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Chapter One

London—August 1812

E vie thanked and dismissed her maid before staring into the mirror, assessing her appearance. She studied her image carefully, thinking how she had now been through three Seasons. The first had been exciting, everything new and wonderful. The people. The parties. Her wardrobe. The second year, some of the polish had worn off, and she wasn't quite as impressed with Polite Society or the events she attended. Worse, she made only one new friend, as opposed to three good ones that first year, all of whom had wed at Season's end.

Now in her third Season, Evie was done with the ton . Everyone talked about the same, dull things, such as the weather, or they gossiped viciously about anyone not in their immediate circle, savaging reputations for sport. She found herself bored. Uninterested.

And ready to go home to the green hills and coast of Devonshire, where her heart lay.

Since Devon was home, she decided she must wed a gentleman from her home county. That considerably narrowed the list of eligible bachelors, but Evie was a practical woman and had already picked out her groom. She would propose to her neighbor, Elias Davenport, tonight.

Elias was handsome, charming, and as affable as a man could be. Although she had spent more of her childhood with his brother Hatch, they had grown up together and were immensely comfortable in one another's company. While Elias held no title, his father had provided his younger son with a smart townhouse in London, as well as a quarterly allowance. Better yet, Elias would never think to interfere with anything Evie planned. He would lead his life; she would lead her own. He would be the perfect husband for her.

She simply had to convince him to marry her.

Tonight was one of the last events of the Season, which would officially close in three days. While Evie had her pick of beaux over the last few years, most of the men who paid attention to her were tiresome and annoying, not to mention overbearing. While they paid her pretty compliments, she didn't think a single one of them was interested in her as a person. Rather, they were interested in her large dowry. She shuddered to think what her life would be if she wed one of them.

"It must be tonight," she said aloud, knowing her parents grew weary of her unmarried status. Mama had even worried aloud that Evie would soon be on the shelf. She was afraid if she didn't take the initiative and determine her own fate, Papa might get the notion to arrange a marriage for her.

Determination filled her as she left her bedchamber and went downstairs, riding the short way to Lord and Lady Tucker's house with her parents. As her mother babbled on, Evie's gaze met her father's. He shrugged and looked out the window. She did the same.

Always popular at a ball, a bevy of gentlemen flocked to her, eager to sign her programme. Thankfully, one of them was Elias. They always danced one set together, both of them graceful dancers.

"May I?" Elias asked, reaching for her dance card.

"Could we possibly share the supper dance?" she asked quietly.

He looked puzzled but scrawled his name beside it. "You wish to speak to me about something, Lady Evangeline?"

She merely smiled. "I look forward to dancing with you, Mr. Davenport."

When the supper dance arrived, they partnered together. Evie knew they drew looks from others. They would be a handsome couple for years to come, and her heart told her this was the right decision.

Unfortunately, Elias led them to a table of his friends, and she said, "I was hoping for a bit of privacy."

Frowning, he said, "Might we speak after supper? We could stroll the gardens before the orchestra begins playing again."

Wanting to accommodate him, she agreed. While she wasn't fond of the crowd Elias ran with, it wasn't as if she were wedding them. She was pleasant to all, her usual effervescence on display.

When she finished eating, she waited patiently. Elias did not let her down.

Turning to her, he said, "The supper room is overheated. Would you care to take a stroll in the moonlight, my lady?"

"That would be most agreeable," Evie replied, rising and placing her arm on his sleeve.

Once outside, they moved along the terrace. A few other couples had the same idea, but Elias steered her to the far end.

"What did you wish to discuss, Evie?"

She steeled herself, not certain how he would react to her bold idea.

"I have not seen you courting any particular young lady, Elias. Has no woman tugged at your heartstrings?"

He laughed. "You know me better than that. Papa was pushing for me to wed before he took ill last September and left us. Though Mama has taken up the banner, I do not think I will wed for several more years. I enjoy my freedom too much."

"What if you could have marriage—and freedom?" she challenged.

His brows knit together. "Forgive me, for I am clueless. What are you saying, Evie?"

"It is time for me to wed, Elias. I would rather it be someone I know and like." She paused, letting her words sink in, and then saw understanding dawn on his face.

"You wish for us to wed?" he asked, incredulous.

"Think about it," she said. "We already know all there is to know about one another, so there would be no surprises in that regard. Our families are close. I feel at home at Davenport Hall, just as you do at Valwood Park. Better yet, we can be frank with one another. I am not that fond of the ton and life in town, Elias. I much prefer the country, whereas you loathe the quiet and enjoy being in London. Can't you see—we are a perfect match."

Nodding, he said, "You are suggesting we could lead very separate lives."

"I am. Of course, I want children. You would have to do your duty in that regard, but I would prefer to raise them in the country under my hand. You know your mother and I would always welcome you home. Hatch, too."

