Evie picked at the skirt of her gown, wiggling in her chair until her mother admonished her.“Do read or knit or something, Evie.”
She could not concentrate, nervous about the Countess of Harrington’s visit.Perhaps she should have claimed that her headache continued.
It was too late, however.She was here and dressed, and someone was knocking at the front door.
There were no less than three calling cards, reading, “The Countess of Harrington,” “Lady Lynwood,” and the scariest, “The Countess of Northumberland.”
Mama gasped and nodded at the footman while Evie reeled.Her head might start to hurt for real at this rate.She did not recognize the name Lady Lynwood, but her bigger concern was why Xander’s mother was with the nice Charlotte she’d met last night and what they wanted from her.
She stood stiffly, loitering behind her mother until the older woman turned and grabbed her arm to drag her forward and introduce her.
“Lady Charlotte, you remember Evie.”
“’Tis simply Charlotte, please.”
Her mother nodded and simpered.Evie wanted to step on her toes and run from the room.
Charlotte turned, gesturing to the oldest woman first whom Evie recalled entering with the Earl of Northumberland the night before.Charlotte could introduce her however she pleased, but to Evie, this was Xander’s mother and thus the most important person in the room.
The buzzing of nerves through her made it difficult to hear the introduction, but she caught the older woman’s words, “…call me Eleanor.”
“And I am Patience, and this is Evie.”
“Last but not least, my best friend in the world, Belle Lynwood.She is also wife to North’s son, Luke.Luke and my husband, William, are the closest of friends, which is super convenient,” Charlotte said with a light laugh.
“Oh yes, I can see how that would be lovely.”Evie swore her mother was going to start drooling, she was so happy to have new friends for Evie.Her mama was worried about allaying any gossip and future marriage prospects should the contract with Xander fall apart.She didn’t know how to tell her mother these women would be on Xander’s side, no matter what happened.
Tea was brought and poured as the women exchanged pleasantries about the prior evening.
When the maid stepped out, Charlotte sat back and stared straight at Evie.“I suspect you know why we’re here.”
“I was surprised to see Xan—the Duke of Rutland in Town,” Evie parried.If they were here to condemn her for her behavior, she’d be damned if she bowed and scraped.She stood by her actions.
“I can well imagine.We were just as surprised—pleasantly so—to see Eleanor and North.Right, Belle?”she asked with a sly grin.
Belle shot her a look, and Eleanor snorted and coughed into her teacup.
Interesting.There was some story there, but Evie was certain she wouldn’t be privy to it anytime soon.
“Of course.It’s always lovely to have one’s husband’s parents appear on your doorstep with one day’s notice,” Belle said, making a silly face at Eleanor.
“Now, now, dear.It could be worse.We could stay in your guest room instead of having our own home here,” Eleanor replied smartly.She turned to Evie, “But we digress.My son has explained what transpired over the past two months, or at least his version of it.We’ve come to hear your side.”
Evie ignored her mother’s gape at Eleanor’s boldness and squared her shoulders.These women were Xander’s family and friends.It would do no good to speak badly of him, not to mention her lingering desire to regain his trust.“There aren’t sides.I lied to him.I am sure what he told you was the truth; he’s a very fair man.”
Eleanor’s brows rose, and a slow smile grew on her lips.“He is.But he’s had some unpleasant experiences with “nobs” as he likes to refer to them, and I worry it’s colored his view of events.”
“That’s right—” Evie turned to Belle—“your husband began a recovery program for those with…dependencies.How is that progressing?”
Belle raised a finger and wagged it.“Eh, eh, eh.We can discuss that next visit.First, let’s see what the situation is and how we can help.”
“Shouldn’t you be talking to Xa—His Grace about that?”
“We have,” Eleanor reinserted herself in the conversation.“He’s quite upset, and as his mother I can see a good portion of that is hurt rather than anger.”
Evie dropped her gaze to her lap.“I am very sorry I hurt him.I’d do anything to change that.I felt so powerless after choosing the wrong man the first time around.The ruse was meant for my protection, but not at the cost of hurting him.”
“Have you told him that?”Belle asked gently.
