I’m sure no one will give heed to the rumors. No one will believe that the stoic Duke can be so easily caught in a scandal.”

“Or they will care too much, and I’ll be the subject of everyone’s conversations over the next few years. After all, I did touch the unreachable Duke,” Eveline pointed out sardonically. “A lot of questions will come from eager debutantes and glares from judgemental mothers. The gentlemen would altogether avoid me. Either way, I am doomed.”

“That is also possible,” Ava muttered, worrying her lip. “I cannot think of a remedy to this now. It is much too sudden and unprecedented.”

That was one other similarity they shared as sisters, apart from their brown eyes. But that was where their resemblance stopped. While Ava had their mother’s lovely blonde hair and their father’s eyes, Eveline and Stella had their father’s chestnut-brown hair—although Stella had their mother’s green eyes. Eveline had inherited her curves from their mother, but the thought had not comforted her as much as it should have.

“Do not give too much thought to it, Evie,” Ava added hastily. “The Duke is also known to be honorable.”

“That does not mean much, Ava. The fact remains that we can do nothing to restore my reputation.” Eveline sighed again.

“The Duke might offer to marry you?” Ava said, sounding hopeful. “That might do some good.”

Marry the girl he had met in such an improper manner? Eveline highly doubted the possibility of that happening and shut down the glimmer of hope that threatened to form in her heart. He had accused her of the very act, sounding like he was disgusted by the prospect. He would never propose to her. Even if he did, she would struggle to accept because it would not be because she had won his heart or because her family’s standing would benefit him.

Her very pride would be wounded.

“I strongly doubt that, Sister.” She frowned.

“But you two shared something,” Ava insisted.

“Yes, but that doesn’t mean he would have to marry me.”

“Still…”

“Can we please not discuss this again, Sister? I would rather put all talk of the Duke behind me and think of a solution,” Eveline said honestly. “I am sure Father’s first decision would be to send me to the country or to Scotland to stay with Aunt Ness.”

“And I will not let him.”

“You know Father.”

“Ihave raised you and Stella, so I get the final say on what happens with you two.”

Eveline, overwhelmed with emotion, hugged her sister.

“What would I do without you, Ava?” she asked, sniffing.

“Nothing.”

Eveline let herself enjoy the quiet moment, knowing that the morning would bring the full weight of her actions. But, for now, she would enjoy the newfound friendship with the sister she had always thought of as too serious.

“Now, tell me again. You said the Duke was a good kisser?”

“Ava!”

CHAPTER 5