Evil Duke, Please Be Gentle!

Evangeline looked at Evelyn for help who bowed her head further and started eating food as if she could not see her pleading gaze at all.

"Lady Elizabeth, I would have loved to take classes with you. But lady Evelyn asked me to go to the market with her. She told me that I did not have any good dress to welcome lord Leonardo. I should be presentable as the future lady of the house." Evangeline looked at her dress and then made an embarrassed face. She looked like she could cry because her clothes are not good. Though she was wearing a beautiful gown and it was the most expensive dress she had ever worn.

She knew that this tactic would work since the image is everything for nobles. And even if this dress was too expensive for her, it still looks faded in front of the dress that Elizabeth and Evelyn wear.

"Is that so?" Elizabeth looked straight at Evelyn. Her gaze was piercing and Evelyn got the pressure. She did not lie to her sister. It was never needed. Both have a good bond and Elizabeth have always supported her in everything.

"That is a wonderful idea. It will also improve your bond. You can take as much coin as you want from treasure and I will ask the knights to escort you and do not worry about coming early, take your time." William was happy that finally they were trying to connect to each other. Initially he thought that it would take weeks looking at the small rebel that his daughters showed last night.

Now he was happily surprised at the turn of events.

"Then I should join you too," said Elizabeth as she looked at the relieved faces of both girls who looked at her wide eyed after her statement.

"That's a wonderful idea. Do not worry about lunch. I will book a table at Bernand's." the father nodded as he ate his lunch much more enthusiastically while Evelyn and Evangeline could only nod and laugh awkwardly.

While Elizabeth walked forward, Evelyn dragged Evangeline in the corner and glared at her.

"What did you do?" asked Evelyn as they all walked out of sit in the carriage.

"I just could not lose the chance. Do not worry, just help me by being alone for a minute or two. Then you can tell others that I ran away. Please" Evelyn closed her eyes as she knew that she would say yes, she was already in the mess anyway.

"Fine, but this is my last help. Do not come to me if you fail.`` Evelyn even forgot that she was the one who did not want Evangeline marry her brother in the first place. She even forgot that she disliked commoners when Evangeline hugged Evelyn out of sheer happiness. A sweet smile formed on Evelyn's face too which she tried to hide out of embarrassment.

Elizabeth narrowed her eyes at both of them. She was sure that they both were cooking something. It's just she did not understand how they both came this close in a single night.

"We are getting late." she called and only then did both girls realize that they were still hugging each other and whispering in each other's arms.

They both nodded and scurried towards the carriage. Evangeline's eyes still on the number of knights following them. A total of six horses were following them and she wondered if she ran away would they follow her or stay with the ladies of their palace. She could only pray that it was later.

She even tried to memorize the route but passing by woods did not help as all paths looked similar to her who have never gone out of her small town ever.

When they reached the market, Evangeline thought that it would be the same market as the one she always visited but she was so wrong. The luxurious fountains and marble walking path surprised her. There were no carts or open stalls from where she usually brought things.

There were only high end stores that had showcases and mannequins to show off their goods. She knew that she could not afford anything displayed in those mirror boxes.

"Let's go to our favorite store." said Evelyn clearing her throat, trying to break the ice.

Elizabeth nodded and Evangeline followed as her eyes continued to roam on the roads. But instead of looking at the stores she was looking at the knights. She needed a point from where she could run away.

"Evangeline, we are going to this store." Called Elizabeth as Evangeline was lost in looking around.

Evangeline nodded and followed both of them inside a luxurious boutique. The boutique was filled with luxurious clothes. A few ladies were attended by the proper woman in uniform.

"They are attendants. Look around and tell them if you like any dress. They will help you with your measurement and finding a proper dress for you. If you have any idea in your mind, you can also share it. They will make a customized dress for you." told Elizabeth as she started looking for one dress for herself too.

Time was passing yet Evangeline did not find a single moment to be alone. Elizabeth was keeping an eye on her like a hawk and if she lost this chance, she knew it would be impossible to get another chance easily and that crazy family will marry her even when she denies the name of her father's last wish.

"Evangeline, why don't you try this dress in dressing room.'' Evelyn looked at Evangeline meaningfully as she pointed at the door that was quite a distance. Evangeline frowned and was about to deny when Evelyn winked and a smile bloomed on Evangeline's face. She gave Evelyn a grateful smile and left with the dress only to not come out even when minutes continued to pass.

Getting impatient Elizabeth walked and knocked on the door but none responded. Elizabeth opened the door after knocking many times only to find it empty.