Page 23 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

“If Wedmore doesn’t make contact,” Dom grumbled, “we move forward with our plan. I cannot stomach another day of sightseeing.”

“You mean your plan. And I already rejected it. We are not holding them hostage.”

“Only me.” Dom grimaced but offered no more arguments. It was Jonathan’s assignment, after all, but his colleague was right.

“No more hiding,” Jonathan agreed. “Join us for supper, and we will say you’ve returned. But stay out of sight today. Miss Darlington is very observant. If she sees you, she will likely recognize you this evening. Just keep an eye out for Wedmore.”

“There they are,” Dom said.

Jonathan’s gaze strayed to Evangeline. Her lemon-yellow parasol blocked the view of her face, but he had memorized her features from the dimples in her cheeks to the tiniest mole just above the left side of her mouth. If he were a master artist, he could recreate her likeness in perfect detail.

With a subtle downward flick of his fingers, he signaled for Dom to check the perimeter for signs of Wedmore while he followed the group toward the Parthenon.

Dom veered to the right as Jonathan picked through the weeds en route to the breathtaking structure with its towering columns. With any luck, the trio wouldn’t notice his approach right away. Perhaps he could overhear something about the ladies’ uncle.

“Is the temple everything you imagined, dearest?” Regina asked, staying a few steps behind with Xavier and allowing Evangeline to guide the exploration.

Jonathan had overheard the trio addressing each other often enough to start thinking of them by their given names. Dom would be appalled.

Evangeline exhaled, gazing up at the partial frieze. “It is stunning, Gigi.”

Jonathan had been similarly overcome the first time he stood on this once sacred ground, feeling tiny and insignificant, his existence but a blink on humanity’s timeline.

“I must admit, even I am awed,” Xavier said, passing Evangeline’s large tote of art supplies to his other hand.

“Record this moment in your travel diary, Evangeline.” Regina lifted her face toward Xavier, smiling playfully. “On this day, the eleventh of August, my husband was impressed.”

“It is not my fault I’m difficult to impress, chérie. My goddess sets a high standard.”

When he rested his hand on the small of her back, Jonathan looked away, an uncomfortable spectator to their casual display of affection.

Evangeline clicked her tongue, her manner teasing as she gathered her tote from Xavier. “While you two make calf eyes at each other, I want to explore on my own.”

She didn’t wait for their consent before setting off on a path around the Parthenon with her art supplies in hand.

“Don’t wander far,” Xavier called.

“Be careful,” Regina added.

Evangeline snorted. “What can happen? You would see if someone carried me down the hill.”

She spun a slow circle to point out the open space and lit up when she saw Jonathan. “Sir Jonathan! You made it. I feared your work might keep you away.”

Her comment twanged a nerve in him. His former fiancée had often accused him of being too absorbed by his work, not realizing he had been diligently trying to protect her.

“Present company and the location are more appealing than my work,” he said.

“I doubt that is true.” Evangeline turned toward her sister and brother-in-law. “Sir Jonathan and I are off to explore.”

Regina inclined her head, the worry line between her brows easing.

Evangeline’s smile widened as she linked arms and guided Jonathan toward the Sanctuary of Zeus Polieus, a roofless structure believed to house oxen for sacrifice.

“I must admit to being very curious about your latest research,” she said as they stopped in the shadow of a column. “I’ve been reading your book and find it fascinating. I would love to explore your thoughts on drumming rituals as they related to ancient warriors returning home from battle.”

A rush of energy flooded through him. His work had always been solitary, and he welcomed a collaboration.

“Nothing would please me more, Miss Darlington. Perhaps after supper this evening?”