They were far enough from London that any compromising circumstances never need come to light, and she was still chaste, much to her chagrin and not for lack of trying.
An upstairs maid stepped into the kitchen.“Where are the guests?”
The girl looked askance at being questioned by a peer but answered in a mild tone.“His Grace offered them rooms, they accepted, and they are upstairs settling in before reconvening for tea when the marquess and duke return.”
“Please, which rooms?”Evie asked.
“The front ones, so they are around the corner of the hall from the male guests.”
“Aun—Mrs.Mullen, also?”
“Yes.Apparently she is family to the Countess of Craven, so although she is local she wanted to stay.”
“Good.”Evie started out of the kitchen but turned back.“Ah, ta.”
She raced up the back stairs to Aunt Lou’s room.Even before placing knuckles to wood, her aunt wrenched the door open and yanked her inside.
Evie threw herself into her aunt’s arms.“Aunt Lou, ’tis so good to see you.”
“And you as well.Hard work has not gotten the better of you, I see.How has your time here been?Your note was fractured…” her aunt’s voice trailed off and pink rose in her cheeks.
“And interrupted.Don’t think we won’t speak of that,” Evie said through laughter.“Later, though.I thought I asked for more time?”
“No.You ended with ‘I need,’ rather abruptly, I’m afraid.Whilst I won’t apologize for what I do in the privacy of my home in my free time, I will say that the timing was rather unfortunate.I had to guess at what you needed, and the safer guess was bringing your parents here as soon as possible.”
“Oh.”Evie sagged.“I hadn’t quite told him yet.And the Marquess of Hollibrook is here and recognized me as well.Auntie, I want Xander desperately.But I worry he shall be angry.”
Louisa nodded.“He likely will.We talked about all of this when we decided on the plan.Anger will happen in a marriage from time to time.’Tis how he resolves it that is important.”
“I suppose.”
“I cannot wait to hear about your time here.But for now, tell me.Do you love him?”
Evie sighed, smiling.“I thought I needed to speak to you about it, as I’ve never been in love.Honestly, though, I am quite sure.I am absolutely in love with him.More than London, more than influence in Parliament, more than caring that he is rough around the edges and may never wear a cravat for more than an hour.More than marriage.”
“I’m so happy for you, my dear.That makes the stakes even higher, though.I hope he does not turn you out for lying,” her aunt replied, tugging Evie toward the seating area by the fire.
“Well, yes, there is that.”Evie stopped her aunt, who turned around to face her.Squeezing her hand, Evie begged, “Please, help me.What do I do?”
Louisa sighed.“I think we need your mother for this.”
“She’ll be furious.”Evie grimaced.
“Yes.But she’ll be on your side.She wants what is best for you.So she may berate you in private, but she’ll champion you in public,” Louisa said, patting her hand.
“First, though, I must find a way to tell Xander myself.I don’t want him to hear it from an irate father or cousin or something.”
“You’d best find him quickly then.Your mother will turn this house upside down looking for you if you don’t show yourself soon—as Lady Evelyn.”
“You have a few of my things with you?”At Lou’s nod, Evie sighed.“Right.I’ll go find my duke.Wish me luck.”
* * * *
His lordship was in the library as always.Perhaps they should have some of their conversations around House of Lords decisions elsewhere.Otherwise, he might always associate this room with work.And it was a lovely room.Evie eyed the settee where he’d first introduced her to pleasure.A lovely room.
Focus, Evie.Stop procrastinating.
Xander looked up and saw her hovering in the doorway.At his welcoming smile, she sighed.Heavens, he was handsome.Still searching for words, she inched closer.
