Eveline walked quickly down the corridor, her steps sharp against the marble floor. She did not look back. She refused to.
"My lady! Why are you walking so fast?" the maid called as she hurried after her.
Eveline slowed slightly. "Oh. I wasn't aware that I was," she replied, her voice steady but distant.
The maid caught up, studying her face too closely. "Did something happen between you and his lordship?" she asked, her tone almost probing.
"No. Nothing happened," Eveline said at once.
The maid smirked faintly, as though she did not believe her. She reached out and caught Eveline's wrist.
"Then why were you running?"
Eveline stopped.
Slowly, she turned her head.
Her eyes were no longer bright with anger or tears. They were empty. Flat.
"I was not running," she said calmly. "I was walking."
The maid's smile faltered under that stare.
Eveline gently pulled her wrist free and continued forward — slower now, but far more controlled than before.
"
" oh dear you came" her mother said.
" eveline i though ypu two talk was fast VeryI thought your speech would be later if it ended too soon, duchess said.
"I didn't want to be late. We only talked to the Lord about marriage, it seems like it took a little short time to get to know each other." she said. Duchess loook at her 'what an abvioud lie' she though ' i wonder what he told her she look sad.' she thoygh
Here is a smoother, clearer version of your scene while keeping the tension and subtle suspicion:
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"Well, I know something happened. And even if it didn't, I will tell my lady," the maid said, lifting her chin as though she ruled the house herself.
Eveline stopped.
"Go and tell her," she replied calmly. "But do not forget — I can lie too.... I learned from the best."
The maid's face flushed with anger, but Eveline did not wait for a response. She turned and walked toward her duchess's room.
Inside, her mother and the duchess were seated by the window, teacups balanced delicately in their hands.
"Oh, dear, you've returned," her mother said lightly.
"Eveline," the duchess added, studying her closely. "I thought your conversation might last longer. It ended rather quickly, didn't it?"
Eveline folded her hands neatly in front of her.
"I did not wish to be late," she said. "We only spoke of marriage. It seems it does not take very long to discover whether two people suit one another."
The duchess's eyes narrowed slightly.
What an obvious lie, she thought. And she looks as though she has swallowed something bitter.
Aloud, however, she only smiled.
"I see."
Her gaze lingered on Eveline's face a moment longer.
'I wonder what he told her' Duchess though
Eveline lowered herself into a chair, posture perfect.