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Chapter Twelve
Dearest Thomas,
I do not even know how to begin such a letter. After our encounter at Almack's ball, I had thought this week would bring with it the joy of a new courtship, supported by the approval of both of our families.
It seems I was quite wrong.
For reasons that remain confusing, my father has forbidden me from seeing you. He shared his side of the matter with me, and though I have never known any reason not to take him at his word, I feel there must be more to the truth than what he has presented.
Please, meet me tonight when the clock strikes twelve. I am desperate to understand the truth of this situation. I have known you to be a good man, and wish to get to the bottom of this as swiftly as possible, so that I may prove to Father that our relationship is worth pursuing.
There is a fence with a loosened post on the south side of Alderleaf Manor. You should have no trouble passing through undetected. If I am as close to your heart as you are to mine, I trust you shall meet me in the gardens.
Yours,
Evelina
Thomas laid the letter aside, heart hammering. He had thought nothing could possibly upset him more than the suspicions Gerard had shared that very afternoon.
But now this?
“Ahem.” The young serving boy who had come calling at Elvington Manor to deliver the letter shifted his weight.
Thomas dug out a few coins as a tip and pressed them into the boy’s damp palm. “Do not leave just yet. Allow me to draft a proper response.”
My Sweet Evelina,
It seems we have much to discuss. I must admit, my brother has shared some concerns as well, regarding our match. Please remain confident that my feelings for you are as strong as ever—I am likewise committed to getting to the bottom of this so that I may court you openly, for all the world to see.
With love,
Thomas
Thomas added his stamp to the letter and passed it off to the serving boy. “Make sure this goes directly to Lady Evelina. Not a maid, not the butler. No one. You understand?”
“Yes, sir,” said the boy.
“Get along now.”
When Thomas was alone in his study once more, he sat back in his chair, more than a little stunned. Could it possibly be true that the Duke of Alderleaf was responsible for Father’s death? What had he shared with Evelina to prompt her to write such a letter in the first place?
Was Gerard right to be suspicious of Evelina herself? Was there a chance she truly was only pursuing Thomas at the behest of her father?
No, Thomas told himself vehemently.Do not jump to conclusions. If you truly care for Lady Evelina, you will allow her to speak for herself.
* * *
The loose post in the fence was more challenging to find than Evelina had originally implied. Firstly, it was dark out, and Alderleaf Manor was crawling with beautiful, concealing foliage.
Secondly, Thomas was more than a little anxious.
As he skulked about the fence line, terrified that any moment a horde of constables would emerge—or worse, the notorious Duke of Alderleaf himself—he could not help but fear that things would be different between himself and Evelina now. What had begun as a strong, instantaneous bond of mutual intellection attraction was at risk of devolving into paranoia and suspicion.
“I will not let that happen,” Thomas muttered under his breath, as he pressed on yet another post unsuccessfully. “I will fight for you, Evelina.”
In the distance, a dog suddenly began to bark. Thomas nearly jumped out of his skin from fright.
“What is that? You see something, Boy?” came a deep voice from the same direction.
