Evelyn looked down to see four dark streaks across her upper arm near her shoulder. A flash of the dream lit behind her eyes and she shuddered.
Trying to hide her thoughts from her mother, she said, “I stumbled last night and fell on some books.” It was a lame attempt at a falsehood, but she was caught off guard.
“Then you must be more careful. These marks will be covered by your gown, thankfully, but if we had chosen the other blue one they would not and that would not be very becoming.”
Thankfully, her mother did not press the issue any further. Now at the steps of Clinton House, she remembered the man from the other night. Would he attend this evening? Might he lighten her melancholy?
She didn’t have to wait long to find out. Once inside and announced, Lady Clinton ascended upon them with the man in tow.
“Ah there you are, finally, my dears. I wish to introduce you to my sister’s nephew by law, who has lately joined us from Mayfair. Mr. Henry Shaw, I give you Mr. and Mrs. Bramston, and their daughter Miss Evelyn Bramston. Mr. Shaw has made a particular point in asking for an introduction to your esteemed selves.”
It was all very strange. Evelyn was taken with this Mr. Shaw immediately. All thoughts of anything else vanished as they observed one another. He was much taller than she and from what she could glean, quite muscular. He was cleanly shaven, unlike the majority of the men she’d encountered who seemed to revel in finding new and unusual ways to wear their beards and sideburns. She much preferred his clean look. Now up close she could see that his eyes were green. Piercing was an apt way to put them, and she was captivated.
“Miss Bramston, might I have the honor of the first dance?” he asked, in a voice that was deliciously deep.
“The honor is mine, Mr. Shaw.”
He bowed to her parents and to Lady Clinton, who wore a smirk as though she’d just orchestrated the stratagem of the season. Evelyn didn’t mind in this case. She was pleased as punch at the moment.
They took their places on the dance floor as the music struck its first notes. They moved together in time as if they’d been doing this dance together for years never taking their eyes from the other. Evelyn was captivated by him; every part of her wanted to be in sync with him. When he smiled, she did as well. They danced as if they were tethered by some unseen force. They didn’t exchange much conversation, rather gave over to the intensity of the moment and the feelings growing. Was it possible to fall for someone so quickly?
As it turned out, she danced all but one with him all evening, having promised her father one dance. The break from him was almost painful, as if she would not survive being separated from him.
“You are smitten with our Mr. Shaw I see,” her father said.
“I have enjoyed dancing with him, yes.”
“Shall I call the vicar in the morning?” he said with a grin.
Evelyn was well aware of her father’s penchant for a jest, but this one was not so funny. If he could tell there was a growing attraction, what would everyone else think? She recalled the woman’s words from her dream about how men and society had destroyed her. It was true, a woman’s virtue was a delicate thing and if in question would ruin not only her, but the reputation of her family as well. She must be more careful in revealing her true feelings.
“Miss Bramston, would you join me for a libation?” Mr. Shaw asked.
“I would, but you see my family are ready to retire and I must join them. I thank you for an enjoyable evening, Mr. Shaw.”
“Might I call on you tomorrow?” he asked.
She had hoped he would ask that and had hoped he wouldn’t.
“I would like that. Good night, Mr. Shaw.”
What else could she say? With that she followed her mother and father to gather their cloaks and returned to their home. Sheprayed she would find peaceful slumber this night, but she was wrong.
In her dream she was in the arms of one Henry Shaw. He kissed her passionately and she succumbed to their desires. Their passion was fully unleashed so much so that as she woke, her body shook as a delicious sensation washed over her stemming from her womanhood. She lay panting and staring up at the ceiling wondering how the vision of their lovemaking could be so vivid. She knew very little of the relations of a husband and wife, but in her dream she knew it all. Her body still pulsed as the sensations waned. She rolled to her side and tucked the quilts between her legs as she usually did to find a comfortable spot to sleep. Eventually it came as did the blackness.
Chapter Three
With the helpof her maid, Evelyn twisted her hair into ringlets and pinned them in neat rows. She’d chosen a pale-blue taffeta gown for the morning’s callers. She’d had a steady number over the past month, and it was in these visits she truly understood who the person was and what they wanted. She looked forward to understanding the irresistible Mr. Shaw and hoped the intensity of her dream would not make her embarrass herself.
She broke her fast with her family then sat in the drawing room to wait. Her mother and father were always present at these times and helped if the conversation became awkward. Thankfully their interest in her happiness and comfort was sound and they would never act in a manner that would cause anyone to see her in a poor light.
True to his word, Mr. Shaw called upon her bright and early. Until any other young men arrived, she would have him all to herself so to speak.
“Good morning, Miss Bramston. I trust you rested well?” he asked as he passed her a box with a ribbon tied around it.
Her cheeks burned as she said, “I did, indeed, sir. And you?”
His gaze flicked over her face and his eyes narrowed. “Are you unwell?”
