Twenty-two

Eveline

The morning after Zach’s departure, Lord Trenton approached me shortly after breakfast. I no longer had the megrim from the day before and intended on joining the rest of the party for the continued activities—mostly to keep my mind off Zach and the heartache he must be facing at this precise moment.

“Mrs. Turner?” I peered up at the gentleman as his throat bobbed. “Might you honor me with a walk this afternoon in the garden?”

I smiled with a feigned display of sweetness. “I believe the point of the wager was that I would acquiesce to such a possibility if I did not hit the target.” I curtsied with my intent to depart from his presence.

He reached for my hand and held me in place. “It was a friendly jest, my dear, nothing truly intended.”

Of course not. But he somehow missed the implication of my knowledge of his scheme. Sir Charles understood and, upon my refusal to speak with him in private, he swiftly departed the party with his disappointed sister in tow.

“So…” I tilted my head curiously. “If I would have missed the target you would have never pursued your part of the wager?”

He chuckled awkwardly and squeezed my hand. “Let us look to the future, love.”

Love? I nearly gagged.

Leaning in, he whispered, “I believe you will be most pleased with what I have to say.” He winked. “What I have to offer.”

Such an arrogant man!

I no longer smiled and slid my hand from his grasp. “I appreciate your persistence, my lord. It is an attribute I respect in business, but you should know this now, not only would I never consider you as a suitor, but also, if I ever chose to sell my plantations, you would never even appear on the list of those deemed worthy of the transaction.”

His eyes narrowed in perceived displeasure.

Before he could respond, I continued, “And truly… you should expend your false charm on someone who might actually believe you.”

His lips pulled into a disagreeable scowl. I could see he was working on a retort when Lucas arrived at my side. “Forgive me for intruding.”

“It’s no bother at all,” I said with a wide smile.

Lucas quirked a brow. “Might I have a word?”

“Certainly.” I offered a shallow curtsy in Lord Trenton’s direction and turned away, wrapping my arm around Lucas’ as we took to walking outside.

“I’m sorry if I interrupted something.”

I chuckled. “Your timing was simply perfect. Is everything alright?”

He retrieved a small, folded missive from his waistcoat pocket. I meant to give you this yesterday. Forgive me for the delay. I did not want to disturb you in your recovery. This is from Zachary.”

Lucas gestured to step away, but I reached out and pulled him back to my side. “You don’t have to leave.”

He remained as I unfolded the missive. The nearly illegible scratch that transpired confirmed Zach’s sudden departure.

Eveline,

I fear I must leave the party and attend to my father. I had not the chance to inform you of his failing health and it is presumed he may have succumbed. Please, I implore you, please do not accept any marriage proposals in my absence. I do not regret what has happened between us and only hope you might forgive me and allow me the chance to prove my sincere devotion.

Yours always,

Zachary

I folded the missive and instantly felt a hole expand in my chest. I glanced at Lucas. “I should be with him.”

Lucas watched me closely. “His father had a tenderness for you.”

“I loved his father, too,” I whispered. “He was one of few men who encouraged my playful interest in being outdoors and my yearning to sport with men. But he is not the only reason I should be there.”

Lucas rubbed his chin. “Whatever you decide, Evie, please allow me to assist you, Zach is my friend, too.” He smiled and held out his arm. “Will you be dining with us tonight?”

I declined. “I wish to dine with Patrick. I will be requesting a tray.”

“I will see that your request is carried out.” He smiled and patted my hand. “And know, Evie, if you want to speak of anything that is weighing on your mind, I am happy to acquiesce. Helena, as well, if you need another woman’s perspective. Heaven knows I have given her plenty of practice in overcoming strife.”

I laughed. “Indeed, you have. Thank you.” I squeezed his hand and excused myself.

Banja was surprised to see me when I entered, but quickly stood to greet me. Patrick stopped playing with Joseph and ran to me, practically jumping in my arms. I lifted him up, not an easy feat as he continued to grow, but one I could not get enough of.

“May I eat with you tonight, Patrick?”

He nodded energetically then searched behind me. “And Zach?”

Banja corrected him. “Lord Zachary, Patrick.”

I balked and glanced between the two as I lowered Patrick back to the floor. “Wh—why would you expect to see Lord Zachary?” I hoped Banja might shed some light on his comment.

She beamed. “He visit us.”

I could not deny my surprise. “How often?”

Patrick held up his fingers one by one until he had all five fingers spread out. “This many times.”

I could not prevent my mouth from gaping open. Banja nodded her head to confirm it.

I stepped aside as the dinner trays arrived and waited for the maids to set them on the table. “I’m sorry, Patrick.” I crouched to his level and held his hands. “Lord Zachary had to go visit his father. But I’m sure when he returns, he will spend time with you again.”

He released our touch and clapped his hands eagerly, rushing over to the table. “Come on, Joseph,” he called for his friend. I marveled at how quickly their friendship formed.

As I sat down between the two boys, I pondered over how little I knew about Zach’s visits. I had noticed his absence from dinner on occasion but had not even considered he might be in the nursery instead. I smiled and placed my linen napkin on my lap. Zach continued to be a puzzling mystery that I looked forward to unraveling.

As the four of us ate, we played a game I had learned as a child in my own nursery. You would search for an item in the room and say it’s color and the others would try to guess what the item was. Both boys loved this game, and Patrick’s giggles only grew in length and volume as the evening passed. Even Banja laughed on occasion.

After dinner, I read Patrick and Joseph the story of the Lion and the Mouse in Aesop’s Fables and then wished them both a sweet goodnight. Patrick hugged me tightly and my heart swelled over the blessing he had become in my life. I kissed his forehead, but didn’t go far. Lingering at the doorway of the nursery, I mused over the boys’ struggle to sleep as they continued to snicker beneath the bedding. Patrick would benefit significantly from having a sibling . I gasped subtly. Did I truly just think that? Then I leaned my head against the door frame and sighed, allowing myself the freedom to imagine what Zach’s son might look like.

