CHAPTER 10: THE SAVING GRACE

Eva’s POV

The air in the quiet corner of the main kitchen was thick with the scent of simmering broth, crushed herbs, and roasting meats.

I stood near the wooden prep table, my eyes lowered as I carefully chopped fresh rosemary for Lady Eleanor’s evening soup. Beside me, Mrs. Gable moved with a cold, terrifying efficiency, stirring an iron pot over the hearth, her keys clinking softly with every step.

The silence between us was far worse than an outburst.

“I gave you my trust, Eva,” Mrs. Gable said softly, not even looking back at me as she stirred. “I saw a quiet, intelligent girl who needed honest work. And yet, you sneak off to the village market like a thief in the night.”

“I am truly sorry, Mrs. Gable,” I murmured, my knife slicing through the herbs with measured precision. “I did not mean to breach your trust.”

“Then tell me the truth.” Mrs. Gable commanded, turning around to face me, her sharp gray eyes locking onto mine. “What were you doing in the market? And do not tell me another story about a friend’s birthday.”

My chest tightened.

I’m running out of room to maneuver.

Before I could force another half-baked excuse past my lips, the swinging wooden door to the kitchen creaked open.

“Pardon the intrusion,” a bright, familiar voice called out cheerfully.

Lord Leo stepped into the kitchen, wearing a loose linen shirt with the collar unbuttoned and carrying an empty glass pitcher in his hand. He took a long look around the room, his eyes twinkling with light amusement.

Mrs. Gable immediately straightened her apron, dipping into a deep curtsy. “My Lord! Forgive us—the kitchen staff must have forgotten to refill the water carafe in your bedchamber.”

“Oh, nonsense, Mrs. Gable,” Leo replied smoothly, waving a dismissive hand as he walked toward the large stone water basin. “A little exercise does a man good. It’s healthy to do things for yourself once in a while.”

As he filled the pitcher, his gaze drifted across the room, catching my pale face and stiff posture before shifting to Mrs. Gable’s stern expression.

He read the room in a single second.

“I do not mean to pry, Mrs. Gable,” Leo said casually, resting an elbow against the wooden counter, “but it would bring me great pleasure if you would go easy on Eva here.”

Mrs. Gable blinked, surprised. “My Lord?”

“She is quite hard-working, isn’t she?” Leo continued, offering a warm, easy smile. “Some people find it difficult to discuss personal matters, especially when they are new to an environment. She doesn’t fully understand the rules and obligations of Valenridge Manor just yet.”

Mrs. Gable looked from Leo to me, her sharp expression softening just a fraction under his charm.

“You are quite right, My Lord.”

Then Leo turned his head to look directly at me. The playful warmth in his eyes shifted, settling into a surprisingly firm, authoritative look.

“However,” Leo added, his voice dipping into a steady tone, “you are not to leave the estate grounds without asking for permission first, Eva. Is that understood?”

“Yes, My Lord,” I said quickly, lowering my head in a deep, genuine curtsy. “I am so sorry, Mrs. Gable. I promise it will never happen again.”

Mrs. Gable let out a quiet sigh, nodding slowly. “Very well. Mind that you keep that promise.”

With a final bow to Leo, Mrs. Gable picked up her tray of spices and walked out toward the pantry, leaving the kitchen mercifully quiet.

I let out a long, shaky breath, leaning slightly against the table.

“Thank you, My Lord. Truly.”

Leo set the filled water pitcher down on the counter and crossed his arms, a slow, mischievous grin spreading across his face.

“You can thank me by telling me what you actually went to do in the market,” he said, raising a brow.

I looked up, caught off guard. “Is that so?”

“Absolutely,” Leo declared shamelessly. “I crave entertainment and good gossip. That is the only reason I stepped in—not because I thought they were actually going to fire you.”

A soft, breathless laugh escaped my lips before I could stop it.

“I went to see an old friend, My Lord. They were holding a small gathering.”

“Ah, a party!” Leo’s eyes lit up with delight. “Now that, I respect. I am a massive fan of parties myself.”

“So I’ve heard,” I remarked, a subtle spark of amusement in my voice as I swept the chopped herbs into a bowl.

Leo paused, tilting his head.

“You’ve heard?”

“Yes,” I said smoothly, looking up to meet his eyes. “The staff talks. I’ve heard you enjoy fine wine, loud music, and the company of beautiful women.”

“Everyone says that about me,” Leo chuckled, shaking his head with a dramatic sigh.

“You seem rather happy about that image of you,” I noted gently, keeping my tone light. “Though... that isn’t quite the impression you gave just now.”

Leo leaned in a fraction closer, his bright eyes locking onto mine with a sudden, captivating warmth.

“That,” Leo said softly, a genuine smile touching his lips, “is because I don’t want you to think that about me.”

My pulse skipped a single, quiet beat.

I offered him a small, unreadable smile, keeping my hands steady against the wooden counter.

Leo straightened up, picking up his water pitcher with a light wink. “I’ll let you get back to pretending you enjoy preparing soup. Have a pleasant rest of your day, Eva.”

“You as well, My Lord,” I replied softly.

I watched him slip out through the wooden door, his easy footsteps fading down the stone corridor.

Standing alone in the quiet kitchen, a wave of profound relief washed over me. Leo’s sudden arrival had saved me from complete disaster—but as I touched the hidden outline of the duplicate map inside my satchel, the cold reality of my situation slammed right back into focus.

I was playing a dangerous game.

Next time, there wouldn’t be a charming lord to step in and save me.

From this moment on, every step I took inside Valenridge Manor had to be absolute perfection.