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Evie took several even breaths before answering. “He is not as bad as all that,” she said carefully.
“I knew it!” Julie jumped to her feet and resumed pacing back and forth in front of Evie. “He seduced you, didn’t he? Oh, that sly—”
“Julie, calm down. Please?” Evie indicated the seat in front of her with a nod. “Just listen to me, all right?”
Julie took a deep breath and did as Evie asked.
“I sought him out. He suffered because of our ploy last year—
“It wasn’t our fault he—
Evie stopped Julie’s protests with a staying gesture. “He needed money. I needed a husband. I know he is Clydesdale’s best friend, and he wouldn’t risk upsetting that friendship by treating me badly. He is also used to his bachelor lifestyle in London, so he won’t care what I do back in Peacehaven. I thought it all through. Please, give me some credit.” Evie hoped she was assuring her cousin because she barely believed her own words. This might have sounded like a solid plan to her a fortnight earlier, but now?
Julie looked at Evie for a short moment before replying. “Of course, I trust you. I know how smart you are and that you wouldn’t make hasty decisions… But I know what your grandfather wanted for you. I know what you have always wanted.”
Evie’s eyes filled with tears. “We don’t always get what we want.” She smiled sadly. “I get more than most women.”
Julie regarded her with worry shining in her dark blue eyes. “Have you talked to Samantha yet? She is extremely worried about you, you know.”
“No, I haven’t. To be honest, I don’t even know where she is right now. I haven’t had the chance to communicate with her much since Montbrook took over the Somerset estates.” She paused and swallowed the hurt in her chest. “I sent a note to her London residence about two weeks ago.”
“Yes, I know. She showed it to me. The same note I received about not worrying about you because you were eloping?” Julie’s lips twitched in laughter. “Let me tell you one thing, that did not succeed in ceasing either of our worries.”
“I am sorry.” Evie chewed on her bottom lip.
“Don’t apologize, sweetheart. You were in a difficult situation, and you took the opportunity to get out of it. We worried about you, but we were all right.”
Evie nodded thoughtfully. “How is Sam?”
“She looked good, happy, healthy. She said she needed to speak with you. Some news or some such, but she is in Bedford now.”
Evie pursed her lips in thought. “I wish I could see her sooner. But I have to go and take care of my people. They’ve been neglected quite enough. I am moving to Peacehaven on the morrow.” She looked at the fire thoughtfully. “Do you mind posting a letter from me to Sam?”
“Absolutely not.” Julie got up from her chair. “Let’s go. You better use Robert’s study for that.”
Evie looked around the quiet townhouse as they walked down the hall. “Where are the children?” she finally asked. “I assumed they were in the nursery, but it is too quiet for that.”
“Robert took them for a ride in the park.” Julie waved her hand dismissively.
“And Mary is still in York?”
“Yes, but she and the dowager will be traveling here soon.”
“Is the season over then?” Evie asked, walking beside her cousin. She knew Mary tried to avoid the crowded season. Thehaut tondidn’t take well to her.
“Yes, the final ball happened a few days ago.”
“Oh, good.”
“You’ll need a new wardrobe next year. You can wear bright colors now that you’re a matron.”
Evie smiled, remembering her constant complaints that she wasn’t allowed to wear bright colors. Before they made it to the study, they heard the loud sounds of voices coming from downstairs.
“Oh, God, the family is back.” Julie grinned openly. “Let’s go say hello.” She took Evie by the hand and fairly dragged her down the stairs. As soon as the children saw them, they charged at them with top speed. Both of them jumping on, clinging to and hugging their mother.
“Auntie Evie!” The eldest boy, Jared, hugged Evie tightly while Julie picked up her little daughter, Victoria.
Clydesdale came up behind the children and gave his wife a soft kiss on her lips. “Hello, darling.” He looked at her with so much love in his pale gray eyes that Evie’s heart constricted. That was all she ever wanted for herself. A husband who looked at her like that, and children who hugged and kissed her after a short separation. A loving family.
