Twenty-eight

Eveline

Saying goodbye to Zachary proved to be far more difficult than I imagined it would be.

Touching my lips, I treasured the final kiss he gifted me with. One to last me the entirety of our separation.

After he asked me to marry him yesterday, we spent the rest of the afternoon and evening kissing, laughing, planning, and more kissing. Though he sent word to Ashton Hall for permission to visit the cemetery plot where my father was buried, we did not receive a response as of last night and, as disappointing as that was, I needed to return to Gottling straightaway… for many reasons, but first and foremost, I wanted to see Patrick.

Zachary offered to accompany me, but I knew I would be taking him away from the responsibilities he had at Havenscrest. Particularly, his need to pack his possessions, knowing he may never return. He also needed to be at his father’s house while Frederick remained in London. While the servants functioned like a well-oiled machine, they seemed a bit off since the death of the earl. Plus, they adored spending these last few precious days with Zach. Specifically, Mrs. Dunlap, Charlie, and Cook. Though they did not openly speak out against Frederick, they shared similar resentments for his brisk treatment of them.

After breakfast, Mr. Brown, Hunter’s coachman, Joshua, and Rosie joined me out front. I was grateful to hear they were well taken care of while we visited Havenscrest, but I could also see they were as anxious to return as I.

After our last waves goodbye, we pulled away from the house and had only travelled a short distance past the gates of the estate before someone shouted for us to pull aside. I could not see the rider, but smiled wide, wondering if Zach wanted one last kiss.

When the coach clattered to a stop and the door flung open, it was Frederick who blocked the frame. I failed to hide my surprise. “You’ve returned from London, my lord.” The question came out more like a statement since he was clearly standing before me.

He nodded tightly and peered around as if he expected to find someone else, other than Rosie, to be inside.

“He’s not here,” I guessed. “Zach remains at the house with business.”

Frederick scowled and narrowed his eyes. When they dropped to my hands, his mouth gaped open. “How did you acquire such a…?” He swallowed hard. “…stunning jewel?” He pointed to the ruby and diamond ring on my finger. I knew for propriety’s sake I should be wearing gloves, but I loved the sight of seeing it against my skin.

“It w—was a gift from Zach,” I muttered. I should not fear this man, but even in my early years, he always made me feel ill at ease.

His eyes found my face once more and, though he attempted to soften his look, it appeared more like disgruntlement. “Did he ask you to marry him?”

I held stock still. Frederick was not the first person I wanted to share the good news with.

“Eveline.” He sighed. He never called me by my Christian name . “I sent you a missive from London to Gottling Hall. I did not know you remained here all this time.” He breathed slowly through his nose as if his burden was great. “There is much you don’t know about Zachary, and I would be remiss if I didn’t tell you.”

A small sting needled its way into my soul. I knew he baited me, but I fell for it. “Tell me what?”

He glanced back at the house and then pulled his watch from his waistcoat, peering down at the time. “I haven’t the time to summarize the contents of my letter at this precise moment, for it is quite complex. You should receive it by tomorrow morning, if it has not already arrived by the time you reach your destination.” His expression resembled Lord Trenton’s false compassion in that one moment. “But out of our friendship, my dear, I feel I must counsel you to not make a hasty decision here. You do not know my brother like I do.”

My dear? I wanted to scoff but held my tongue. “It is not hasty, sir, and I do not appreciate your vague implications.”

“You will when you know the truth of it all. You have a duty to protect your family. And your inheritance.”

I glared. How did he know about my money?

He took a step backward. “I wish you safe travels.” He bowed and strode back to his horse.

Once Frederick disappeared, I sat dumbstruck for far too long. What was his business in London? Was he investigating me? Zachary? Why would Frederick, who had no personal connection to me, be so concerned for my welfare suddenly when he barely acknowledged my existence as his neighbor for twenty years?

“Ma’am?” Rosie called.

I shook my head and looked in her direction.

“I believe Mr. Brown is waiting for your call to proceed.”

“Oh, yes.” I called out to the coachman to continue and for the first six hours of the journey, I waged an anguished battle in my head. I knew Zachary. I was certain in our last two days that we had reached a closeness beyond anything we had ever experienced. Yet, he had hidden the truth of the Bow Street Runner and that garnered some concern. I tapped my forehead gently with my fist. But he apologized, Eveline , I chastised myself silently. And in the end, it was only to know of my safety and care. Gah! This whole business was so difficult. It should not be this hard for two people who are clearly in love with one another to be together.

The last two hours of the journey, I berated myself for not turning around directly after Frederick’s visit and persuade both brothers to sit down with me face to face. Someone was lying. Though if I was to make a wager, it was Frederick. I simply didn’t trust him. He claimed he knew his brother better than me. I found that to be most untrue. Frederick spent a substantial portion of his life either disparaging Zachary or avoiding him.

Despite the late hour, upon my arrival back to Gottling Hall, I walked straight to the nursery.

“Mama!” Patrick cried out as he rushed into my arms. I held him tightly against my chest and inhaled his little boy smell. I would never have guessed how much space this child had taken up in my heart. It was near to bursting.

“Welcome back, Mrs. Turner.” Banja stood and bowed her head.

“Thank you so much, Banja. For all you do for me and for Patrick.” I held out a hand to her and squeezed lovingly when she met it.

“Read me story, Mama?” Patrick ran to get the thick book of Aesop’s Fables on the bookshelf. I smiled, I had missed this so much. Sitting upon his bed, I pulled him close beside me and read not one, but two stories before I kissed his forehead and wished him goodnight.

As I stepped outside of the nursery, I leaned against the wall and retrieved the ring from my dress pocket. Pinching it between my fingers, the ruby and diamond gems glowed beneath the muted flame of the nearby sconce. This was Zachary’s mother’s wedding ring, and he gave it to me. Me. The notion of such a sentimental gift was overwhelming. I knew in my heart that Zach loved me… truly loved me, so why did Frederick’s words bother me so?

“Oh, you’ve returned.” Helena appeared before me.

“Yes, yes I have.” I quickly hid the ring in my fist and stuffed my hand in my pocket.

The corners of her lips twitched. “We are friends regardless of what you may not wish to share…” she glanced at my hidden hand. “But know I am here for you.”

I smiled faintly. We had become true friends, and I appreciated her kindness more than she might ever know.

“How is Zachary?” she inquired.

I felt the ring in my palm and contemplated whether I should confess, but I wanted to share the news with Patrick first when he was not so sleepy. And did I still have news? I sighed. “Zachary’s father passed away before I arrived at Havenscrest.”

“Oh, my dear Eveline.” She touched my arm tenderly. “I am so sorry to hear that. I don’t believe Lucas, Hunter, or Jaxon have been informed.”

“Perhaps not, Zach had much to attend to.”

“Is that why you returned after only two days?”

I bit my inner cheek.

“Eveline?” She reached for my free hand and patted it. “You appear unsettled. Are you well?”

“Yes.” I nodded. “I am only tired from the journey.” I leaned forward and kissed her cheek. “Thank you for your concern, I am going to retire for the night. You can tell Lucas that we can speak in the morning.”

“Certainly,” she said, but I felt her eyes upon me as I walked away.

I entered my bedchamber and decided not to call Rosie to help me undress. I wanted to be alone and could manage the simple stays from my traveling attire. Once in my shift, I curled up in my bed. Although I had gone back and forth all day in the carriage over what Frederick might say in his letter, I knew Zach loved me. I had no doubt Frederick’s letter would arrive promptly and, regardless of the contents, I needed to decide whether I could trust Zach and stand by him or allow threads of doubt to take root.

My heart longed to side with Zach. My head struggled to concur.