Lady and the Gamble: A Sweet Victorian Romance (The Colby Brothers Book 2)

by Peggy Ann Craig

  “Uh, could we slow it down, some, Mr. Hastings? I’m awfully tired.”

  “Sure.” He grinned but his stride barely slowed and Evelina found herself more than once stumbling as she tried to keep pace.

  Beginning to grow anxious, she shot a glance around the hall silently seeking assistance. Without even realizing it, her gaze sought out Ryan in the large gathering. She desperately needed at that moment his confident smile or encouraging look. But the distraction caused her to miscalculate a step and to stumble over her own feet. Embarrassed, she mumbled an apology to George and tried to force herself to concentrate and keep up with George’s rather fast pace. She considered asking him to slow down once again but feared he would think her a dunce as she had previously done so and presumably, he considered he had already relented.

  Then without warning, she felt him throw her into a spin under his arm. A maneuver that required her to rotate on one leg in a full circle. However, he had spun her so quickly, her legs tangled beneath her throwing her off-balance. Since George had to release her to exercise the move, she no longer had his grip to help keep her steady. Her arm flapped widely at her side as she tried to regain her balance. Then in one horrifying moment, Evelina felt herself go down and hit the ground hard.

  The room went completely still. Silence filled the hall as the music came to a screeching stop and all the dancers came to an abrupt halt.

  Evelina looked up from her spot where she lay sprawled out on the dance floor and to her complete and utter horror, discovered every single person in that room was staring down at her in a combination of shock, silence, and horror. It was as if her worst nightmare had come to life.

  Then out of the sea of horrified faces, Ryan was suddenly at her side. In his undertaking, he did not slow or pause. He wordlessly knelt, swept her into his arms, and carried her out of the hall.

  Evelina buried her face in his neck, trying to hide her shame.

  From behind them, her parents were immediately on his heel. “Oh dear, oh dear, oh dear. Are you all right, Evelina?”

  “She’ll be fine,” Ryan stated and only stopped once when he safely exited the hall and stood on the landing to the entrance. “You go back inside.”

  “Perhaps I should take her home?” Clive took a step toward Ryan as if to remove Evelina from his arms.

  Ryan turned aside clutching her closer and told them, “That won’t be necessary. I’ll take her home.”

  “Are you sure?”

  “Yes, go back inside. Enjoy your daughter’s engagement party. Put everyone’s mind at ease regarding Evelina’s well-being.”

  “Yes, yes, of course.” He glanced anxiously at his daughter. “Will you be all right, Evie?”

  Evelina waited for that familiar feeling of wanting to run into her father’s arms where she felt the safest. Only there did she feel protected from an unjust world. However, to her dismay, she simply nodded her head and remained limp in Ryan’s arms.

  She thought she felt him exhale before he spun around and made his way to the carriage. “No need to worry, Clive. I’ll get her home safely.”

  Once down on the street, he unloaded her gently into the carriage as if she was the most precious piece of glass, then hurried around to the other side shouting to the driver the address of the Hepworth home. Once inside the carriage, he turned and searched her eyes.

  “Were you physically injured in any way?”

  “No.”

  He exhaled loudly. “Thank God.”

  The expression on his face changed suddenly as his body both relaxed and tensed at the same time somehow. Leaning toward her, his eyes narrowed as a look of remorse clearly darkened them. “I’m so sorry, Evelina. I shouldn’t have pushed you. I just wanted you to be—”

  “Normal?”

  He paused, taken aback. Seemingly troubled, he exclaimed, “You were normal, you are normal. You were dancing Evelina.”

  “I should never have come tonight.”

  “Don’t do that, Evelina, don’t crawl back into your shell.”

  “Why not? I was perfectly happy there. No one could hurt me.”

  “I didn’t mean for you to get hurt.”

  “Oh really? Because that is exactly what did happen.”

  Wounded he asked, “You think I tried to hurt you on purpose?”

