Page 11 of Evie and Louis: The Story so Far

“You’re teaching her French?” Evie asked. “You’re supposed to be helping me, you might remember.”

Louis shrugged. “Yes, but your accent is shocking. It gives me a headache.”

“You’re a very rude man,” she said, laughing. “But I shall forgive you because it’s true. No doubt I try your patience horribly.”

“Beyond enduring,” Louis agreed amicably, waving at Aggie to come and join them.

Chapter 6

Dare it all for Love

15th August 1839, Holbrook House, Sussex.

Florence checked her appearance in the mirror before hurrying to find Evie. Happily, her sister was already at breakfast, looking pretty and as fresh as a spring morning in a pale green riding habit.

“Hurry up, Flo,” Evie chided her. “We’re supposed to be leaving in ten minutes.”

“I’m here!” Florence exclaimed, accepting a cup of tea. She reached for a warm bread roll and tore it in two, buttering it too thickly in her haste. Not that she cared. “Is everyone else down already?”

“Everyone except Louis, of course,” Evie said, rolling her eyes. “Actually, I’m wondering if I should send someone to knock for him. He hates getting up early, you know.”

“That’s because it is a dreadful habit and bad for a delicate constitution,” the man himself said, looking as immaculate as ever in his riding attire, even as he smothered a yawn. He sat down and declined breakfast with a grimace, but accepted a cup of coffee.

“You’re not delicate, only idle,” Evie remarked.

“Evie!” Florence exclaimed, a little shocked at her speaking so rudely to him.

She knew that Evie and the comte were friends, but her sister’s manner towards the man seemed far too easy. The teasing way they spoke to each other revealed a close relationship, more like with a brother than a friend, but if others who did not know them heard, they would assume a different story.

Evie blushed and looked to the comte, who regarded her over the rim of his coffee cup and shrugged.

“Well, you’re not wrong,” he said, grinning at the relief in her eyes. “But your sister is right too. You must watch that dreadful tongue of yours, child, or people will talk.”

He drank his coffee, watching Evie, who sighed heavily.

“I suppose,” she said reluctantly.

They ate in silence for a while as the comte finished his coffee and got to his feet. He laughed again at the look of consternation on Evie’s face and reached out to tweak her nose.

“Brat,” he remarked, before leaving them to finish their breakfast.

Evie met Florence’s considering gaze, a surprisingly defiant glint in her own. “We’re friends, Flo. He’s all alone now his brother is married and busy with his own life. Louis doesn’t make friends easily, but… we get along. He can be himself with me because he knows I’m not interested in him like that. It’s… comfortable, that’s all.”

Florence nodded, hearing the truth in her sister’s words. “I know, love. I just don’t want to see you get hurt, and you know people will think the worst if they see the ease of manner between you. My word, just hearing you address him as Louis would be enough to ruin you. You must remember to be more formal in company. Promise me you’ll be careful?”

“I promise,” Evie muttered, looking very much as if she wanted to roll her eyes.

Chapter 7

Dare it all for Love

18th August 1839, Holbrook House, Sussex.

Louis César was halfway down the stairs when he saw the men racing out the front door. What the devil was going on? He turned as he reached the bottom of the stairs to find Evie watching them go. Her sweet face was pale and anxious.

“Evie, whatever is the matter?”

“Florence is missing,” she said, her voice choked. “Henry is afraid she may have got mixed up in the business with the c-corn dolls.” She covered her mouth with her hand to smother a sob.