Page 65 of Evie and Louis: The Story so Far

“Really?” Barnaby said sceptically. “Reckon you ought to try harder then,” he said, in a matter-of-fact tone.

“I….” Louis cleared his throat, feeling absurd, “I am afraid to. What if… what if she doesn’t want me?”

Barnaby gave him a look of such sympathy and understanding Louis wished he’d kept his mouth shut. “Keep asking myself the same thing, old chap. There’s only one answer and we both understand what it is. At least you’ll know. You’ll have tried, eh? Got to try.”

Louis frowned, watching Evie from afar, and shook his head. “Non. She is too young, it’s not time yet. She just told me the other day she is not ready to marry. I must respect her wishes.”

“Well, fair enough,” Barnaby said with a shrug. “Reckon you know more about affairs of the heart than I do, only… don’t wait too long. Should hate some less scrupulous fellow to steal a march on you.” His eyes lit up, and he elbowed Louis. “There’s my lady. Tally ho, old man, best of luck to you.”

Louis watched him go in consternation, very much aware that his pupil of the past few months had just turned the tables on him and given him some very sound advice.

Chapter 30

An Enchanting Dare

1st July 1841, Trevick Castle, Warwickshire.

“Monsieur!” Evie’s eyes lit up at the sight of him and something in Louis’ heart eased at the pleasure he saw there.

“Bonsoir, ma belle mademoiselle,” he said, bowing over her hand. He raised her gloved fingers to his lips and pressed a kiss to her knuckles.

“Goodness, Louis, you are dashing tonight. Who are you trying to impress?” she demanded.

Louis sighed. “You, ma petite, as always.”

Evie laughed and took his arm. “Whatever for? That’s the wonderful thing about friends. You don’t need to try so hard. Are you having a lovely time? I believe the entire world is here tonight. What a crush it is.”

“Non, I have had a very dull evening so far, but now I think my luck has changed. You saved me two dances, I hope? You promised.”

Evie grinned at him. “Papa isn’t here, so yes. Of course I did. I don’t think Mama will tattle on me.”

“And if she does?”

“If she does, I shall endure another scolding, I suppose. I don’t know why he worries so about you,” she mused, shaking her head. “Good Lord, if he knew how often we’ve been alone together and you, a perfect gentleman. Even when I was in my nightclothes. I almost told him about that the last time—”

“What? Mon Dieu, Evie!”

Evie stared at him and then gave a snort of laughter. “Don’t look so horrified. What’s the trouble? Afraid he’ll force you to marry me?” She put her hand to her heart and adopted a tragic expression. “Good Lord, a fate worse than death!”

“Non!” Louis took her hand and clasped it in his. His heart had picked up speed and Barnaby’s words rang in his ears. “I am not afraid of any such thing. Not in the least. Only that you not get into trouble with your father, whom you esteem so highly. I should not wish this for you, Evie, but… but as for marrying you, I should be—”

“Louis! How do. Are you having a splendid time?”

Louis cursed as the Marquess of Blackstone barged into their conversation and hooked an arm over his shoulder, leaning into him so heavily that Louis staggered. The wretched devil grinned inanely. He was half seas over already, damn him.

“Splendid,” Louis managed through gritted teeth.

“Jules! Do go and drink some water. You’re drunk as a wheelbarrow,” Evie protested.

“No, I am drunk as a lord,” Jules replied with offended dignity before saluting them both and staggering away.

“Daft creature,” Evie said, laughing softly. “He’ll have a dreadful hangover in the morning.”

“One can only hope,” Louis muttered.

The country dance being performed with some enthusiasm whilst they spoke finally ended and Evie consulted her dance card. “Our waltz is next.”

Louis offered her his arm. He wished the rest of the world would go away, so he might have some peace to figure out how to make this work. He thought perhaps he would try for a little honesty to begin with.