  “I’m not sure what your intentions were.”

  “Evelina—”

  “Why don’t you just leave me alone?”

  He released a heavy breath and leaned back in the carriage. After a moment’s silence, he asked, “Is that what you truly want?”

  “Yes.”

  His lips came together to form a straight line as he continued to watch her in silence. A wounded look crossed his features but Evelina didn’t care. She felt frozen inside and no amount of talking would help thaw her out.

  “All right.”

  He sat back on the bench and continued to watch her closely but otherwise didn’t say another word all the way back to her parent’s house. Evelina wished she had left him back in the hall along with her parents and everyone else but she needed his help to get home. But oh, how she hated the fact she needed his help.

  It was a short drive and the carriage was pulling up in front of the little blue house in no time. Ryan wordlessly disembarked then turned to Evelina and scooped her up into his arms. She didn’t protest or make any comment even when he carried her all the way to the front door. The sooner she ended the evening, the better.

  In front of the house, he lowered her to her feet and attempted once again to say something. “Evelina if you would just listen—”

  “I’ve heard enough.”

  “That’s not fair. At least give me the chance to make amends.”

  But she turned her back on him and opened the front door.

  “Evelina, please—”

  She ignored his plea and entered the house, abruptly shutting the door on him and the entire evening’s horrific events.

  Closing her eyes, she stood leaning against the door in the darkness, listening for sounds of him leaving. However, it remained silent on the other side. Then at last, his footsteps slowly retreated as he made his way across the walkway and out of her parent’s front yard.

  * * *

  Evelina was certain she had seen the last of Ryan Colby. If her bad-mannered farewell the other night didn’t thwart any further courting on his behalf, then her schizophrenia surely would. He made it clear he believed her weaknesses were troublesome.

  And after a week’s absence, she believed her conclusion to be correct. However, the second Sunday after Victoria’s engagement party, he finally made an appearance.

  “I’ve come to say good-bye.”

  “I’m surprised you’ve given up so easily on the Lady Evelina.”

  “Correction, I’ve given up on the lady herself.” He corrects. “It’s obvious I’ve overstayed my stopover in Detroit far too long. It’s apparent my presence is unwelcome.”

  “So you’re finally giving up? I thought it was your ultimate dream to own your boat and sail up the St. Lawrence to the ocean.”

  “I haven’t given up my dream.” He stated. “Just you.”

  “Perhaps that’s a good thing. You’ve just been wasting your time.”

  “I’m beginning to come to that realization.”

  Despondent but trying to hide it, she asks, “Where are you going?”

  “Home. I’ve been gone too long. They will be worrying about me.”

  “Perhaps that’s for the best.”

  “Evelina, I had only wanted to help. No matter what you thought, I never wanted to hurt you.”

  “Then what were your intentions? To turn me into someone I wasn’t?”

  “No, I just wanted you to experience the joys of life you miss out being cooped up in this house. Instead, I think I only made things worse. I’ve done more harm than good. I care too much about you to cause you any pain.”

  “I believe you give yourself too much credit
, Mr. Colby.”

  “Are you sure? Since your sister’s engagement, have you been to the library? Taken a stroll in the park? Went for a carriage ride through the streets?”

  “I haven’t had time.”

  He made a sad face. “Have you even sat out in your mother’s garden?”

  “I don’t need to sit in the garden to prove anything!”

  He exhaled. “Have you left the house at all for whatever reason?”

  Stumped, she remained silent, confirming she hadn’t.

  “I thought as much.”

  “Perhaps the fault does not lie with me, Mr. Colby, but with yourself instead. If I ever decide to marry, the man I choose will have to accept me for who I am.”

  “I suppose that’s fair.”

  That stung far greater than she could have ever imagined. She sighed and after a few moments silence, asks, “How long will you be gone? Will you ever return?”

  “I’m sure at some point.”

  “Will you be back before Victoria’s wedding?”

