Page 9 of Evie and Louis: The Story so Far

“What if I don’t? What if I never find it?” he asked, before he had time to consider his words and what they revealed. Even he heard the fear behind those questions. “I don’t even know what it is.”

Evie shrugged, and he was irritated to discover that disappointed him, as though he’d believed this young woman could tell him what to do with his life. She’d figured out everything else about him easily enough. He was a frivolous libertine with nothing in his vacuous existence to recommend him. A pretty face with nothing beneath the façade.

“I don’t either,” she said gently. “But I do believe you’ll know, when you find it.”

“Very helpful,” he grumbled.

“Oh, stop sulking,” she said, and it occurred to him she spoke to him very freely now. He supposed seeing a man cast up his accounts rather took away any mystery or need for such reserve, and she’d never been shy or missish to begin with. Whatever the reason, he was glad of it. Only Nic spoke to him with such frankness, and he missed that. He missed his brother’s company badly, though he’d never admit that out loud.

“I’m not sulking.”

“Yes, you are, but I shall let you make it up to me by asking me to dance. No one else will, and I’m fed up with sitting in the corner this evening.”

“You would get asked, if anyone knew you were here,” he pointed out.

“No, I wouldn’t. No one notices me, and that’s quite all right, but this evening, I wish to dance, and I should like you to ask me.” Her expression faltered for a moment, and he hated the doubt he saw there. “Unless—”

“Do not finish that sentence,” he said, terse now. “Of course I wish to dance with you.”

Louis stood and executed a very formal bow. “Miss Evie, may I have the pleasure of this dance?”

She beamed up at him and took his hand. “Indeed you may, Monsieur le Comte. It would be my pleasure.”

Chapter 4

Dare to Cause a Scandal

Monsieur Le Comte,

I do not know how to thank you for beautiful piano. Mama says in normal circumstances I would have to refuse it as it was quite inappropriate for you to give me such an expensive birthday present. However, as you were so clever as to give it to all of us, she has relented. I am told to be incredibly careful how I behave around you, however, in case I give cause for people to gossip, or give you the wrong idea. I swear I was hardly able to keep my countenance at the idea you might be secretly pining for me. Can you imagine, the mysterious Comte de Villen enraptured with a chubby seventeen-year-old chit. The print shops would not know where to begin with that!

I thank you with all my heart for the piano, but also for the gift of your friendship which is the most important thing of all.

―Excerpt of a letter from Miss Evie Knight to Louis César de Montluc, the Comte de Villen.

Monsieur Le Comte,

I swore to myself I would hold my tongue and say nothing, but I shall simply burst if I keep silent a moment longer. If I had not heard it from the horse’s mouth, I should never have given it credence but what in heaven’s name has possessed you? Mrs Ogilvy, of all women? Please tell me it’s untrue and you have not made her your mistress. Mrs Armstrong I could quite understand, she’s lovely and charming and very lonely since her rotten husband neglects her so, but Mrs Ogilvy? She’s spiteful and cruel, and no matter how beautiful she is I had thought better of you.

Oh, please tell me it’s all a hum.

―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 Evie,

You are without a doubt the most outrageous chit that ever lived. Mon Dieu, I hardly dare imagine what you’ll say next.

Mrs Ogilvy is not my mistress, you dreadful girl. Grant me a little credit, I beg you.

Perhaps you would like to make me a list of suitable applicants for the position—that was sarcasm, incidentally. You English are usually adept at understanding such cynical comments, but I dare not take the chance with you. I honestly believe you would do 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).

Dear Miss Evie,

I am escorting Miss Agatha Smith to Holbrook House for the weekend. I admit I am rather astonished to have been invited to stay myself. I am of the opinion the earl does not like me, but suspect Lord Frederick to be at the heart of the invitation. He seems to enjoy Agatha’s company. She’s very rude to him. There is a lesson to men everywhere in that, I feel certain.

A little bird also told there will be several marriage minded young women attending. Please reassure me that I may rely on your assistance in finding appropriate hiding places and bringing sustenance at regular intervals. I confess I would rather not attend but Miss Smith has warned me of ‘dire consequences’ if I fail to attend to my duties as her guardian and escort her. This is no idle threat and one I cannot ignore.