Lost to the Night (The Brotherhood 1)

She thrust her head under the pillow as a way of shutting out the world and after dismissing an array of lascivious images, involving firm buttocks and well-developed thighs, she finally fell asleep.

“Wake up, miss, wake up. It’s gone ten.”

Mrs. Shaw shook the bed with such force she thought she might fall out. Evelyn groaned and turned over in protest. How could it be ten? She felt as though she’d only been asleep for an hour.

“You need to get up. A letter has come from Mytton Grange.”

It took a moment for the words to penetrate and Evelyn opened her eyes as the thought echoed in her mind. She should have been ecstatic. She should have been clambering over the bed in a rush to get to her clothes.

“Is … is Mr. Sutherby sending his carriage?”

Why did she have the overwhelming feeling that she didn’t want to leave? Why had she developed a sudden affinity for the place?

“I’ve left the letter in his lordship’s study. He won’t be down yet.”

No, Evelyn thought, probably because he’d spent the night boxing an invisible opponent and swimming naked in the river.

“How’s Aunt Beatrice this morning?”

“Much better,” Mrs. Shaw said with a smile. “She’s managed to eat a bit of toast.”

The sense of relief caused her to sigh loudly. “I’ll wash and dress and spend some time with her before I eat. Do you think she’ll be fit to travel?”

“I’m sure she will. It’s only a few miles and she can rest when she gets there.”

“Oh.”

Mrs. Shaw poured fresh water into the pitcher. “I’ll be sad to see you go. It’s been nice having someone to talk to.”

The thought of leaving caused another pang of sadness in Evelyn’s chest. How odd.

“You’ve been very kind, Mrs. Shaw. I’m sure I’d have been left cold, filthy and starving if it wasn’t for you.”

Mrs. Shaw gave a weak smile. “Oh, his lordship would have mellowed, eventually. He’s a good man deep down. Never forget that.”

Evelyn didn’t see the earl at breakfast, although it was almost twelve when her growling stomach forced her to leave her aunt and go in search of food. There was no sign of him when she wandered through the house. There was no sign of him in the garden when she examined the fountain and sat on the bench. The same bench where he had so shamelessly discarded his clothes.

A frisson of excitement raced through her at the thought.

When the rain came, she rushed inside and almost barged into Mrs. Shaw, who was on her way out to find her.

“His lordship said to tell you that Mr. Sutherby will be calling later today. You’re to make sure your things are packed and waiting in the hall.”

Obviously, the earl couldn’t wait to be rid of her, and she felt anger flare. All of these conflicting emotions were giving her a headache.

“Could he not come and tell me so himself?” she said loudly in the hope he would hear her. “It’s not as though he could offend me any more than he has already. He’s made it clear he wants us out of here as soon as possible.”

Mrs. Shaw bent her head and whispered, “It’s more that he doesn’t want to become acquainted with Mr. Sutherby, for fear the gentleman will call in when he’s passing. I’d prepare yourself. I expect his lordship will be blunt and rather unkind.”

His lordship’s mood did not concern her; she had grown quite used to it in the few hours she’d spent with him. But she refused to be ignored or treated with contempt. He should have consulted her regarding any arrangements made.

“Where is the earl?”

Mrs. Shaw glanced to the closed door at the end of the hall. “In the study … but you can’t go in. No one’s allowed in there.”

Evelyn marched to the door and knocked.

There was no reply.