Page 51 of Evie and Louis: The Story so Far

Monsieur,

I hope this letter finds you well.

I wanted to let you know Mama has swept us all up and taken us to Brighton. It was all done at the last moment, and I did not have the time to warn you of our departure.

The sun is glorious, like April and May have been pushed aside in favour of June. The sea glitters, almost as blue as your eyes, and the sunshine is a wonderful boost to one's spirits after such a tiresome winter of grey skies and drizzle.

Half the world is here, it seems, and I have already met the Anson twins, Mr August Lane-Fox and Mr Sylvester Cootes. Mr Hadley Smythe and Mr Price were strolling on the promenade this morning, and I also bumped into Mr Barnaby Godwin. He asked if I had seen you and seemed most disappointed that you were still in town.

Must you remain in London? There are many amusements to be found here at present.

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

Miss Knight,

I have followed you, as you bid me to do.

I am also ensconced at the Ship Inn, though I might tell you I could have bought the Royal Pavilion for the price they charged me for my modest accommodation. Brighton is full and there is not a room to be had anywhere. However, my persistence appears to have paid off. I hope you are pleased. You snap your fingers and I come running like the most obedient lap dog.

I am only marginally mollified by your observation about the colour of my eyes. I admit, the sea looks positively Mediterranean today. It makes me long for warmer climes. Perhaps one day I shall take you to Provence. I believe you would like it.

―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,

Excuse me if my handwriting is erratic. I cannot stop giggling at the idea of you being a lapdog. Too funny! What a ridiculous comparison. Now, if there were such a thing as a lap tiger, or panther, or even a lion, that I could see, though it would be an uncomfortable thing indeed, to have such a creature in one’s lap, I’m sure.

However, I am pleased you came, though do not make out it was only for my sake, for I shall not believe you. The entire world is here, and no doubt your latest amour among the throng. I admit I could not discover who your latest flirt is. I can usually tell as the women preen so and look so pleased with themselves, but whoever this lady is, she is remarkably sanguine. Have you met your match, Monsieur? Is she not as impressed with you as she ought to be when in the presence of such a godlike figure?

I should love to see Provence one day. To walk in the lavender fields and to gaze upon a sea of impossible blue. Yet, I wonder if I ever shall. You know I am a homebody and travelling seems such a lot of bother.

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

Chapter 24

Just a Little Daring

13th April 1841, The Duke of York Hotel, Brighton.

“Evening, Villen and I recognise you, don’t I?” Jules said thoughtfully, staring at the man beside Louis César. “No, don’t tell me. Never forget a face. Geoffrey? Godfrey? No, Godwin, that’s it. You’re a pal of Mr Lane-Fox.”

“Pal might be overstating things, rather, but you’re spot on, by Jove,” Godwin said, looking exceedingly pleased at being remembered by the Marquess of Blackstone.

Jules nodded. “Blackstone, pleased to make your acquaintance. Who else is here? I’ve not had time to look about yet. Miss Anson nabbed me for a dance the moment I arrived.”

“I did no such thing, you beastly man,” Vivien protested. “Nani Maa gave you your orders, so don’t go blaming me for it.”

“True,” Jules conceded. “And that is an order I would not dare refuse.”

“I believe Lady Aisling is here, as is Mr Sylvester Cootes, Mr Lane-Fox. I think I saw Ashburton somewhere, but he was being elusive as ever,” Louis César replied, his eyes on the dance floor.

“Miss Knight is here, dancing with Lord Vane,” Godwin said, gesturing to where the two were dancing an energetic polka. Viv turned to watch her friend and smiled. Evie’s face was flushed, and she was laughing, making her quite the prettiest young lady on the dance floor compared to all the others who were far more sedate and seemed taking it rather too seriously.

“How lovely she looks,” Vivien said. “She is so full of life.”

“She ought to watch herself with Vane,” Jules muttered, scowling.

“Miss Knight is no fool,” Louis César said, his voice cool.