MWLCP 19

Chapter 19

Since then, Eleanor didn’t see Logan very often. He was busy with matters both inside and outside the estate, and Eleanor had to fulfill her duties as Olivia’s governess. As a result, the necklace remained tucked away endlessly in Eleanor’s vanity drawer.

It was hers, but at the same time, not really hers. It filled her drawer but was a burdensome presence that made her feel uncomfortable. Every time she opened that drawer, Eleanor felt like she was stealing something that didn’t belong to her.

“Your Grace.”

But today, she intended to finally speak properly and clear things up. Her dress and new shoes had arrived, and it was the day to try them on and practice the dance together in preparation. If not today, there wouldn’t be many chances for a mere servant like her to face him directly.

“You’re here?”

Logan gave her a glance and acknowledged her before refocusing on putting on his gloves. His long, straight fingers—rugged and masculine—disappeared completely into the smooth fabric of the gloves.

“It suits you well.”

Logan approached with his usual brisk stride and commented as he looked at Eleanor dressed in the white gown and shoes.

“Thank you, Your Grace.”

“Think nothing of it.”

With a curt reply, Logan led her to the center of the hall. Eleanor straightened her posture consciously and followed him. Logan, on the other hand, maintained perfect posture as if it were second nature.

“Why aren’t you wearing the necklace?”

Just as she was about to take her stance, Logan noticed the bare space around her neck and asked.

“Ah, that…”

As Eleanor hesitated to answer, Logan, seeming to understand, called for a maid.

“Where did you store it?”

“In the vanity drawer.”

“Bring the necklace from Miss Hudson’s vanity drawer.”

He ordered the maid to retrieve the necklace. Naturally, the dance rehearsal was postponed.

The maid soon arrived, flustered, and handed Logan the case containing the necklace. Logan opened the lid and casually pulled the necklace out, handing the case back to the maid.

Eleanor, mesmerized, found herself watching the taut movements of the muscles beneath his jacket. But when Logan turned around, she quickly lowered her gaze. She hadn’t meant to stare—but if he noticed, it might offend him.

Logan didn’t miss the moment of her compliance. He silently stepped behind her. By the time Eleanor realized, his hand was already descending from above her head.

“Your Grace…”

“Stay still.”

Startled, Eleanor called out to him, but Logan dismissed it with a firm command. Like an obedient child, Eleanor stood frozen.

His warm breath tickled the nape of her neck, a few strands of hair fluttering. He seemed to be trying not to touch her more than necessary, but even the slightest brush of his gloved fingers against her skin felt like fire, raising goosebumps.

Eleanor swallowed nervously. Finally, with a faint click, the necklace clasp locked, and a weight settled against her neck.

“Were you not planning to wear it for the event either?”

“I was going to return it to you after speaking today.”

Eleanor mumbled, unable to bring her hands near her collarbone.

“I will gladly accept the dress, but the necklace…”

This wasn’t quite how she intended to bring it up, but now was the best time. At least Logan seemed willing to listen.

“I just feel it’s too extravagant for someone like me. It seems more suitable for a duchess.”

It was too burdensome a gift for a mere servant—even if it was given because he intended to use Eleanor for his own purposes.

“Do you think I gave you an excessive reward out of rebellion against my mother?”

Logan asked as if seeing right through her. Eleanor couldn’t deny it and cast her eyes downward.

“Even if that’s true, I gave it to you, and I have no intention of taking it back.”

“…”

“Everyone in the household witnessed the scene. If the necklace is stuffed in a drawer or returned to the store, they’ll think I only made a show of generosity—a shallow man.”

Ah. Eleanor let out a short groan, realizing what she hadn’t considered.

“Your very presence saves me the time and expense of finding a suitable young lady. You’ll attend the ball as the perfect partner, fulfilling all required roles and helping me maintain appearances. I’ve simply paid what that’s worth.”

Logan explained in a calm voice. To the finances of the Claven duchy, it was a negligible expense. Eleanor, in turn, was useful. Those two facts were perfectly equivalent in his mind.

His tone was somewhat cold, but Eleanor had no rebuttal.

“But if it’s still burdensome, think of it this way, Miss Hudson.”

“What way…?”

“It’s used now, so it won’t fetch full price anymore.”

Eleanor froze. Logan was right. Since it hadn’t been returned immediately, it was technically now someone’s possession. Regardless of whether it had been worn, the department store would have to treat it as used.

As Eleanor stood frozen in realization, Logan chuckled softly and stepped in front of her. With a graceful motion, he extended his hand. Despite her inner turmoil, Eleanor placed her hand in his.

A gentle waltz melody flowed through the hall. Logan took the lead, and Eleanor, placing her small hand on his firm arm, followed his guidance.

“You dance well.”

Logan complimented her with a faint smile. Their steps drifted apart and came together again, spinning and returning without a single misstep.

“Sir Usher helped me. I was worried I might embarrass myself.”

Eleanor whispered as she moved close to him.

“Ah.”

Logan let out a knowing sound. At that moment, Eleanor spun gracefully a few times, moving away from him.

Just like a memory from before, the chandelier’s light poured down on Eleanor. The delicate lace and ruffles of her dress fluttered with her movements, and the finely cut diamonds sparkled in various hues alongside the emeralds. It was only natural that attention would gravitate toward the necklace adorning Eleanor.

Watching her shimmer under the light, Logan’s gaze never wavered. Though it was only proper for a dance partner to observe his partner, that wasn’t the only reason his eyes remained on her.

He found himself captivated beyond reason, a compulsion to look only at her. It was instinctual.

And as he kept watching—

“…”

Their eyes met.

He realized then that he had been smiling unconsciously throughout the dance, waiting for this very moment. Eleanor smiled gently at him, as a partner should.

The world wasn’t collapsing or shaking, but it felt like his world was crumbling. Logan felt an overwhelming, almost destructive sensation and held his breath. At the same time, a faint warmth spread from her touch—her hand on his shoulder and their clasped hands. He instinctively tightened his grip ever so slightly. But it was so subtle that Eleanor didn’t notice.

“There’s no need to practice further.”

As the music ended, Logan stepped back. It was a natural enough movement not to seem abrupt.

“Will this really be okay?”

“It’s enough.”

Eleanor nodded slightly, trying to steady her breath at his answer.

“Then is there anything else I need to prepare?”

Though she had passed the dance test, she wanted to know if there were more duties or knowledge expected of her as his partner. Logan gave no indication that he intended to burden her further, but now that she had even accepted the necklace, she intended to give it her all.

“No.”

“But…”

“If anything comes up, I’ll inform you through the staff.”

Logan cut her off with a curt voice.

“Ah, yes. Understood.”

He seemed perfectly normal—as always.

“See you at the event.”

But his senses were anything but normal. His ears rang, making sounds muffled. His vision was hazy, and his body felt feverish, as if he’d caught a cold. Logan was overwhelmed with a desire to escape this unpleasant feeling.

After confirming Eleanor’s nod, Logan turned and left first. Once he exited the hall and returned to his bedroom, the world fell quiet again. Logan tore off his gloves and opened a window. The warm summer night breeze brushed sticky against his skin, and the insects chirped peacefully.

Only then did his heart finally calm. This was the world he knew.