Wiping his face of tea with his handkerchief, the marquess shot his still silent companion an unfathomable look and said, “I really think you owe it to Lady Evelyn’s family to meet them and her before making a decision.”
Xander heaved a sigh.Another delay.“Fine.I shall write to them this afternoon.In the meantime, would you like a stroll of the gardens?I have other questions for you whilst you’re here but they can wait until the morrow, as ’tis such a nice day.”
* * * *
Xander lay awake for hours that night, waiting and hoping Evie would sneak into his room.The need to warn her of Hollibrook’s requirements to respond to the betrothal was top of mind, but he was uncertain how to do so.And he wanted one more night of sensual exploration before having that conversation.
But she never came, despite his guests’ rooms being in the other wing.The other servants seemed to accept their meetings, suppers, and dancing with equanimity, but he did not want to push his luck or her reputation by being caught sneaking around the servants’ sleeping quarters on the third floor.
He’d told the guests that the house kept country hours but that they could of course request breakfast from the kitchen at whatever time they chose to arise.Their manservants had arrived a few hours behind them with their bags for their short stay.
So Xander awoke late and his guests rose early, and by the time they’d breakfasted and adjourned to the library to discuss farming issues they shared, he hadn’t spied Evie.
Unfortunately, they referred him to Lancaster regarding the transferring the title for the pub to Banks, as documents such as that were filed through solicitors.The rest of the morning was spent on tenant farming disputes.For the most part the tenants were self-sufficient.When disputes arose, he didn’t mind stepping in to settle them; it was similar to breaking up bar fights from his pub days.However, there were a few that were complex enough that recommendations on resolution from men with more experience were appreciated.If only his stepfather were closer.North was a gruff but fair man and was always happy to lend an ear or an opinion.
After lunch, they’d answered all his queries and offered to entertain themselves with a ride while he continued working through correspondence, in case he had more questions.
He was deep in Parliamentary language when a knock on the open library door brought his head up.Evie stood there, wringing her hands, that infernal cap askew on her head.“Your Grace, might I have a word?”
She was back to using his formal address, and he’d never seen her nervous before.Something was on her mind.His mind shifted from concern over the conversation he needed to have with her, to worry about whatever was bothering her.He gestured to a chair then the teapot on the corner of his desk.“Evie.Come in, come in.Tea?I can order fresh.”
Despite her discomfort, she rolled her eyes.“I shall remind you I’m not a guest.Although…”
When her voice trailed off, he tilted his head.“What is it?I missed you last night.Is aught amiss?”
Gazing at her hands twisted in her lap, she shook her head, nodded, then glanced up at him.“About being a guest—”
Again, a knock on the open door came.They both looked over.Rogers stood there looking perplexed.“My lord, you have guests, all the way from London.They seem to believe their daughter is here.Perhaps that is why they arrived without notice or invitation.”The last sentence was grumbled.
Xander managed not to snicker at his servant’s attitude when Xander himself was the most frequent breaker of societal mores of any titled nob.
Evie was up and standing by the door, peering out.
He hadn’t seen her move.Something was definitely amiss.She was twitchy with nerves.
“Did you get their name?”
“The Earl and Countess of—”
Evie closed her eyes and held her breath, mouthing, “No, no, no, no.”
Xander almost didn’t hear Rogers’s completion of the visitors’ titles.“Craven, and Louisa Mullens.”
He’d heard that last name before.Evie had given Mullens as her surname.But then why was this woman here with an Earl and his wife?And Craven was the title on the marriage contract.It appeared he might fulfill Hollibrook’s wishes around breaking the betrothal quicker than he’d dared hope.
“Evie—” he started, but she’d slipped out past Rogers, tucked her head down, and run for the kitchen.“Rogers, please let Mrs.Betters know we have new guests who may or may not be staying.And I’ll see them here.Ah, I guess do that in the reverse order.Thank you.”
Rogers smiled.“Certainly, my lord.”
Whatever their attitude toward his guests, Xander appreciated the servants’ patience with him.
Chapter Twenty-Four
Oh no, oh no, oh no.Father and Mama had arrived, along with Aunt Lou.She needed to get Aunt Lou alone to find out why.
She paced the kitchen, wringing her hands, a new habit she’d formed in the last day since her second cousin had given her an ultimatum.His presence could escalate matters about the marriage contract.
Closing her eyes, she inhaled a huge breath and let it out slowly.She wanted Xander.He seemed to like her as a person, title aside.If they could get past her minor deception, they could marry quite soon.If he refused, she was not sure what she would do.One thing was certain.She would not allow her family to hold him to the contract against his wishes.
