Thirty-four

Eveline

Two days had passed before Patrick was sitting up, eating a bowl of broth, and chatting as if nothing death-defying had occurred. During those two days, every few hours Zachary came and relieved me, even throughout the night. His dedication to Patrick’s welfare and his kindness toward me was unprecedented and, now that Patrick’s health no longer seemed dire, I could focus on what lay ahead.

Helena, too, had been examined by both Mrs. Gentry and the doctor. They were quite in agreement she should remain at Gottling Hall for the remainder of her confinement due to the pains she suffered. Though neither caretaker believed the birth was imminent or that the child or mother were in any danger, their advice came as a precaution with a firm charge for her to remain in bed.

And while Lucas and Helena had planned to have their child at home at Greenbriar, they accepted that being in the safe confines of friends who were more like family was a joyous alternative.

I had been informed that Lady Victoria and Lord Trenton had left Gottling Hall while I was at Havenscrest visiting Zachary. The rest of the guests had departed yesterday according to Rosie, for I had not entered the dining room or parlor since my return and remained in the nursery, quite often with a tray for meals.

“Look at you, Patrick!” Gwendolyn cried when she stepped inside the room on the morning of the third day. “You look like you are ready to play again.”

He smiled wide. He had lost a bottom tooth last night and was eager to share the news with anyone who might listen.

“Oh,” she squealed with both hands clasped together. “You have lost your tooth!”

I smiled at the interaction. It seemed Patrick had become a central part of everyone’s routine and easily burrowed into our hearts. Especially mine.

And Zachary’s.

“Though the house party has officially ended,” Gwendolyn announced, “and only our closest friends remain, we still want to celebrate Patrick’s recovery and our friendship with our soiree.” She smiled and patted his cheek. “One in which Patrick, naturally, is invited. The preparations for the soiree were already in place for the guests and we do not wish the delicious food Cook has prepared or the decorations to go unheeded.”

A small sting reverberated in my chest with the memory of how Zach wanted to alter the soiree into a wedding, and part of me still wished it so. The other part wondered if such a thought was too hasty.

“That would be lovely, Gwendolyn,” I said then faced Patrick as he picked up his bowl and slurped the remaining broth. I chuckled. “Would you like to attend a party, Patrick?”

He nodded anxiously. Truly, he should have been out of bed yesterday, but I pushed for one more day just to be sure. I chuckled inwardly at how my behavior resembled that of my own mother much too closely.

Gwendolyn kissed Patrick on his forehead. “Rest well, sweet boy, and listen to your mother so you will be strong enough for the party tomorrow night.” She winked. “And save a dance for me.”

“I will!” he declared as I removed his bowl and tray. Smiling upward, he snuggled deeper into his bedding, then closed his eyes.

I stood to see my friend out at the door.

“Now that Patrick is recovering…” Her brows dipped a smidge. “You can tell me what news grieved you so the morning he disappeared.”

I took a deep breath. It seemed like ages ago when I received Frederick’s letter.

“I actually received pleasant news. My solicitor found two homes for sale not far from Greenbriar.”

Gwendolyn smiled wide. “You will be neighbors to Lucas and Helena!”

“Yes.” I smiled. The very thought tickled me.

“And what of the bad news?”

I gnawed on my inner cheek. “The Earl of Tichborne wrote to me.”

Gwendolyn’s brows furrowed deeper. “I thought he passed before you arrived.”

“Yes, he did. It was from the new earl, Frederick. Zach’s brother.”

“Oh?” Gwendolyn’s form stiffened.

“Do you know him?” I asked, curious to her reaction.

She nodded. “Though not well. Helena can tell you more. He was one of the men her father urged her to accept courtship from, but he had a displeasing reputation. He gambles and drinks excessively and always showed a shameful disregard for women.”

“I only knew him as a neighbor, we never truly interacted in social settings, and, of course, I hardly attended any in London.”

“What did his letter entail?”

I pursed my lips before I spoke. “I didn’t read it.”

“Then how do you know it bore bad news?”

“Because he stopped me in my coach as I departed Havenscrest and told me that I didn’t know Zachary well enough to accept his proposal.”

Gwendolyn’s mouth gaped open. “Zachary proposed?” Then it slowly curved into a smile. “That is wonderful, Eveline!”

“Shhh.” I encouraged her to keep her voice down.

“Have you spoken to Zach about the letter?”

“No, my only concern has been centered on Patrick. But he is aware of it. Frederick must have told him. That’s why I believe he raced back here so quickly.”

“You must—”

“Mama?” Patrick called from his bed.

“Yes, darling?”

“When is Papa coming back? He promised to tell me the end of the dragon story.”

“P—papa?” I choked and both Gwendolyn and I shared a glance.

“Yes, the butterfly man you said would be my papa… Zach… I mean Lord Zachary.”

I had forgotten all about the conversation we had only moments before I read my letters and he disappeared. I swallowed hard.

“Uh, well, Lord Zachary is…”

Gwendolyn touched my arm. “Let him have this for now.” She reached into her dress pocket and pulled out a crinkled paper. Placing it in my hands, she leaned in. “The maid who cleaned Zachary’s room while he was gone found this on the floor. She brought it to me because it is addressed to you, and you were absent at the time.”

I received the paper as she departed. With its multitude of wrinkles, it may have been scrunched into a ball. My heart pounded as I stuffed it into my pocket. Was this something he didn’t want me to read?

Sitting on the edge of Patrick’s bed, I brushed my fingers through his long bangs. “Have you called the butterfly man Papa before?” A nervousness surfaced in my tone.

He nodded. “Lots of times.” He blinked. “Is that wrong?”

“Oh, no, not at all, darling,” I assured him and brought his hand to my lips.

“How did he respond to being called Papa?”

“He loved it.” Zachary’s warm timbred voice rose from behind me.

I turned my head to find him standing in the exact place Gwendolyn stood just a moment before.

Patrick smiled, then closed his eyes.

“He loved it?” I repeated in Zach’s direction.

He took the steps needed to bring him closer. “Without a doubt,” he said, reaching out for my hands, then directing me to stand while he kissed my hands tenderly.

My heart melted.

“I know that I have made an immeasurable number of mistakes, but the one mistake I dread the most is letting you slip out of my life.” He gazed in my eyes. “Please promise me, Evie, that you will speak with me tonight. Please, let me share with you all the truths of my heart.” He kissed my hands again. “If I lose you, it must be because you decided, not because I haven’t tried absolutely everything to prove myself worthy of you.”