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With the context of what had occurred to Verity and how his father had done nothing, I understood what he meant by not also. He wished not to be like his father.
“No, not that I can see,” I said, brushing his face. “Mrs. Watson took good care of her, all other things considered.”
He exhaled a breath of relief and rested his head on me. He said nothing more, and I would not push. This was fine. Holding him, being near him, was perfect.
“I love you, Evander,” I whispered.
“And I you.”
“Thus, now there is true love in Everely. We brought it.”
“That we very much did.” He smiled, and my heart shook.
27
Aphrodite
“You know,” Verity suddenly said as we walked into town with Emeline and Eleanor.
“I know what?” I asked.
“About my nightmares,” she said, holding my arm. “I was sure your brother would have said something before he left, or you might have heard me over the last two days.”
“It was the latter. My brother said nothing to me, nor did Silva,” I replied softly.
Her face bunched bitterly. “Your family is kind. That is why remaining in your home any longer was not possible. I could see how concerned they were for me, how much effort they made on my behalf. It grew to be…too much.”
She was pained. I could see it in her eyes; she looked as though she were fighting back tears.
“I shall not ask you about anything you do not wish to speak of,” I replied, nodding to the tenants in town as we walked by.
Her grip on my arm tightened. “Thank you.”
“Not at all.” I had learned my lesson. I should have learned it before, when he had told me the truth of his brother’s misdeeds. I would not force either of them. Instead, I would wait for them to share whenever they were ready.
“Good mornin’, Your Grace,” Mrs. Stoneshire, the keeper of the Three Boar Bar & Inn, called to me as she swept over the front door.
“Good morning, Rosemary.” I waved to her. “Fully booked?”
“Not quite, just a load of mornin’ drinkers.” She nodded back inside. “Hopin’ for more people to come through.”
“They shall. I am sure of it.”
“Good mornin’, Your Grace. Can I offer you any treats today?” Mr. Lupton, the oldest baker in town, said from outside his shop as we walked by.
“Please, do not tempt me, Mr. Lupton. I ate far too many last time!”
“That is exactly why I am asking again!” He roared with laughter.
I grinned, shaking my head. “I shall refrain until I have walked off the rest.”
“Nonsense, Your Grace. You are beautiful as always. The duke is a very lucky man.”
“I shall let him know you said so!” I smiled and waved.
“How is it you know so many people?” Verity asked. “I have lived here all my life, and I have never spoken to the baker or innkeeper.”
“That might be the reason you do not know them.” I giggled, looking at her. “After all, an introduction is necessary to be familiar.”
