She no longer had to wear black, since more than half a year had passed. Neither did she have to remain indoors. She could go out, so long as the calls were to small groups.
“Exactly how is Everly not being herself?” He’d joined neither his sister nor Everly at any meals, knowing he’d pushed too far the previous day in his office.
He’d almost touched her, which she likely would have taken as an advance, which would mean he’d broken his vow.
And Asher never broke vows, since he rarely made them to begin with.
“She won’t go out,” Valiant said.
“Perhaps, she’s tired and has much on her mind.” Like how long it would be before she was unshackled from his side.
“It’s also been raining,” Valiant countered. “It’s barely stopped since we got here.”
Was that the reason Everly had kept to her rooms? “Then she’s a smart woman if she wishes to avoid it.”
Though he was surprised she’d not left… Especially after he’d mistakenly read her letter from Lady Preshea. She’d left it that day in his office, and he’d mistaken it as something for himself.
Apparently, Everly ran a school from her house. He became fascinated by it, but not enough to speak to her about it.
“Did you say something?” Valiant asked.
“Something like?” He lifted a bow.
“Like how it would please you if she didn’t go out in the rain?” Valiant watched him closely.
He shrugged. “I may have mentioned it, but I assure you that my wishes are not her concern.”
“Then there you have it.” Valiant sat back in her chair and crossed her arms. “You did this.”
Had he? “That’s impossible. Tell her that both of you are free to go where you please.” He turned back to his book.
“But I cannot go where she wishes to go,” Valiant said. “I am still in mourning until September.” And for the first time, she seemed displeased by the custom, when for months she’d used it as an excuse to skip meals.
“Do you wish to go out?” Asher asked, glancing over from his position.
“It doesn’t matter. You must take Everly out.”
“Absolutely not.”
“You must!” She leaned forward. “Besides, I am no substitute for what the constable demands. Watching her sit on a couch in a dull countess’ drawing room is entirely different than keeping an eye on her during a party. She must stay by your side for those sorts of events.”
“If that is the case, then she’s been wise to not request this herself, because I don’t attend parties.” For years, he’d nearly convinced himself it was because he didn’t like them. It was only in these last few days he recalled that he’d stopped going because of Everly.
He wondered how different his life would be if he’d not allowed Everly to anger him into accepting the invitation to the masquerade.
Not very different, he was sure. Even if he hadn’t gotten to know her and make her smile at the masquerade, had the blacksmith come to him the next morning with the same news, he’d have ridden to Everly’s aid just as swiftly.
“Did Everly put you up to asking this?” he suddenly asked.
“Would it make a difference?” Valiant asked brightly. “Sitting here does nothing to help her case. You must go out. There are still ladies on our list that she must speak to. There are witnesses to gather just in case you are not enough.”
“I’m enough,” he assured her.
Valiant smiled. “You just want to take all the glory for yourself, don’t you? You want Everly to know it was you who set her free and no one else.”
“Not true.” Though Asher wondered if his sister was right.
It did bring about a pleasant feeling inside of him. Everly would likely feel indebted to him. Beholden to him.
Who knew how she’d show her gratitude.
∫ ∫ ∫
2 2
Asher groaned at his inner thoughts. Even when he was trying to stay away from her, his mind was still working at a way to keep her close.
Valiant’s eyes said she knew the truth. “It’s Wednesday. There will be a ball at Almack’s. Everly should attend.”
“I am not a member of Almack’s,” he said.
Valiant’s expression became dubious and again, he couldn’t help but notice how much she’d brightened in the last few days. “Asher, Lady Everly is a patroness. It isn’t as though they’d turn you away if you went with her.”
That was true.
“I don’t want to go,” Asher said. “And this conversation is finished.”
“Does love frighten you that much?” Valiant asked.
“What are you talking about? I am not in love.”
“No, but you feel something for her.” Valiant smiled. “You could admit that much.”
It was as though her words had punched him in the heart and gripped his throat at the same time, choking the very life out of him. He fisted his hands to stop the trembling.
Valiant placed her hands on his arms and pulled her brows together. “Asher, I didn’t know it was this bad.”
He closed his eyes. “This conversation is finished.” His voice was harsh.
“I spoke with Lore,” Valiant said. “He said you’re nearly incapable of saying you love anyone. Is it because of Mary? John?”
He stood and backed away from her. “You’ll stop at nothing to have your way.”
She launched herself at him and wrapped her arms around his waist, burying her face in his chest. Seconds later, he felt his shirt dampen, evidence of her tears.
He held her. “Valiant, forgive me. I didn’t mean to shout.”
She laughed and pulled away. Tears still fell down her cheeks. “You didn’t shout.”
“I upset you then,” he said. “I’m sorry.”
She sighed. “I love you, Asher. I could not have asked for a better brother.”
Yet perhaps she should have. Perhaps, Asher should have said something about Valiant’s match to Beaumont. Perhaps, his sister would have been happy had he stepped in.
Sometimes, he envied Everly’s boldness, sure she’d have done it were their places reversed.
“These tears. Do they go away if I take Everly to the ball?”
She laughed and then shook her head. “I’m afraid they are not for you or Everly.”
Then they were for herself.
He cupped her cheeks. “Tell me what it is that will make you happy.”
“It is not that simple,” Valiant whispered. “There are no dragons to fight. No wars to wage. But my heart will heal, and I will love again.”
Love again?
He frowned. “You wish to remarry?”
“Eventually. What? Did you think I’d choose to remain alone?” she asked.
He had.
She shook her head. “No, that is not for me. I believe in love far too much to give up on it.”
That amazed her, and Asher thought her far bolder than both he and Everly.
Here he was. He’d never loved Mary, yet he was unwilling to risk his heart again.
Everly had never even tried.
She straightened his jacket and then pressed her fingers to where she’d wet his shirt. “I’m sorry.”
He took her hand and kissed it. “I’ll take Everly to the ball because I know that there is a quiet place inside of you that will be overjoyed by this.”
Her smile brightened.
* * *
“Everly!”
She turned as her friends rushed to her side. Surrounded by all that was familiar to her, the room, the crowd, scents of sweet flowers and vibrant perfumes, Everly felt nearly back to her usual self
Except for the presence of the dark shadow that seemed to hover.
The ladies who surrounded her pulled away and each had their own reaction at seeing the Duke of Ayers.
Loss of color on a few. Amazement. A few ladies who looked entirely too delighted for Everly’s liking.
“Lord Ayers.” Th
ey all fell into curtsies.
“Everly.” Lady Preshea grabbed her arm. “Come. I must be the first to tell you all the latest gossip. You’ve missed so much during your trip.” Though she knew what Preshea truly meant to discuss was the school.
Everly turned to Asher to see if he would be comfortable alone.
His expression was muted, and yet she found herself able to read his thoughts. His gaze told her to go. He was not in need of a governess.
She turned away and followed Preshea, wondering why she’d thought to see to Asher’s comfort at all. He was a grown man. A duke. He’d find his way around any ballroom, she was certain of it.
Besides, if she believed he’d be lonely, she was quite wrong. The women she’d left with him remained, seeming quite entertained by his presence alone.
“Did you and the duke come together?” Preshea asked.
“No. We simply arrived at the same time,” Everly turned back to her friend and found Preshea examining her. Preshea was about Everly’s age with soft features, brown curls, and eyes the shade of fine brandy.
“But he is your guest?” Preshea asked.
“Naturally,” Everly said. That was their arrangement. When leaving the house for parties, they would take separate carriages. That way, people would not suspect that she was living with him.
Though. at their ages, Everly’s reputation wouldn’t be hurt too greatly. She was a spinster, after all, and Society gave her more allowances than if she were a young debutante.
Just as it did Lady Preshea, the Countess of Tenderwood, who was currently the mistress of a wealthy viscount herself. Even before her recent widowhood, Preshea had been known to dally with Viscount Jordian.
Everly knew her because they were both patronesses of Almack’s and because Preshea believed in women’s intellect. “Tell me about the school?”
“Miss Fairchild is about to drive everyone mad,” Preshea said. “She all but speaks a language no one can understand.”
Everly sighed. “She needs someone who is interested in her subject.”
“That would be impossible to find,” Preshea said. “Now, tell me how this acquaintance between you and Lord Ayers began?” Then she leaned close to Everly and lowered her voice. “I can’t remember the last time I saw Lord Ayers out in Society. The man must adore you if he’s allowed you to bring him here.”
Everly knew what Preshea was insinuating. “Lord Ayers and I are not having an affair.”
Preshea groaned as though the news struck her at the core. “How could I forget? You are practically a nun. You likely don’t even notice the man’s irrefutable appeal.”
Everly turned and noticed Asher had moved on to speak to a group of gentlemen. He seemed at ease in the room. She saw none of the stiffness she’d witnessed at the masquerade, but then again, perhaps then she’d only seen what she wished to. He had been social at the party and now here he engaged in what looked like a lively and pleasant debate.
The man who’d always seemed so very out of reach became real to her suddenly. Touchable.
Not that he would touch her again. He’d keep to his vow.
“I know that look,” Preshea said.
“What look?” She turned away from Ayers and pretended to be consumed by the sight of someone else. Anyone else.
“You long for him,” Preshea said. “Why deny it? I wouldn’t.”
Everly smiled at her. “I know you wouldn’t.”
Preshea shrugged. “My husband was three times my age. I married him because he wanted an heir. He got our son and then he left me to do as I wished.”
Everly couldn’t believe that her former husband had allowed Preshea such freedom, yet knew it was true. The man was simply glad to have a son and had required nothing more from his wife.
Everly was glad that she’d never been in such a situation. Her father had once told her he’d chosen someone for her, but then the gentleman had decided to marry someone else.
Someone more genteel, her father had accused.
Then he’d punished her, though by then, Everly had learned he rarely needed a reason to punish her. He did it out of the joy of causing her pain.
“Everly!”
Suddenly, Diana rushed to her and pulled her into an embrace. Her husband Lord Renner had come with her, looking at Everly with surprise.
Diana spoke first. “I’m so glad to see you well. Abigail told me what happened. Naturally, we worried.”
Lord Renner said, “I was going to ride to the constable immediately, but then Miss Christensen said you no longer needed aid.”
“Constable?” Preshea asked, always keen to hear gossip.
Everly excused herself from the nosey countess and pulled her cousin away to speak in private.
“Is it true?’ Diana asked with great worry.
Everly smiled. “There is no need to worry. I’ll be all right.”
“Well, of course, you will be,” Lord Renner said. “I hear Lord Ayers and Lady Valiant are assisting you. It’s extremely kind of them to go out of their way to aid you.”
“Please, don’t tell anyone what is going on,” Everly said.
“Of course!” Diana gasped. “And I’ve forbidden Abigail from telling another soul.”
Everly thought she’d done that herself, but apparently not. “Lord Ayers has decided to testify on my behalf.”
Diana’s green eyes widened. “He’ll testify?”
Lord Renner looked across the room in Asher’s direction before turning to Everly again. “I suppose it would make sense. You were together at the party. If I recall, you both came out of the ballroom around the same time.”
Diana’s expression changed, and she stared at Everly. Slowly, a smile touched her lips. “Everly…”
“Lord Ayers has been kind,” Everly said. “Let us not return the favor by starting gossip.”
Diana pressed her lips together, but her eyes said she demanded answers.
She felt Asher’s presence before he spoke. “Lord Renner. Lady Renner.”
∫ ∫ ∫
2 3
“Your Grace,” Lady Renner began. “I can’t thank you enough for what you are doing for my cousin.” Not for the first time, Asher noticed just how much the cousins looked alike. They could have been sisters.
“You’ve little reason to worry,” Asher assured her as he moved to stand at Everly’s side. “I’ll not let any harm come to Lady Wycliff.”
Lady Renner grinned up at him with tenderness. “Of course, you wouldn’t.”
Everly visibly stiffened.
Asher knew what Everly’s cousin was thinking. Asher was doing this for more than a moral obligation. He was doing it because he cared for Everly.
And she was right.
Asher cared greatly for her cousin, had for years, and there seemed to be little he could do about it. Not even suspicion that she’d insulted his late wife the previous evening managed to end his longing for her.
But it had helped him keep her at a distance.
Lord Renner shook his head. “I can’t imagine what’s gotten into Fallen. To think that a lady would steal his diamonds? I went to see him yesterday to speak about the matter.”
“I didn’t know you were friends with Lord Fallen,” Everly said.
Neither had Asher. “What did you discuss?”
“The diamonds, of course,” Lord Renner said. “I remember him pulling them out that evening. He was making quite a show of them, which I hadn’t thought necessary. Any of the servants who’d seen the display could have stolen them and placed the empty bag in Lady Wycliff’s cloak.” Lord Renner turned to Everly and said, “Ask it of me and I, too, will testify.”
Everly smiled at him. “Thank you.”
“Might I have a word with you, Lord Renner?” Asher asked.
Everly’s golden gaze flashed at him. He knew she’d not enjoy being left out of the conversation, but Asher didn’t know how much Renner would open up to him in front of his wife. Thus, the ladies would be
left.
They departed the ballroom and stopped in one of the halls.
“I will try and aid you best I can,” Lord Renner said. “But I can’t break my friend’s confidence even if I believe he is wrong in this matter.”
“Do you know of any reason he’d have to ruin Everly?”
Lord Renner shook his head. “Not at all. He seemed fine that night if not a little… strange.”
“Strange?” Asher asked. “In what way?”
Lord Renner shrugged and looked away. “I don’t know. He just wasn’t himself. He seemed… agitated, as though he were using opium, but I don’t think that to be the case.”
“What was he like?” Asher asked.
“He kept counting the diamonds, but I suppose any man would if he cared for them, but then again, I’d not have shown them to the room, especially if I had no intention of playing with them.”
“He didn’t use the diamonds for the card game?”
“Not at all. That’s what I’m saying,” