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It seemed the days I had taken to rest had somehow reached her.
“You have been greatly misinformed, Dowager,” I replied politely though angry, walking down the stairs. “Emeline is under the very best of care. In fact, she and I were in the middle of a walk through the gardens when I heard you had arrived.”
Holding her cane, a new addition, her blue eyes narrowed on me, and she lifted her head. How she managed with such a massive wig was truly a talent. “Yes, of course, my dear girl. However, one cannot merely take your word for it. Emeline is very important to me, and I wish to know she is well taken care of.”
“Naturally, but Dowager, children need to keep to their schedule. Had you sent word that you wished to see her, I would have arranged a time that was appropriate. I must say, to come to another’s home with no notice and demand an audience is highly improper, even if you are the child’s relation. Or were you not aware of such etiquette?” I asked.
Everything I had seen of the dowager, from her clothes to her hair to her manner of speech, told me that she wished to be respected despite her low birth. So to insinuate that she did not have common manners was a great insult.
The grip on the cane tightened, and she chuckled bitterly. “Highly improper, you say? May I ask why it is highly improper when I arrive without notice? But when your mother came trampling through here, years ago, she was deemed a heroine.”
“I beg your pardon?” I snapped my eyes wide. “My mother has never acted improperly.”
“It is past time you leave, Datura.” Evander’s harsh voice sounded behind me. “And do not return again. My daughter does not need your care. No little girl does, I assure you.”
Her glare shifted to him. “Should anything happen to her, I shall not let it go quietly—”
“Oh, I do not doubt that, but it would not be for anyone else’s sake except your own. I advise you to be wary of playing games with me, Datura, and to pass this caution to Fitzwilliam.”
She huffed and shook her head. “I have not spoken to Fitzwilliam since you so cruelly dismissed us from our home.”
“This. Is. Not. Your. Home,” he sneered, and I took hold of his arm to calm him.
“Thank you for coming, Dowager. I hope you have a safe trip back from whence you came.” I forced a smile and outstretched my arm to her carriage.
“I have returned to Everely, and I will not be forced out once more,” she said directly to Evander, then spun around dramatically. We watched as she entered her waiting carriage.
Evander turned to the guards, holding up his finger. “Never allow that woman on the grounds again. I do not care if you must throw yourself in front of her carriage. Am I understood?”
“Yes, Your Grace.” The man bowed his head.
Without another word, Evander marched up the stairs. If he thought I was not going to ask, he was mistaken.
“What is going on?” I questioned following after him. “Did she truly come here because she thought Emeline would be treated so poorly? Why—”
“She is lying,” he replied. “Pay her no mind.”
“That is quite difficult,” I said, stepping before him. “Explain what she meant about my mother? Did something happen—”
He cupped the sides of my face and leaned in, kissing my forehead. “Worry not of such things, my dear. It is all in the past. Simply ignore her. She will not come again.”
“Whether she comes again does not change the fact that she came now. I do not understand. Tell me what she meant about my mother? Also, why—”
“Your Grace,” Wallace interrupted at a very convenient time for his master.
Frowning, I turned to see the three large and gruff men, dressed in dark cotton clothes, holding their hats carefully in their hands. They smiled politely at us, and I offered the same. “The tenants you wished to speak to, sir.”
“Oh yes!” Evander replied, stepping around me. “Thank you for coming. I have much to talk to you about regarding the next harvest.”
All three of them continued to stare at me. Evander glanced at them again.
Wallace moved to speak, but I stepped forward, outstretching my hand.
“Hello, sirs, I am Lady Aphrodite Du— Eagleman.” It was the first time I had needed to introduce myself. “Welcome to Everely House.”
“Thank you, ma’am—I mean, Your Grace.” The first man cleaned his hand on his own shirt before taking my hand.
“Welcome to you, too,” the second one replied, also cleaning his hand before shaking mine.