  “Would you like me to attend?” He arched a brow looking slightly hopeful.

  “It doesn’t matter either way to me but I’m sure father would be sorry if you didn’t.”

  His shoulders drooped. “I suppose I will try.” He paused then added, “For Clive.”

  She gave a brief nod but didn’t say anything more. An uncomfortable silence fell between them until Evelina cleared her throat and turned aside. “I suppose this is goodbye until then.”

  She refused to look at him in fear of revealing how much his leaving affected her. Though she hated admitting it to herself, or heaven-forbid ever admit it to him, it saddened her deeply that he was leaving. And if she was being completely honest, even more so that he was giving up on her.

  Chapter 12

  The town of Placid sat perched above the bluffs overlooking Lake Huron. Though he had been gone far longer than any other excursion, nothing had really changed. Seagulls swept over the piers as boats sailed in and out of the small harbor. To the south side of the waterfront, several children played on the beach while their parents watched them with huge parasols to shade them from the blistering sun. As the shoreline came closer, he noticed more than the usual amount of schooners and ships docked along the north pier, which now extended further out allowing larger vessels to come into port. The expansion was a project Jay and Garrett had been working on before he had last left town. With an extended pier, they hoped it would bolster the town’s ability to welcome larger ships and therefore attract better trade agreements.

  Other than that, the only difference in the town’s waterfront was the brand new three-story hospital with huge picture windows overlooking the lake. The once intended casino Erika’s late grandfather had planned on building was now a tranquil place of healing.

  Once the Francesca pulled into port, he drew his attention to a young woman sitting on a docking post watching as the ship pulled into port. She was a beautiful woman with a head of golden blonde hair swept up into the most stylish updo that framed a pale complexion only tinged with a touch of natural ruby cheeks and lips. She sat primly on the docking post twirling a tiny parasol as if bored with the entire scene. However, upon seeing Ryan disembark from the Francesca her face lit up with joy. He grinned in response before heading for the plank and disembarking.

  “Just like old times, Erika, finding you sitting on a docking post waiting for the Francesca to come home.”

  “Some things never change.” She smiled and absolutely radiated. He wasn’t exaggerating. He couldn’t remember Erika ever looking more beautiful than she did now.

  Before he could respond, he heard a deep baritone voice say. “And as always, it seems some American port has kept you away from home months on end once again. Only to find upon your return, you start flirting with the prettiest girl in town.”

  “Guilty as charged.” Ryan grinned sheepishly before turning toward the owner of the voice emerging from a fishing boat near the docking post where Erika sat.

  Jay was a man of great size in frame and girth. He always had been on the huskier side when they were children but as he grew into his teen years, he also grew into his body. Year after year, he grew another foot taller until eventually, he towered over all the citizens of Placid. His boyish fat turned into muscle and by the time he was an adult, he was the strongest man in town. And you can bet that the townsfolk took mighty advantage of his strength. He offered his service anywhere from digging wells to chopping down trees to help clear farmland. But his greatest strength lay in his compassion. He went out of his way to help the poor and needy. That kindness is what eventually earned him the position of town mayor. That and a headstrong wife who believed in him and his vision for the future.

  “And yet some things do change,” Erika said rising to her feet. She lowered her shawl and revealed a rather large rounded belly. Ryan’s eyes widened in surprise before lighting with pure delight. “I’m going to be an uncle?”

  “Uh-huh. In just over a month’s time.”

  The brothers grin at one another and exchange a bear hug. Taking a step back, Ryan looked at his brother with his heart overflowin. Not only was Jay looking far healthier and happier than he had been for the past several years, but he was also now becoming a father. Something that was nearly impossible. The robust man had come far too close to losing his life. It was a miracle to see him doing so well and happy.

  “You’ve been out in the sun too long, Erika.” Jay turned to his wife. “You best get up to the house and out of the sun.”

  “I’m perfectly cool next to the water.”

