“Yes.I begged him for his forgiveness and told him I wasn’t after his wealth.”She gestured around her.“As you can see, I have no need of it or a title.I simply wanted to ascertain that he was a good man with good politics.Which he is.”
“Ah.You’re in love with him,” Eleanor said.
Although it wasn’t a question, Evie answered with a glance at Belle.“Yes, and before you ask, I told him that, too.”
“You did?What did he say?”Belle leaned forward.
“He laughed and said he didn’t believe me and shut the door in my face.”She left out that it was his bedroom door.
Xander’s mother sucked in a breath.
Charlotte spoke for the first time since the inquisition had begun.“This is exactly why we’re here.Your son conveniently left that part out.”
Eleanor replied, “Agreed.He also left out the part that he’s in love with her as well, despite the fact that ’tis fairly obvious.”
Evie’s mother leaned in.“Word has it he spoke to a marquess about marrying her when he thought she was a maid.Before he learned of the subterfuge.”
Evie’s mouth dropped.Her mother must mean Hollibrook, but he hadn’t shared that tidbit with her, so how had her mother learned it?“He did what?”
“Oh?”Eleanor’s face lit up.“So there is hope.”
Evie shot her mother a look.They’d have words about Xander’s consideration of marrying her alter ego later.
Belle was tapping her lip with a finger.“All of this makes me think his reaction was as much about the title as trust.As women, we all recognize the limitations on our choices.No one can condemn you for doing a little investigating.More than a month’s worth might have been excessive, but I do understand.Perhaps more than anyone else in this room, although that is a story for another day as well.”
“So what can we do?”Eleanor asked.
“We need to ensure he understands our stories, our fears.And maybe we introduce him to Penelope as well.She’s an excellent example of someone trying to take their future into their own hands at a steep price.It just happened to pay off when Michael found her.”Belle added to the hosts, “The Earl of Mansfield.”
“Right, then.We can easily do that at our little gathering in a few days.”Charlotte turned to Patience.“What is your next social event?”
When Evie’s mother named the ball, Charlotte nodded.“We will ensure Xander attends.If nothing is solved by the end of that night, we shall call again, if that is all right?”
Everyone rose and exchanged cheek kisses.
Nothing had been resolved, but Evie’s heart ached a little less.It had felt like these women were on her side as much as Xander’s.
And they had a plan.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Xander stood on the Harringtons’ doorstep, his mother at his side and North hovering behind him.He’d asked Luke for suggestions on gifts for the birthday earl.Luke had laughed and not been able to offer anything.
“How are you best friends?”he asked, frustrated.
“’Tis because we are best friends.The gifts I know of would not work for someone who doesn’t know a good many of his secrets.”
“Right, then.Cigars?Brandy?”
“Oh, I know.Latin poetry.But not Catullus or Ovid.”
“You do realize I don’t know any Latin.Or what he’d have read in university?”
“That’s fine.Ask a bookseller.In fact, go to this one.’Tis one we all prefer.”Luke jotted down a name and address.“Even if he’s read it, he’ll appreciate the thought and might enjoy it again.”
“Should I ask what you’re getting him?”
“Nope.”Luke grinned.
