Page 52 of Evie and Louis: The Story so Far

“No. True enough, and anyone with half a brain ought to know there would be hell to pay if anyone upset Evie,” Jules replied with a small laugh. “Universally adored is not something you can say of many people, but I think perhaps she might manage it.”

Godwin nodded. “I agree. Do you know, she spent a full hour listening to my Aunt Ada drone on at some musicale we both attended the other night? I mean, Ada’s a sweet old lady, but even her family can’t manage that long when she starts off on one of her rambling stories. But it made Ada’s night and she gets little company. She even promised to call on her to take tea, and she will. Heart of gold.”

“That sounds like Evie,” Viv said with a smile.

“What do you think? Will you come with me?” Vivien asked.

Evie, still flushed and breathless from her dance, only laughed and nodded. “Of course I shall help. What a daft question.”

“Oh, thank you, Evie.”

Evie only grinned at her. “We shall simply take ourselves off for a stroll. The best time would be in the morning, I suppose, whilst most people are still abed. Do you think you could get out then? My maid will accompany us for propriety. She’s a sweet creature and would never tattle on me unless I did something truly dreadful.”

“Well, if you come and call for me? I shall be up early, and hope Mama doesn’t insist on a chaperone if you’re with me. Ash is never up before eleven, even on a good day, certainly not after a ball. But if I can get away, how shall we get word to August, though, to let him know?”

“Oh, that’s easy. Monsieur Le Comte will do that,” Evie said blithely.

“Will I indeed?” Murmured a low voice.

Evie turned to discover Louis César behind her. He held out a glass of lemonade for her.

“I thought you might be thirsty after your exertions, Miss Knight. But, pray, what is it you wish of me? Should I slay a dragon? Complete les travaux d'hercule? You need but name it. I am your servant.”

“Foolish man,” she said, laughing and accepting the glass of lemonade. “The labours of Hercules will not be necessary. Only, I wish you to help us. Miss Anson wishes to walk in the park tomorrow with Mr Lane-Fox, but without her brother or a chaperone, so they can speak privately. We think she can get away in the morning but won’t know for certain until then.”

“You mean you wish me to awaken early?” Louis said, widening his eyes as if this was a far greater sacrifice than Hercules had endured.

Evie rolled her eyes at him. “I thought you were ready to slay dragons for me?”

He waved this away. “Ah, and so I did. Mais alors, if this is what you ask of me, I will, of course, assist in any way I can and forgo my beauty sleep.” His blue eyes twinkled with amusement.

“I should think foregoing your beauty sleep would be a public service,” Evie replied tartly. “If you get any handsomer, you’ll cause a riot one of these days.”

Louis pressed a hand to his heart. “Ah, and she notices me at last. I may swoon.”

Evie tutted, shaking her head. “Well, don’t swoon just yet. I’m still thirsty. Would you escort me to the refreshments room for another drink, please?”

Louis held out his arm to her. “With the greatest of pleasure. Until the morning, Miss Anson.”

“I’ll call just before ten, Viv. Don’t keep me waiting,” Evie said, winking at her before Louis César bore her away.

Chapter 25

Just a Little Daring

14th April 1841, The Old Ship Hotel, Brighton.

Vivien’s maid looked at her rather suspiciously when she rose far earlier than expected but, other than that, it was easy enough to be ready to go walking when Evie called for her at the appointed hour. After reassuring her parents that Evie’s maid was going too and they were only strolling in the Pleasure Gardens as the morning was so lovely, she was free.

“Do they not approve of Mr Lane-Fox?” Evie asked her as they walked back through the hotel.

“I think they approve,” Vivien admitted. “But that doesn’t mean they don’t worry, and with everything so up in the air I want to wait until I’m certain he means to court me. If they knew, they would have made Ash come, or Mama would have come, and it would have been far too awkward. I just want him to myself for a bit before things become official.”

“To make certain he won’t cry off again?” Evie said, with rather too much blunt honesty, though Viv could hardly deny it.

“Yes, I suppose so. It would be completely mortifying, and I don’t think my heart can stand another disappointment. I am a little afraid to get my hopes up in case he’s changed his mind again. Seeing me with Blackstone obviously shook him, but….” Vivien shrugged. “Ah, well, we’ll see.”

Evie took her arm. “I like him. He seems a good man. I’m sure he would not encourage you to hope if he wasn’t certain.”