Page 2 of Evie and Louis: The Story so Far

“Oh, do come along, Arabella, we’ll never find him if you stand here gabbing all night.”

“All right, all right, I’m coming. See you later, Evie….”

The footsteps faded and a few moments later the door opened again.

“It’s safe to come out now,” the girl said, her eyes glinting with amusement. Louis’ eyes adjusted after his plunge into darkness, and he regarded his rescuer with interest. Arabella was right, the dress became her. Though she was rather a plain little thing, she had remarkable eyes, as emerald green as her gown. Ah, she must be one of Lady Helena’s daughters.

“I am in your debt, Miss…?”

“Miss Evie Knight,” the girl said, giving a quick curtsey. “And you are very welcome. I saw how you were pursued earlier in the evening and wondered how you bore it. I see now that you don’t.”

Louis snorted. “You must think me very ill-mannered.”

“Not in the least. I should imagine it is very tiresome. At least if someone comes to talk to me, I know they want to speak with me, not just gaze into my eyes or something revolting.”

She gave a little snort of amusement. God, she was young. Louis wondered if he’d ever been that young. If he had he couldn’t remember it.

“Are you hungry?” She lifted the plate of pastries and Louis stomach growled. She grinned at him.

“I did not have time to eat before I came out,” he said, a little embarrassed.

“No, and you’ve been too busy trying not become an hors d'oeuvres yourself to visit the refreshments room.”

She gave an impish smile that made her cheeks dimple and Louis laughed.

“Quite so, and yes, please. I am famished, as you may have gathered.”

The girl sat back down on the carved wooden bench and placed the plate beside her, gesturing to Louis to take the remaining space. “Do sit down.”

“Thank you, though….” He looked up and down the corridor.

“Oh, don’t worry, people have been walking up and down all evening. It’s not the sort of place for an illicit rendezvous and no one in their right mind would believe you were pursuing me, of all people.”

“Of course not,” Louis said in disgust. “You are far too young.”

“Yes, that’s the reason,” the girl murmured ruefully.

Louis frowned but did not contradict her. He did not wish for his remarks to be misconstrued as flirtation, and young girls were notoriously impressionable.

“That is a handy hiding place,” he said, gesturing to the hidden door.

“It is. Though it’s a new house, it is full of surprises. Like my mother,” she added with a grin. “My father built it for her, you see.”

“A romantic story, I gather.”

A wistful look entered the girl’s eyes and she sighed. “Yes. He was born in the workhouse and did not dare consider her, for she is a duke’s daughter and was considered far above him, but Mama was having none of it. She pursued him most shockingly. I’m afraid you would not have enjoyed such a hunt.”

Louis laughed.

“I’m not wholly averse to being pursued, it just depends on who is doing the hunting.” He paused and cleared his throat. “I apologise, this is not a suitable topic of conversation.”

“Don’t be silly. I brought the subject up. Try the lobster patties, they’re utterly divine,” she said, gesturing to the plate.

Louis did, popping one into his mouth and chewing. He gave a sigh of contentment. “You’re right. That is délicieuse.”

“Oh, I wish I could speak French properly,” she said. “Our governess says my accent is execrable. Delishouse.”

Louis winced.