The thought of Hatch gave her pause for a moment. She had not seen her old friend since he left for war three years ago. When the Duke of Wentworth passed last autumn, a letter was sent to the warfront, summoning Hatch home to take up his ducal title. From what Evie gathered, it had taken months to reach him, and Hatch had only returned to England in May. He had gone straight to Davenport Hall to assume his duties and had sent word to his mother and brother that he would not partake in this year's Season.

For a moment, she thought what Hatch would think of her scheme to wed his brother. The new duke knew what a strong will Evie possessed, so it probably would not surprise him to know she arranged her own marriage, down to proposing to her future fiancé.

Elias grew thoughtful. "Your offer is very appealing, Evie. We get on well and always have. While you didn't pay much attention to me when you were younger, I have enjoyed being in your company ever since your come-out."

To encourage him, she said, "We do enjoy one another's company. I would be happy to come to town during the Season and stay as long as you wish, accompanying you to events. I know, though, that you would most likely choose to remain in town a good part of the year, while I would be happy to remain in the country. You could pursue your own interests, and I could do the same."

He grinned. "It would be nice, having a beautiful, thoughtful wife who let me live as I choose." Taking her hand, Elias added, "I would never embarrass you, Evie. I would be discreet in taking lovers."

Feeling her cheeks heat, she said, "I appreciate that effort. You would be expected to be home for events, such as our children's births. Possibly their birthdays. But I am willing to give you a great deal of freedom, Elias. If you promise to give the same to me in return."

He took her hand, raising it to his lips, kissing her fingers tenderly. "I think it would be jolly good to have a wife I liked. Who was actually a friend. Who let me be myself and have my own friends, as well."

"Remember, Elias, that I expect the same. While I have no plans to take a lover, I want to follow my own interests."

Beaming at her, he said, "Then we should make this official. It doesn't do for you to have offered for me."

Dropping to one knee—which Evie knew would draw the attention of other couples on the terrace—Elias asked, sincerity in his eyes and voice, "Lady Evangeline, would you make me the happiest of men and marry me?"

For a moment, Evie paused, hoping she was doing the right thing. "Yes, Mr. Davenport. I would be happy to become your wife."

He sprang to his feet and kissed her lightly. As she expected, Evie felt nothing. She had kissed several men over the last three years. Not one time had anything stirred within her.

Unlike long ago . . .

Shoving that thought aside, she smiled at her future husband. "I am glad we came to our arrangement, Elias. It is a respectable match. One where we do not have to worry about love or such nonsense."

"Shall we go inside and speak to your parents?" He glanced about. "It seems we are already being whispered about as it is."

Evie saw they had gained the notice of everyone present on the terrace. "Yes, we should speak to my parents and your mother," she agreed.

As they moved toward the ballroom doors, a few called congratulations to them, and she smiled graciously. Inside, Elias said he would fetch her father, while Evie went to find her mother and the Duchess of Wentworth. They were seated together, ready to watch the dancing which was about to begin.

"Might I ask you to come with me?" she asked, drawing a perplexed look from her mother and a knowing one from Her Grace.

Her father and Elias joined them. From the look on Papa's face, she could tell Elias had formally asked him for her hand.

Papa smiled at her, moving to kiss her cheek. "Well, Evangeline. I hear you and Elias wish to share some good news with us." He turned to his wife. "Look lively, Lady Valwood. Your daughter is about to become betrothed."

Mama gasped. "Oh, Evangeline. How wonderful!"

Mama hugged her tightly, and then the Duchess of Wentworth embraced her, saying, "My husband always wanted for our families to be joined. Not only in friendship, but in marriage." Then quietly, the duchess added, "I only hope you are choosing the right son of mine to wed."

Color flooded Evie's cheeks. "I am most happy to be engaged to Elias, Your Grace."

"We must start planning for the wedding," Mama declared, looking at her and Elias. "Is early October agreeable to the two of you?"

"Whatever Evie wishes," Elias said diplomatically. "I aim to please her always."

"Thank you," she told him. To her mother, Evie said, "October would be wonderful, Mama. Elias plans to stay in town another month, but we can return to Devonshire and plan the wedding."

"Then we shall leave tomorrow," Mama said. "You must come, too, Your Grace. Your advice will be much desired."

"Go see if Lord Tucker will allow you to make the announcement, Valwood," Her Grace commanded.

Papa went scurrying off, and soon the entire ballroom was aware of the wedding to take place between Lady Evangeline Eastfield and Mr. Elias Davenport.

Evie slipped into bed just before dawn. Satisfaction filled her. She would have a husband who was malleable. One who would let her do as she pleased and give her the children she wanted. She fell asleep quickly, but was restless as she slumbered.

Because for the first time ever, she dreamed of Hatch.

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