Perhaps he should have been relieved at her sudden departure. Now, there was no need to spend hours contemplating all the ‘what if’ scenarios. He could return to his simple life, free from obligation.

But dreams possess a magical quality to rise above the mere wishes of men.

Dreams, once embedded into hearts and minds cannot simply be erased or forgotten. Thoughts of Evelyn Bromwell consumed him, as though the essence of the woman had found a way to seep into his blood, into the air he breathed. Despite his best effort, he knew he would not be able to function as he had before. He would not rest until he knew what had prompted the hasty departure, until he knew she was safe and well.

It would mean moving about in Society. If only for a brief time.

The thought forced him to consider what was at risk.

His life would be over if anyone discovered his secret. Although this was no life he was living. He was as good as dead. But how would he fair in a room full of people? Could he control the urges? Could he suppress the pangs wringing the muscles tight in his belly? Where would he find the blood he so desperately craved?

Mrs. Shaw would need to accompany him. It would only be for a day or two. Just until he had seen Miss Bromwell. No doubt, he’d stumble upon her and her beau strolling arm in arm through the ballroom. She would regale tales of their upcoming nuptials, her pretty blue eyes sparkling with delight. Anger would bubble away inside, forcing him to be rude.

After all, who would desire a monster when they could have a most affable, kind and handsome gentleman like Mr. Sutherby?

Chapter 9

“It feels so good to be out and about amongst company,” Aunt Beatrice said as she adjusted her turban until the feather dangled down over the scar at her temple. “If I had spent another day stuck in bed, I think I would have started talking to the walls.”

Evelyn surveyed the hordes of people crowded into Lord Melbury’s ballroom. “Are you sure you wouldn’t rather be somewhere quieter? I can make our excuses to Mr. Sutherby. Under the circumstances, I know he would understand. We could —”

“Heavens no,” her aunt exclaimed. “You’ve wasted far too much time tending to me. You need to be out in Society, and then everyone will know of your attachment to Mr. Sutherby.”

Evelyn tried to protest but struggled to get a word out. After feeling helpless and being cooped up like a chick in a nest, her aunt was chirping more than usual.

“Besides,” Aunt Beatrice continued, “I much prefer the noise and bustle of Town. At least, there’s no danger of being attacked by falling branches. I don’t think I’ll ever be able to ride through the forest again.”

For Evelyn, the opposite was true.

In Town, one could not swim naked in the moonlight or be rescued by a dark, brooding gentleman who found pleasure in being rude to everyone he met.

Aunt Beatrice put her fingers to her temple and winced. “Has Mr. Sutherby mentioned the reason behind such an impromptu departure?”

Evelyn shook her head. “Only to reiterate what he told us at Mytton Grange. He had an urgent matter of business to attend to and had no option but to return.”

“The man barely gave me time to finish my eggs. I didn’t even get a chance to crush the shell and you what that means — a whole a year of bad luck. In his impatience, I thought he might tear the spoon from my fingers and rap my knuckles.” She sighed. “And you know it’s not wise to travel on a full stomach. It causes all sorts of problems with my digestion.”

No one could have been more shocked at the sudden change of plan than Evelyn.

It was not the distress of having to pack their meagre belongings in a hurry or the sense of wild panic filling the house, that affected her. Lying awake during the early hours, her mind had been occupied with thoughts of Alexander Cole. Would he walk over to Mytton Grange again? Or would she be left alone in the dark, plagued by disappointment?

Well, she would never know.

The thought caused her throat to constrict.

“Although he has been most attentive to your needs,” her aunt continued.

“Who?” Evelyn said. Her aunt couldn’t possibly know that the Earl of Hale had rescued her from the icy depths of the river.

“Mr. Sutherby! Honestly, Evelyn, anyone would think you were the one who had injured their head. I said he’s been very attentive since our return. I suppose I can forgive him for causing my stomach cramps as he will soon be family.”

Evelyn shook her head and glanced over her shoulder. “Shush,” she whispered. “He has not offered for me and even if he does I’m not sure I’ll accept.”

“What? Of course, you’ll accept. There’s not a man in all of London more suited to you.”

Mr. Sutherby had spent the last two days trying to arrange a private meeting and Evelyn had used her aunt’s ill health as an excuse. But time had run out. With her aunt’s appearance at Lord Melbury’s ball, she’d have no choice but to listen to what the gentleman had to say. The thought caused a nervous flutter in her chest that shot up to her throat when she spotted Mr. Sutherby approaching.

“My dear, Miss Bromwell, you’re looking resplendent this evening,” Mr. Sutherby said after bowing gracefully to her aunt. He smiled wide enough to display a full set of white teeth. “Say you’ll dance with me. It’s been an age since I last twirled you about the floor.”

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