Chapter Fifteen
“Yes, Mama.”
Those words had become Eve’s mantra over the past few days.Anything to placate her mother’s mood.
Freddie had played the insufferable fool in front of Eve’s parents and siblings.Eve had been forced to stand by his side and act as if nothing was amiss.His behavior had cast a shadow over the evening, and her mother and gone to great lengths to continually remind Eve of that fact.
Adelaide was busy ordering about the servants and anyone else within earshot.A quiet family dinner with her brother Hugh and his wife Mary would not normally be the cause of such anxious behavior, but her mother had been in an odd mood all week.
“So, Frederick knows what time supper will be served, and he shall endeavor to be here on time?”
“Yes, Mama.”
“And he will be on his best behavior.I do not need to remind you any foolish remarks in front of the Bishop of London will get back to Lady Rosemount.I know you think it is because he is shy and struggles in social gatherings, but you are going to have to teach him he cannot just say whatever is on his mind.People tend to take offence.”
Remembering that part of the Rude Rules was that she was not to show any indication that there was anything wrong with Freddie’s behavior, Eve said nothing.Offending her uncle was exactly what Freddie had told her he had in mind for this evening.It was an unfortunate but necessary part of the game.They had managed to close the point gap on Godwin over the past few days, but they both knew he was far from finished.
Under any other circumstance, Eve would have been eager to introduce Freddie to her relatives.Especially her uncle, the Bishop of London.The Radley family were a close-knit group.It wasn’t even the likely repercussions from her mother that was bothering her.These were people she loved.Hurting them was something that went against everything for which her family stood.
She headed up to her room.It was late in the afternoon, and her maid would be waiting to set Eve’s hair in preparation for the evening.As she took a seat at her dressing table she forced herself to stop wringing her hands with worry over the impending evening.
The Bachelor Board challenges will be over soon.
The winner was to be announced early in the new month.Once the game was over and Freddie had won, she could take the time to make whatever amends were needed to all those whom they had offended.
When the time came for their guests to arrive, Eve headed downstairs.She was dressed in a simple pale pink gown, with a cream ribbon threaded through the bun on her head.It was the most demure look she could muster, a balm for the harsh looks she had been receiving from her mother all week.
Will was waiting downstairs.“Mama is in the kitchens talking to cook.I don’t recall her ever doing that before.”
He didn’t need to mention the likely cause of their mother’s concerns.Freddie.
I shall be so glad when this foolish game is at an end.
“Oh, and this came for you.”He handed her a letter.It bore the crest of the Rosemount family on the outside.She opened it.
A mix of disappointment and relief coursed through her body as she read the short note.Freddie wasn’t coming.Osmont Firebrace had arranged an impromptu four-in-hand race for the evening, and valuable challenge points were on offer.
She folded the letter up.“Freddie is unable to attend.He has other pressing matters.He sends his heartfelt apologies,” she said.
Will reached out and put an arm around her, pulling her into a brotherly hug.It took all of Eve’s willpower not to cry.
By rights she should be relieved that he wasn’t coming.The Bishop of London was a kind-hearted man, but not one who would stand the antics of a foolish young man.The evening, and family relations, had escaped the antics of the Rude Rules.
It still hurt to think he had put the game ahead of her, ahead of them.In her heart, they now existed as a couple.She was certain of her love for him, no longer in doubt that she wanted his whole heart for herself.
“He will come to his senses, and if he doesn’t, I can assure you Francis and I shall step into the fray,” said Will.
She looked up at him.The big, strong brother she had missed all those years was back in her life.Will would not stand idly by and let Freddie hurt her.“Have I told you how wonderful it is to have you home once more?To know that I can get out of bed every day and see you?To know that you are safe?”
“Good to see some members of this family are able to be punctual.Now where are the others?”asked Adelaide.
Eve turned to see her mother and father arriving in the foyer.Adelaide was clearly flustered.“Freddie sends his apologies.He is unable to attend,” she said.
She watched as her words registered with her mother, and a look of relief appeared on her countenance.
As soon as the game was over and Freddie had won his place on the Bachelor Board,Eve would tell her mother the truth.While the game was important to Freddie and his future plans, she still owed a great deal of loyalty to her mother.It pained her to see her mother in such distress.
On the other side of Richmond, Freddie was doing his best to get his horses under control.He had never driven a team of horses before and had to rely on his memory of sitting up alongside the driver on the top of his father’s travel coach.
