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Chapter Twenty-Eight
The night she was meant to meet Thomas again at the gazebo, Evelina did not dare lay down in bed even for a few minutes, lest she succumb to sleep. The last few days had been more emotionally trying than she had anticipated. Her mother was so excited about the engagement ball, determined to go all out with the setup and planning, and practically throwing herself at Evelina in excitement.
It was a side she had never seen to her mother—this sudden investment in their relationship—and it pained Evelina greatly to essentially lie her way through what should have been bonding moments.
Is this what I always needed to do to gain Mother’s love and approval? Pretend to be someone I am not?
The thought continued to plague Evelina even as she sat at her vanity in the dark, awaiting the hour when she was to sneak out and meet Thomas. She was jarred from her thoughts only by the late-night chime of the clock in the foyer below.
Quietly, she stood and steeled herself to the task at hand.
The house was completely dark inside at this hour, though undoubtedly, there would be at least one or two servants still up making rounds. Evelina was careful to creep by close to the wall, and look before rounding corners, as she made her way downstairs and out into the gardens. She paused just before heading out the door, careful to ease it open…
Squeeeeeeeeeek.
Evelina hissed a sharp breath in through her teeth. She stood completely frozen, certain someone from the staff—or worse, one of her parents—would appear out of nowhere and make end of her.
Her heart jumped into her throat when she heard steady footsteps coming down the stairs.
Instinct took over. Evelina slid out the door and closed it as softly as she could behind her. She scurried out into the gardens, treading as softly as she could, terrified that she had been overheard and would be followed. Foliage rushed by on all sides. Where to go? Should she still head for the gazebo, where Thomas waited? Or if she was followed, would she only make things worse for them both by leading her pursuers to him?
She wound up hiding behind a shrub, breath in her throat, waiting to see if anyone was coming after her.
One minute passed.
Then two.
At last, Evelina allowed herself to relax, or at least unclench her muscles. The guard dog barked in the far distance, likely after another rodent. She wished with sudden intensity that Thomas was there with her now, to take her in his arms and reassure her that all would be well.
He likely is here now, waiting for you. Will you let fear keep you from going after what you most deeply desire?
Evelina rose from where she had been crouched and resumed her journey to the gazebo. What tension remained from her escape from the house disappeared when she saw the tall, stately silhouette of the gentleman awaiting her.
“Thomas,” she said, when she was close enough that only he would hear. “I hope you have not been waiting long. I—”
Evelina’s breath caught when she got close enough to make out his face in the shadows. The handsome features remembered were still there, yet they had been concealed by an array of vicious bruises. A bandage wrapped around his forehead, and he favored his right side, keeping an arm draped haphazardly over his left, as though cradling himself.
“I look rather worse for wear tonight, I will admit,” Thomas said. His smile seemed meant to reassure her, yet it did not reach his eyes.
Evelina was absolutely stunned. She felt as though she had left her body. Hoarsely, she whispered, “Who did this to you?”
Thomas’ bruised face clouded at the question. “It…is a complicated matter. In truth, I haven’t the first idea how to even begin to explain.”
She stepped forward, rage filling the hollowed-out place inside her where any positive emotions had retreated at the sight of Thomas’ battered appearance. “Tell me,” she demanded, voice hardening. “They shall be brought to justice at all costs!”
Thomas’ eyes warmed, but there was sadness there, too. Reluctance. “I have always admired your fire, My Lady. If only it were so simple.”
Evelina frowned. “What do you mean?”
Thomas started to respond, then hesitated. He inclined his head, gesturing for Evelina to follow him into the darkness of the gazebo. Mind still reeling from the shock of his injuries, Evelina took his hand and followed.
He led her to sit with him in the same place they had before. The thick foliage concealed them from any prying eyes, not that there would be any this far into the garden so late at night.
Evelina found her face growing hot at their proximity. The last time they had been here, she had already been lulled into comfort at Thomas’ touch, having become accustomed to it when they’d pressed against one another out of necessity to hide by the fence.
Now, she was all the more conscious of how close Thomas was. The strong heat of him, even in his current weakened state, could not be ignored. Without fully realizing what she was doing, Evelina lifted a hand to lightly graze the side of Thomas’ face.
He started at her touch, but after a moment, let himself lean into it. His eyelids drooped. She lightly dusted a thumb over his bruised cheek, wishing she could take the injuries onto herself in his stead.