  “That might be so but the sun’s reflection off the lake is already starting to make your pale skin red.”

  She sighed irritably. “You may try to get rid of me but I’m not leaving your side.”

  Jay shot Ryan a knowing look. “As you can see, she’s still the same overbearing princess.”

  “And you’re the same stubborn ox who won’t let others fret over you.”

  He laughed and drew her close. “I love it when you fret over me.”

  She tilted her chin all the way back and beamed up at him before he laid a passionate kiss on her lips.

  Ryan turned away. Not because it pained him to see his old flame kissing his brother, but because he suddenly was overcome with an intense feeling of missing Evelina.

  “No need to worry about me, Ryan will follow me back to the house.”

  She glanced from one brother to the next then exhaled on a defeated note. “I suppose then. The sun is beginning to burn and I fear my skin is beginning to blister. But you promise not to leave his side, Ryan?”

  Ryan smiled. Jay’s near-death occurred nearly a year ago but that didn’t change the fact that Erika never left his side. He recognized the concern still lingering deep in her eyes.

  “You’ve got my promise,” he said, trying to help relieve her fears.

  Jay walked her over to her waiting carriage and assisted her on the seat. Giving her hand a quick kiss on the back of the palm, he sent her off. He stood watching her leave with undisguised love. “She worries too much.”

  “Understandably.”

  Jay turned back to Ryan and moaned. “Not you too.”

  “Everyone just wants to make sure you’re healthy and fine.”

  “I’m fine.”

  “Yes, but apparently that doesn’t make a difference.”

  “I know.” He nodded in reluctance. “But I don’t want her stressing unduly over me in her condition. Her health is the most important thing right now.”

  “I agree but Erika is—”

  “Bullheaded?” Jay chuckled.

  “Well…yes.” Ryan agreed with a grin.

  “Her most infuriating habit is also one of the reasons I love her so much. She has the ability to move pebbles on a beach.”

  “Pardon?”

  Jay shrugged his comment aside. “Never mind, but if they ever let women run for office, you can bet her name wi
ll be on the ballets. Until then, she is my right arm.”

  “You two make an awesome team. Placid has flourished under your leadership.”

  “We’re proud of what we’ve accomplished.” He studied his younger brother. “Perhaps someday you’ll finally decide to settle down here.”

  “Let’s not bring that up now, Jay. I’ve only just returned.”

  “You’d make our mother a very happy woman.”

  Once again, Ryan is reminded of Evelina. He would very much like to see her happy, healthy and safe. He understood and appreciated just how Erika felt. He may not love Evelina the way Erika loved Jay, but he knew how it felt to want to protect someone you did indeed, care very deeply for.

  * * *

  A month after Ryan’s return home, he stood overlooking a construction site in downtown Placid where Garrett, his oldest brother was hanging some exterior trim on the windows of a newly constructed building in downtown Placid. Though it looked as if he were observing his brother intently, the fact of the matter was, Ryan’s mind was far away. No matter how long he remained in Placid among his family and friends, he couldn’t get his mind off Evelina. He knew Victoria’s wedding was approaching quickly and that he had promised Evelina he would be back in time to attend. The Francesca’s last voyage into Detroit before the wedding was in just four days’ time, and though Ryan planned to set sail on her, he, however, was not as eager to return to Detroit as he usually would. His thoughts and feelings regarding Evelina were in such turmoil against one another.

  “You look like a man in serious contemplation.” Jay came to stand next to him. “And for some reason, I don’t believe the future site of the Placid Library is as grim as your expression would imply.”

  Ryan grinned and exchanged smiles with his brother. “No, indeed. Garrett did a remarkable job in erecting it.”

  “Placid has taken on a significant boom this past year. We hope to lure in newer residents by offering them more town amenities,” Jay said.

  “A library is a good choice.” Ryan’s mind recalled some happy memories from the library. Particularly, his most recent trip to one.