Entering my bedchamber, I did not feel quite ready to sleep. When I spied the book that Rosie had retrieved for me yesterday, I decided to return it unread and select another one of my choice.

Once inside the library, I breathed in the immersive scent of old leather and oiled mahogany, allowing my limbs to relax for the first time all day. Running my finger along the spines of several potential titles, I anticipated the thrill of curling up with a book while I waited for Zachary’s return. Thus far, I had so little time to enjoy reading that I struggled to decide upon only one, but finally settled down into a chair near a healthy fire in the hearth and opened The Adventures of Peregrine Pickle by Tobias Smollett.

That’s when I first heard the whispers.

Glancing about, I saw nothing out of the ordinary.

Light rustling surfaced on the opposite side of a freestanding bookcase. Curious, I stood up and walked around the corner just in time to see Lady Victoria standing stock still except for her delicate hand patting her flushed cheek. When she caught sight of me, she froze. “Mrs. Turner?” she squeaked out. “I—I was unaware you were in h—here.”

I quirked a brow. It wasn’t that I rarely read a book, I only knew my time was filled with alternate occupation… namely Patrick. “You did not hear me enter?” I asked with a hint of a smile.

She bit her bottom lip, appearing quite anxious. “I found myself so engrossed in my book, I fear I did not hear a thing.”

I glanced down at her empty hands. She was behaving rather oddly. I tilted my head sideways and she mirrored my movements. What was she trying to hide? Or who?

I took a deliberate wide step to the side and squinted my eyes to the darkened alcove. There, with his back turned toward us, was Lord Trenton.

My mouth fell agape. I nearly snorted in unabashed liberation. “Lord Trenton?” I called.

When he rotated around to face us, the limited light revealed an unkempt appearance. His crumpled cravat hung loosely around his neck and a disheveled portion of his shirtsleeves poked through several unfastened buttons of his waistcoat. When he raised his chin, the same bright pink lipstick I had seen stained on Zachary’s cheek the day of the archery contest now dotted his skin. I pursed my lips tightly to prevent myself from sniggering.

“Mrs. Turner.” He bobbed his head.

I smirked. “Well, I am delighted to see that you found a quick replacement for your attentions. Bravo on your hastiness, sir.”

Lady Victoria scrunched her petite nose and narrowed her eyes, first at me, then at Lord Trenton.

I chuckled. “Please do not end on my account. I was just leaving.”

Gripping the book in my hands, I walked to the main door swiftly and only breathed a sigh of relief once I reached the corridor. Arguing ensued behind the closed door and as I took the steps to my bedchamber, I felt nothing but relief that I had not in any way considered marrying that man. I would have only found myself in another lonely and sad situation.

The following morning, the announcement of Lord Trenton and Lady Victoria’s betrothal had made its way to breakfast and while I slathered strawberry preserves on my toast, I felt many eyes fall on me for a reaction.

“I wish them both the very best,” I said without reservation and chuckled inwardly before I took a bite of the delicious bread.

Genevieve rushed straightaway to my side and eyed me carefully. “Eveline? Are you not saddened by this? He just spent the last week fawning all over you.”

Gwendolyn and Helena joined us, and while I continued to savor the sweet treat in my mouth, Gwendolyn answered for me. “Our darling Eveline has realized she could do much better.”

I winked heartily as I continued chewing with only Zach’s image on my mind. Much better.

“I think Eveline has a secret.” Genevieve laughed. “Look, she is practically glowing.”

Helena arched a brow. “You know, I quite recall the very moment my eyes glimmered in such a fashion, and it was because I realized I was in love with Lucas.”

I smiled again but did not respond. I could not . Zach had not yet said those three specific words or asked me to marry him. I could very well be living a dream that could crumble into a nightmare at any moment.

By the third day of Zach’s absence, I had reached my threshold of patience.

“Banja?” I went to the nursery to seek her out while Patrick and Joseph played with wooden blocks.

“Yes, ma’am?”

“I must inquire something of you, and I implore you to be truthful with me.”

She nodded. It wasn’t that I suspected she would lie, I just couldn’t proceed if there was any question of unease.

“My friend, Lord Zachary, has returned to his family home due to his father’s possible passing.”

“Oh, yes. Sorry. That make me sad for him.”

“Me too.” I took a deep breath. “I knew his father quite well since I was his neighbor as a child. I am considering riding out to Havenscrest, their estate, to check on them.”

She smiled. She may have had some assumptions about us.

“You and Patrick, naturally, are invited to come with me. However, if you prefer, Lady Gwendolyn has offered her home to you until I return. She believes Patrick might want to stay here and continue playing with Joseph, but I wish for you to decide. Either way, I must leave in the next hour.”

She smiled and patted my hands. “No trouble. We stay.”

I let go of her hands and hugged her. From the apprehension in her touch, she seemed surprised by this action. It only took a few seconds before she returned the embrace and when she did, she nearly squeezed the air from my lungs. “Thank you, Banja,” I whispered. “Thank you for caring so much about us.”

The ride to Havenscrest by horse was six hours. By carriage, at least eight. The shorter time was significantly preferable, I had already squandered three days, but I also did not want to arrive exhausted so I finally relented to taking the coach.

Once I made the decision to go, all our friends responded promptly. Lucas and Helena proceeded to have a lunch packed for the journey while Hunter enlisted the services of a groom to assist his coachman, Mr. Brown, and Gwendolyn arranged for Rosie to be my companion. My sole requirement in the arrangement was that Isis be one of the four horses for the ride and, just as I hoped, we were off within the hour.