Page 44 of Evie and Louis: The Story so Far

“You did right,” he said, nodding. “Better she have the credit and no one the wiser. I am glad they please you. The world is finally taking notice of you as it ought to do, for you are lovely.”

Evie smiled, touched by the comment. “That’s kind of you to say so.”

He gave a huff of laughter that did not sound the least bit amused and shook his head.

“Louis,” she tried again, wanting him to answer her.

“Monsieur Le Comte,” he said wearily. “Come along, ma petite. I had best take you back inside before you catch a chill.”

Frustrated but aware he would not give her an answer tonight, Evie followed him back inside.

Chapter 21

Just a Little Daring

Miss Knight,

I was most distressed by your absence from last night’s rout party. Miss Anson assures me you are only a little under the weather—a head cold I believe? Is that so? Have you seen a physician? Is there anything I can do for you? Please reassure me of your wellbeing before I fret myself to death.

You missed nothing of note last night, I assure you, for it was a deadly dull affair, but perhaps that was because you were not there to enliven it.

I hope the accompanying parcel is of some benefit to your spirits. I assure you I will be quite inconsolable until I see you back to your usual self and in my company. For my sake, hurry and get well.

Take care of yourself, ma petite.

LC x

―Excerpt of a letter from Louis César de Montluc, Comte de Villen to Miss Evie Knight (daughter of Lady Helena and Mr Gabriel Knight).

Monsieur le Comte,

I did indeed succumb to a nasty cold, but I am much better now, helped in no small part by the lavish parcel. My word, whatever possessed you? I’ve had the devil of a job hiding it all from Papa. I even had to bribe two of the footmen into holding their tongues.

I have never received such a thoughtful combination of gifts, however. The books are marvellous, the chocolates divine, but the mechanical singing bird in a golden cage—Louis, words fail me. It is so lovely, yet I have been forced to hide it in the back of a cupboard which breaks my heart. I cannot begin to imagine how much it cost, but it is far too generous a gift. You know very well that I ought not to accept it, but I shall because you were so thoughtful as to choose it for me and I cannot bear to be parted from it.

―Excerpt of a letter from Miss Evie Knight (daughter of Lady Helena and Mr Gabriel Knight) to Louis César de Montluc, Comte de Villen.

23rd February 1841, The Marchioness of Bainbridge’s Fancy Fair, Mayfair, London.

“Well, we had better face the hordes and spend some money, or Arabella will be disappointed in us,” Viv said, looking around the bustling room for their best option. “Oh, look, there’s Aggie.”

“Where?” Evie stood on tiptoes and then gave an exclamation of delight as Aggie saw her and ran forward.

“Miss Knight!” Aggie squealed, hugging Evie with such enthusiasm she nearly knocked her flying. Le Comte de Villen, Agatha’s guardian, caught Evie by the elbow, steadying her.

“Alors, Agatha, have a care, child. Poor Miss Knight is only just recovered from her illness. She does not need you throwing her to the floor.”

“Monsieur!” Evie said, still hugging his ward, who was staring up at her with delight. “I did not realise you would be here.”

“Neither did I,” Louis César replied ruefully.

“I made him come,” Aggie said, looking smug. “It took me all morning to persuade him, but I managed it.”

“Persistence always pays,” Vivien agreed, sending Mr Lane-Fox a coquettish glance, which made him laugh.

“And what have you bought, dear?” Evie asked Aggie, who opened a bulging fabric bag to show her treasures. “My, you have been busy.”

“They’re presents for the girls at school,” Aggie said, grinning. “They’ll be ever so pleased, but may we see the monkey now, monsieur?”