Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

It had been more than an hour since Evelyn started pacing in her room. She wanted to go to see if the clothes fit or not. But she had recently been given silent treatment by Eli, who had an inkling that she was involved in the escape of Evan. Although others said nothing to her, she felt guilty for the punishment of knights and how her brother had to leave the palace just as he reached after spending months on the border of the empire.

Though she knew it was her own choice, still she felt angry when she saw Evan back in the palace. So, when Eli instructed her to not go personally to Evan and stay away from her, she did not have the courage to defy her. She knew that Eli was thinking that Evans had a bad influence on her. She wanted to tell Eli that it was just a perception but she did not have the courage to go against her disciplinarian sister who had always been this strict. and now that they have lost their mother, she was worried that Eli will lost her left over innocence too

She sighed as she plopped on the plush chair. Her eyes fell on her study table where the letter of lady Grasitias was still resting. She did not know how to reply to that query.

The knocking on the door gained her attention.

"My lady."

"Yes, come in." She was waiting for the maid all this time, but when the maid came in, she started reading a book to show that she was busy enough and did not have time to indulge her in gossip.

"Yes." she asked as the maid came in and stood up in front of her.

"My lady, the Viscountess, (designer) has informed me that the dress has been chosen and she has taken her leave." Evelyn took a breath of relief in her heart and continued her blank face.

"Alright, you may go." the maid nodded and left only for Eve to run behind her and walk towards the room of Eli.

She knocked on the door twice but got no reply. Opening the door, she peeped in only to find it empty.

She frowned at the thought of her sister working for the party again. For days, Eli had been looking for everything for herself as it was the first party they were having after her mother left them alone. She understood that her sister wanted to give a good impression but she was worried that she would be sick!

"Do you know where my sister is?" she asked the maid who was cleaning the hall for the fifth time since morning, when she was sure that there was not even a single speck of dust left. Not only her sister but even the staff was going berserk! She had never understood why they needed to please everyone. Humans could not be perfect, so why does the world expect nobles to be perfect? Were they not humans too?

"Yes, my lady. Lady Elizabeth is in the chamber of Lady Evangeline.`` Though surprised, Eve nodded and walked towards Evan's chamber in haste. She was afraid that there would be gunpowder in the air. But what she saw gave her the shock of another level.

Eli was teaching the use of proper cutlery to Evan and Evan was learning diligently without even trying to find a way out. Didn't her sister tell her to stay away from Evan when she returned. She had not even welcomed Evan or talked to her even a bit.

Then what changed was that her sister was personally teaching her when even the head maid was enough to teach her basic manners and etiquette.

"Eli" she walked in when both of them turned to look at her.

"I thought.."

"Father asked me to teach her and I could not refuse. Have you decided on the dresses for all of us? `` When Eve nodded confused, Eli added quickly, "then go and check Leo's new suit done and help father in choosing his suit too. I will be free in an hour." her lips turned into a thin line as she realized her sister was trying to shoo her yet she nodded and giving one last look to the room, she left.

"Is that your new way to pass time? If you are so bored, you can always come and help me with papers." teases Leo as he came out of his room,

"That's not it. Brother, have you seen Eli talking to Evangeline? She told me that I should maintain my distance from her as she was not a good influence on us. Now she is taking the initiative to teach her!" No matter how many times Eve thought about it, she did not understand how a strict woman like Eli did not follow her own words.

On the other hand Leo was at a loss of words too. He was betting on the fact that his sisters did not like the girl so he had to only convince his father. But if Eli came closer to Evangeline due to the conversation they had in the garden, it would be difficult to follow the plan. Though he was grateful to Evangeline, he truly wanted her to behave wickedly in front of his family or else the slap he had received would go in vain.

"Brother." Leo looked back at his sister who was calling him with hesitation. He raised a brow and Eve laughed awkwardly.

"Do you remember my friend, Olivia. She used to study with us and often came to the estate." receiving a nod from Leo, she continued, "she is often writing letters to me these days, she is interested in meeting you alone and has expressed her desire to marry you. I think her father is going to talk about it at the party tomorrow. Do you think we shall inform Evangeline about this? It may even help in changing the view of the father."

"....."