Page 64 of Evie and Louis: The Story so Far

I wish he would not idolise me as he does however, but another disadvantage of being so open-hearted is to see the good in everyone. I hope he never has cause to regret such recklessness.

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

Chapter 29

An Enchanting Dare

1st July 1841, Trevick Castle, Warwickshire.

“Monsieur Le Comte. How delightful to see you. I’m so glad you could come—”

Aisling heard her mother greeting Louis César, but there was a buzzing in her ears and her heart was slamming against her chest. A hazy sense of unreality settled over her, like when she had eaten those strange mushrooms that Biddy said would help her dream walk. There were three men with the comte and one… no… no… that was impossible. He turned then, his gaze meeting hers, and Aisling’s blood ran cold.

“What is it?”

Louis turned to stare at Barnaby, who had asked the question. He, in turn, was regarding Maxwell. The Earl of Vane was staring at someone on the other side of the ballroom with a puzzled expression.

“Who is that?” he murmured, though he appeared to be talking to himself.

“Who do you mean?” Louis asked.

“That young woman?” Maxwell demanded, gesturing across the room.

Louis looked at the woman in question. She was slender, with dark gold hair, and an uncompromising, rather fierce expression. A handsome young woman, striking rather than pretty. Her nose was a little too big, her mouth settled in a rather mutinous pout, and her thick brows were drawn together, and yet these rather discouraging aspects came together to produce a face full of character. She would not be another dull, simpering debutante, that was for certain.

“I do not know the young woman, but I believe she is Miss de Beauvoir, the adopted daughter of the great scientist, Mr Inigo de Beauvoir,” Louis said, regarding the earl with interest. “Why? You are interested in meeting her?”

Maxwell frowned. “No. At least… I don’t know. Only she seems familiar.”

“Familiar? Where from?” Barnaby asked, but Maxwell was already moving, towards the young woman as she walked through the crowd.

Barnaby looked to Louis and shrugged, his naturally jovial expression fading as Kilbane moved past them into the ballroom. “He’s not supposed to be here. Did you see the Earl of Trevick’s expression when he saw him?” he whispered as they also made their way through the crowded ballroom.

“I did, but it is not so easy to turn away a titled gentleman. Especially when there is the possibility of causing a scene.” Louis inspected the crowd. He didn’t much care what Maxwell and Kilbane got up to. He had two objectives this evening, to help Barnaby make headway with Lady Millicent and….

His heart did an odd little jump in his chest, a reaction he had become familiar with of late. But, oh, God, it had been so long since he had seen her. He smiled, unable to help himself as he saw Evie standing with Lady Rosamund Adolphus and another young woman he did not recognise. Evie was telling them a story, and her friend’s attention was absolute. Her green eyes sparkled with mischief, and he could tell she was getting to the good bit for she was trying not to smile and failing, showing the dimples in her cheeks. Whatever she said next had her friends roaring with laughter as Evie looked on in triumph, pleased with herself for having entertained them. It was hard to breathe, hard to look upon her and want to be with her so badly when he did not know how long he must wait.

“Louis, do you think…?”

With difficulty Louis tore his attention from his beloved and turned to Barnaby, realising too late he was still smiling like a fool.

Barnaby was no longer looking at him, though. He had turned to stare at Evie in astonishment. He turned back to Louis, eyes wide. Louis’ heart gave an uncomfortable thud.

“Oh,” Barnaby said, a crooked smile appearing on his face.

“Barnaby,” Louis said, uncomfortable now as heat crept up the back of his neck.

Barnaby only chuckled and patted him on the shoulder. “Don’t be daft, old man. Shan’t breathe a word. Upon my honour, I shan’t. I say, though, she’s a lovely girl. Can see why you’re smitten.” He beamed at Louis, who could only stare at him.

“You… You don’t think…” Louis swallowed and rubbed the back of his neck, feeling ridiculous. “I’m not too… old?”

Barnaby gaped at him. “Good God, man, you’re hardly in your dotage. You’re the sort who’ll still look good when you’re eighty, you lucky blighter. She likes you, don’t she? Best of friends, you said. Well, seems a good start to me, better than most have. What’s a few years? Besides, she’ll suit you nicely. Need a bit of looking after, I reckon, and she’s the kind to dote on a fellow. Do you good, a bit of doting.”

Louis swallowed and had to fight back the extraordinary urge to hug the fellow in public. What the devil was wrong with him?

“Be grand if we could get them both up the aisle, wouldn’t it?” Barnaby said wistfully. “Still, your chances are better than mine.”

Louis shook his head. “Non. She does not see me, Barnaby. I am her friend only, and I think I will soon lose my mind if I cannot change this.”