C7 Fare well

The two continued their conversation about mundane topics for a whole hour. "It was delightful speaking with you, Lady Evelyn," Lucas said, his British charm evident. "Would you care to return to the ballroom or head home?"

"I would love to stay, but unfortunately, I fear I have already exceeded my curfew. Anny will be furious," Evie replied, disappointment glimmering in her eyes. She longed to continue conversing with Lucas, but time was a relentless taskmaster.

"In that case, I shall summon the Butler to prepare your carriage. May I inquire about your family name?" Lucas smoothly inquired as he casually pulled on a nearby rope hanging by the balcony door.

Evie felt her cheeks flush with embarrassment. She had foolishly neglected to arrange for her transportation and had instead relied on a local carriage. "Err...about that," Evie hesitated, "I actually arrived here in a local carriage."

Observing the rosy hue on her cheeks, Lucas couldn't help but smile warmly. Just then, the very same man who had greeted them at the door appeared on the balcony, respectfully bowing half his body in their direction. "Lionel, prepare a carriage for Lady Evelyn," Lucas commanded.

"Yes, master," Lionel replied with another bow before promptly departing.

"You really shouldn't have," Evie protested, her cheeks burning ever hotter.

"I could not allow such a beautiful lady to walk home late at night," Lucas retorted with a touch of chivalry in his voice.

"Thank you," Evie responded softly, appreciative of his kind gesture.

As they made their way back through the grand hall, Evie couldn't resist stealing glances at the portrait that had captivated her. "They are mere art pieces designed to captivate one's interest, as they clearly have with you. But if you scrutinize them closely and connect the dots, you might discover something intriguing," Lucas speculated as they continued walking. Rather than entering the ballroom, they took a different path.

"Whoever created these must have a few screws loose and an abundance of free time on their hands," Evie remarked, her eyes still fixed on the masked figure in the painting.

"What if it is the Lord himself?" Lucas jested, a mischievous undertone in his voice.

"If that's the case, then the Lord must have an awful lot of spare time on his hands to indulge in such artistic ventures," Evie replied, her tone lighthearted.

"Aren't you afraid that the Lord might overhear you insulting him within his own manor?" Lucas playfully questioned.

"He must be preoccupied in the ballroom and unlikely to have heard me, unless you decide to spill my secrets. But I trust you," Evie reassured him, flashing a serene smile.

Lucas let out a light chuckle. "What makes you so certain I won't divulge everything?"

"Because I have faith in you," Evie replied sincerely. By this point, they had reached the front door, with the awaiting carriage just a few steps away. Lucas gallantly escorted her, extending his hand for her to take as she boarded the carriage.

Evie accepted his gesture, placing her dainty hand in his, and gracefully climbed aboard. Standing at the doorway, she turned to him with a warm smile. "Thank you, Lucas," she said, her voice filled with gratitude.

Lucas brought her hand close to his lips, lifting his mask slightly, and pressed a gentle, lingering kiss onto her delicate skin. "It was a pleasure meeting you and conversing with you, Lady Evelyn," Lucas whispered before releasing her hand.

"It was likewise a pleasure for me, Lucas," Evie responded, withdrawing her hand and settling herself inside the carriage. As the carriage began its journey, Evie exhaled a breath she hadn't realized she was holding. Her left hand instinctively went to the spot where he had kissed her, causing her cheeks to turn a deeper shade of red. She had glimpsed a fraction of his face when he lifted his mask, noting the sharpness of his jawline and the hint of a peach-colored hue on his lips.

"M'lady, what is your destination?" the coachman inquired as they embarked on the journey, their shadowy figure accompanying them in the darkness of the night.