Chapter 79 - The Eve of the Storm
After dinner, Duke Wilson sent Lord Orlam away and Evan returned to his room. Evan took Lord Orlam’s invitation very seriously.
He knew very well that someone like Lord Orlam, although such a person seemed amiable, but if anyone dared to look down on him, that person would definitely pay the price.
At the cusp of this storm, Lord Orlam actually wants to hold a ball. If he says that there is no ulterior motive, he would never believe it.
Lord Orlam definitely has a plan, and that plan also has something to do with King Richard.
Evan knows this very well in his heart, so he became more and more worried, because this episode was not clearly stated in the original book. The only thing he knows is that the final winner was Prince George, but even so, he is still a little frightened, because the current situation has changed and Duke Wilson, who did not appear in London in the original book, is here. Evan does not know what the result of such a change will cause.
Evan clenched his fists. For now, he can only take it step by step.
The next day, Edward was brought to London by Butler Chris. His arrival eased the awkward relationship between Evan and Duke Wilson a lot.
And Evan was also relieved. Since Edward also came to London, the ending in the original book should also change. So in such a state of mind, his attitude towards Edward became more gentle.
Edward is a sensitive child. He also captured Evan’s emotional changes. He was very happy, so he liked being around Evan more and more.
Evan doesn’t mind Edward’s closeness. After all, the atmosphere between him and the Duke is still quite awkward. Although it is much better than it was before, their conversations are still a little stiff. Edward’s arrival eased the atmosphere. In the past two days, the conversation between him and Duke Wilson is obviously much smoother than before.
This afternoon, just as Evan comforted Edward to sleep, Duke Wilson came back.
Evan watched Duke Wilson change his coat as he walked downstairs.
“Lord Duke.” Evan looked at Duke Wilson, who was looking down as if thinking about something, and suddenly said.
Duke Wilson was obviously taken aback as he looked up and saw Evan.
“Have you not rested yet?” Duke Wilson’s expression looked slightly unnatural.
Evan’s usual work and rest habits are very similar to his previous life, and he always likes to take a nap after lunch. Duke Wilson is also very aware of this.
Evan smiled knowingly, “Lord Edward just fell asleep. I came down to drink a glass of water.”
“Oh, yes.” Without Edward as a buffer between them, Duke Wilson’s tone was still stiff .
“Tomorrow is the day when Lord Orlam holds the ball. Do I need to prepare anything?” Evan saw Duke Wilson’s discomfort, so he changed the subject and tried to ease the atmosphere.
Hearing Evan talk about this, Duke Wilson looked cautious as he thought for a while and said, “When you go, don’t wear the priest’s collar, just put on a normal suit.”
Evan raised his eyebrows, “Why is this? Is there something wrong?” Is there really something amiss by not letting him dress up as a priest? Evan thought silently in his heart.
The corner of Duke Wilson’s lips twitched slightly. He lowered his head for a few seconds and finally said, “Nothing, it’s just that the situation has not been very peaceful in London recently, so please be careful. After all, the identity of a religious person will lead to unfounded speculations.”
Evan frowned. Although this sentence is not very explanatory, he can also guess a bit of its deeper meaning. It seems that there will be a big move. If he, as a religious person, is involved for no reason, it will be seen as something inappropriate. After all, the church is also in power. If whatever plans they have succeeds, it is fine, but if it fails, it will be difficult for this matter to come to a smooth end.
“Okay, it’s up to you.” Evan’s words were sincere. At this time, he’d almost forgotten that he still has the identity of a religious priest.
Duke Wilson raised the corners of his lips, as if he wanted to smile, but in the end he was unsuccessful so he just nodded and walked upstairs.
Looking at the back of Duke Wilson who was in a hurry to go upstairs, Evan did not know which string was touched in his mind as he suddenly said, “Lord Duke, we need to talk.”
Duke Wilson’s back suddenly stiffened. He seemed to be locked down by some spell, unable to move a step. A huge roar began to sound in his ears, like a desperate cry.
Evan was also taken aback by his own words, but he also knew that this opportunity is fleeting, and since he had already spoken, it is impossible to take it back, so he immediately said, “About the last time, I think we need to talk openly and honestly.”
Evan’s tone was sincere and gentle but Duke Wilson’s face was already ashen, he looked at the stairs in front of him with a faint look of despair in his eyes. Why couldn’t he walk faster? It would have only taken a few more seconds for him to escape, but unfortunately he still failed to escape from his fate.
“We…” He pursed his dry lips, and the word “we” came out of his mouth with a bitter meaning, “Let’s go to the study and talk.” Duke Wilson’s voice was soft and slow, with a trace of unwillingness.
Evan looked at his stiff back that looked like a stone statue and couldn’t help thinking in his mind that the Duke was a little cute. Maybe he is the only one in this world who would think that this cold-faced Duke would have a cute side.
Evan walked towards the second floor with Duke Wilson. The Duke’s every step was very heavy, as if the place he was going to was not a study, but a hell on earth.
Evan followed behind him, almost sympathizing with him, maybe what he was going to say later would make him happier.
They entered the study, the Duke sat behind the desk and Evan sat down on the sofa, with a table between them. Most of Duke Wilson’s face was covered by the shadows, Evan couldn’t see the look on his face.
“Say what you have to say.” After a long silence, Duke Wilson finally spoke, his voice slightly hoarse.
At this time, Evan was a little dazed. Although he had done countless psychological constructions before, when it actually came to this critical moment, he didn’t know what to say.
“You…” After pondering for a long time, Evan finally opened his mouth, “I understand your reaction that day.”
After saying this, Evan wanted to swallow his tongue.
Evan watched Duke Wilson shift his body agitatedly, and immediately said, “This is a gift from God to us human beings and all desires and reactions are pure and natural, you don’t need to feel embarrassed or uncomfortable. I am still your closest friend, this kind of thing will not affect our friendship, please be sure of this.”
Duke Wilson suddenly stood up from his seat, Evan was startled by him and he also stood up, “You…you…”
“Reverend Bruce!” Duke Wilson suddenly interrupted Evan’s words as he walked out of the shadows, his handsome face was cold, “Are you pretending to be confused?” He looked at Evan coldly.
Evan was stunned by his gaze. Duke Wilson has never treated him with such an attitude before, nor has he ever said such rude words to him.
“What do you mean?” Evan pursed his lips, without the slightest weakness in his expression, and he looked at Duke Wilson with a look of confusion.
Duke Wilson just looked straight at Evan for a long time, until Evan started feeling a little uncomfortable, he suddenly smiled to himself, “Oh, I’m such a fool.”
He stroked his forehead, like a child who suddenly came to a realization. He walked to Evan step by step, looked straight into Evan’s eyes. His black eyes were full of caution as he slowly raised his hand to touch Evan’s cheek. His hand stopped less than a centimeter from Evan’s cheek and he said word by word, “I only intend to say these words once, so please listen carefully. The reaction I had that day was not because of rising natural desires, but the desires I have for you.” He paused slightly, “I have desire for you, Reverend Bruce, that is to say, I love you.” (FINALLY!!!!)
After saying these words in one breath, he felt relaxed, after a long period of tension. Although the rumbling sound in the ear still continued, his inner tumult subsided at this time.
Maybe he has been waiting for such an opportunity to pour out all his feelings and all his feelings to him. He can’t accept this person in front of him spending his life with another woman and he can’t accept the fact that he can’t have this person by his side in his whole life. He may have been hesitant and afraid before, but as he looked at the person in front of him, he realized that the only thing he wants is Evan. And if he never says these words in his life, then it will be impossible for him to have this person to himself for the rest of his life.
Evan was stunned when he heard this. It wasn’t because he was acting sluggish on purpose, but he was really stunned. He knows the sensitivity and pride of this person so he’d made a lot of excuses for him in advance, thinking that maybe this person would go down these steps. But never in his wildest imagination did he think that this old antique from the feudal society would express his love to himself so clearly.
This is completely beyond Evan’s imagination and beyond his scope of coping at this time. He has no idea what to do now. (Evan is actually clueless for once 😂😂😂)
“I…” His voice was like a speck of dust, although it was small, it moved Duke Wilson’s heartstrings.
“You don’t have to give me an answer at this time.” Looking at Evan, who was still in a state of shock, Duke Wilson finally reacted to his inappropriate behavior, and immediately said, “You can think about this matter, I know this is a very shocking thing. You need time to ease into it, but please believe that my love for you is absolutely pure and firm. It’s not a lie.”
Duke Wilson looked at Evan very sincerely. If the most iron-hearted person in the world sees Duke Wilson’s eyes at this moment, he would be moved.
Evan feels confused at this moment, and there was a sudden panic in his heart, as if something that was originally as stable as a cornerstone was touched, causing his heart to shake.
“I…I need some time…” After dropping this sentence, Evan fled.