“Oh, dear. Is it that terrible business in the garden?”
Evelyn’s heart skipped a beat, maybe two or three. Surely her aunt didn’t know about her liaisons with Alexander. Although such magnificent moments could hardly be described as terrible.
“It’s lucky Lord Hale happened to walk by,” her aunt continued, “else heaven only knows what devious plans Mr. Sutherby had in mind for you. And to think I thought he was such an affable gentleman and even encouraged the match.”
“You were not to know,” Evelyn said sitting down opposite her aunt, desperate to tuck into the plate of eggs and bacon. “Mr. Sutherby fooled us all.”
“He certainly did,” she replied with a firm nod. “There’s warm toast in the rack.”
Evelyn took a piece and covered it with a thin layer of butter. “I wonder if Mr. Sutherby told Charlotte what happened last night.”
“Lord Markham took her to one side and informed her that her brother needed to leave. I assume she’d be mortified if she knew of his sinful urges and lustful cravings. Such a quiet, elegant young lady.”
“I don’t suppose she’ll be pleased when she discovers we’re no longer destined to be sisters. She’s talked of nothing else all week.”
“Yes. She did seem desperate to see her brother wed.” Aunt Beatrice patted Evelyn’s hand. “I hope you’re not too disappointed. I had hoped to see you happy and settled but …”
“There’s plenty of time,” Evelyn said, trying not to show her relief at having an excuse to refuse the match. “I have a few years before I’ll be considered unmarriageable.”
“I just don’t like to see you upset.”
“I’m fine.” Fine didn’t even begin to describe how wonderful she felt.
“Never mind. Our trip to India will take your mind off it and give you something else to focus on. You never know, you may meet a wealthy merchant who’s desperate for an English wife.”
Evelyn practically choked on her tea. “Our trip to India?”
“I knew you’d be surprised,” her aunt said clasping her hands to her chest. “Mr. Hartwood has asked me to marry him. He wants us to go to India, only for six months or so. Can you believe it? After all these years. Your mother always said I should have married Mr. Hartwood, but we were young, and our parents did not approve.”
“You’re to be married?”
“Yes,” her aunt beamed. “You have no idea what went through my mind as I lay dying in the wreckage. I thought of all the things I would miss, thought of all the things I’d regret. It forced me to accept what I have spent years denying.”
Evelyn struggled with a range of conflicting emotions. “That’s wonderful, Aunt Bea. I’m so happy for you,” she said feigning a smile. The muscles in her stomach twisted into painful knots, and she felt nauseous and light-headed at the prospect of leaving Alexander. “Isn’t it a little sudden though?”
“Sudden,” her aunt repeated as her eyes widened. “I have always loved Mr. Hartwood and have waited more than thirty years for a second chance at happiness.”
Happiness? What of her happiness? Was this to be the end of everything?
“Are you sure you want to leave your home?” Evelyn hoped her words sounded sincere, hoped her concerns sounded genuine. It took all her effort not to jump from the chair and shout and scream at her aunt for her selfishness. Although it was wrong of her to feel that way. Her aunt had been her guardian for the last five years and had always put her needs first.
“That reminds me. I’m to meet Mr. Hartwood this afternoon. He is taking me to see an exhibition of Camellia Japonica at Vauxhall. The Chandler and Buckingham Nursery are desperate to show their exotic flowers now they’re in full bloom. You’re welcome to join us. We’ll be back in plenty of time to take supper with Lord Hale.”
“Supper? Lord Hale is coming for supper?”
Could the day hold any more surprises?
She’d have to wait another twelve hours to see him again. Although at the present moment, twelve hours was a mere trifle when compared to being separated by thousands of miles.
“I invited him last night. It’s the least we can do after he took the trouble to escort you home and in such a discreet manner.” Her aunt took a sip of her tea. “I must say he does seem somewhat protective of you. There are not many gentlemen who would act so selflessly. I believe he is of a mind to wed and thinks you a possible match.”
An array of heavenly images flashed through Evelyn’s mind, pictures of wedded bliss. They were running around the fountain at Stony Cross, laughing and flicking water over one another. They were lying on the lush green lawn surrounded by vibrant rose blooms, his body pressing down on hers as they frolicked under the heat of the midday sun.
Evelyn swallowed deeply.
She’d always professed to be a realist. Yet now her mind was possessed by romantic visions, her heart plagued by fantasies of everlasting love.
“I think your own excitement has affected your judgement, Aunt Bea. Lord Hale is far too complex a man to be defined by the usual modes of conduct.” She wiped her mouth with her napkin and stood up. “I think I’ll go and read some more before I take my bath.”