Facing Alyssaâs question, Ivy felt a bit nervous. Certainly she couldnât spill the beans that they had known each other by accidentally entering the wrong rooms and spending the night together, could she?
Balfour hadnât prepped her for this, and she was at a loss for words, desperately trying not to let any truth slip through.
âWe, uhâ¦â
After a long pause, Ivy finally spoke up, âWell, there was once I ran into a bit of trouble, and Balfour, he helped me out. I thanked him, and⦠and⦠gradually we got to know each other.â
She deliberately kept her answer vague.
âIs that so?â Alyssa wasnât entirely convinced by Ivyâs story. âFrom my understanding, my grandson isnât exactly the knight-in-shining-armor type of person.â
Internally, Ivy couldnât agree more with Alyssaâs assessment. Balfour struck her as the type who was cool as ice, one whoâd rather keep to himself than get involved.
âMaybe itâs fate, haha.â To keep her secret, Ivy forced herself to continue the charade.
Alyssa perceived Ivyâs demure demeanor, which stood out from the flock of socialites that often fluttered around Balfour.
Of course, theyâd had researched on her family, and word was that Ivy didnât exactly have a very good reputation there. Yet, the girl in front of her didnât seem to fit the rumors.
Feeling the scrutinizing gaze of the elders, Ivy grew uncomfortable, dreading the thought of being exposed. She stood up, seeking to change the subject, âMr. and Mrs. Howard, itâs almost time for dinner. How about I whip up something for us to eat?â
At this, Alyssa looked surprised. âYou cook?â
âYeah, Iâm pretty good in the kitchen!â Back when her parents were away, she was in charge of cooking for herself and Clara, honing her culinary skills.
Confidence was something she had in spades when it came to cooking.
Alyssa nodded, curious to taste what this young girl could do, and agreed to let Ivy take over the kitchen.
The Howard familyâs fridge was stocked with fresh ingredients. Ivy marveled for a moment before selecting what she needed and quickly prepared several homestyle dishes.
âMr. Howard, Mrs. Howard, dinnerâs ready. Please come and see if itâs to your taste.â
Alyssa and Dean came over and were quite impressed by the spread of four dishes and a soup laid out on the table.
Throughout the meal, Ivy was attentive and considerate, frequently offering to serve the elderly couple.
By the end of dinner, Alyssa had warmed up considerably to the girl.
This Ms. Dunhill that Balfour had brought home wasnât bad at all!
After they had finished eating, Ivy intended to wash the dishes, but Alyssa stopped her. âLeave these chores to the staff. Youâre going to be Mrs. Howard, and you wonât need to bother with such trifles.â
Ivy nodded with embarrassment. At home, these were things she was expected to do, and she had grown accustomed to it.
âCome on, letâs walk off that meal. Ivy, why donât you join me for a stroll in the garden?â Alyssa said warmly, inviting her by the hand. Ivy agreed and dutifully accompanied the old lady.
Walking hand in hand with the hostess of the house in the garden was still something Ivy wasnât used to. She tried to retract her hand a few times but felt it would be inappropriate.
âIvy, Iâll be honest with you. Iâve arranged several dates for Balfour before, but heâs turned them all down. I thought he wasnât interested in marriage, but then he surprises us by bringing you home out of the blue!â