Page 110 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

When she stepped toward them, he held out his hand. “Stay back! Farrin is in Athens, and she is working with him.”

Evangeline froze.

A commotion came from the other side of the house. Her uncle yelled her name, and it sounded like a herd of horses running up the front staircase.

“Evangeline?”

Havers! It was Xavier, and here she stood in the middle of the corridor wearing nothing except a sheet.

“I’m here,” she called, rushing back toward the bedchamber. “Nothing is wrong.”

She reached the room and slammed the door a breath before her uncle and both brothers-in-law barreled around the corner.

“Devil take it!” Crispin bellowed. “Why are you yelling at the maid? Your wife’s sisters are beside themselves.”

Evangeline scrambled to grab a wrapper and kicked free of the bedsheet as the men argued outside the bedchamber. She was donning her slippers when a sharp rap on the door made her jump.

“Vanna, let me in.”

“I’m coming, Uncle Charles.” She yanked the door handle with a huff and looked at Crispin. “Why are you being so loud? You never raise your voice. What is wrong with you?”

“It’s my wedding night,” he snapped.

“And you can blame Farrin for ruining it,” she said. “He’s in Athens.”

Xavier, the only calm one of the bunch, asked in a quiet voice, “Is this true, Evangeline?”

“Yes,” Jonathan answered and took the envelope from Leda’s hand. “He sent a message to Dom.”

The poor maid backed into a corner, tears streaking down her cheeks. Evangeline went to her and placed her arm around her shoulders to murmur words of comfort. When Leda’s shaking slowed, Evangeline looked to Jonathan.

“She might have found the letter. Ask how she came to be in possession of it.”

Jonathan frowned but did as she requested. Leda glanced at Uncle Charles before lowering her head and answering.

“A man stopped her on the street,” Jonathan translated.

“Tonight? Why was she away from the villa?”

Leda’s cheeks flushed when she spoke to Jonathan. His eyebrows drew together.

“She was with her beau.”

“La!” Evangeline said. “I thought she was done with him.”

Uncle Charles came forward. “The man was older and English like me.”

“It could be Farrin,” Crispin said. “There were sightings reported from Scotland, but he’s wily enough to use decoys.”

Leda grabbed Evangeline’s hand, pleading in Greek. When she spoke the name Li, Jonathan flinched.

“What did she say?” Evangeline asked.

“Dr. and Mrs. Li’s lives are in danger if she fails. Hellfire! Is he next door?”

Aunt Beatrice and her sisters appeared at the end of the corridor.

“Who is next door?” Regina asked.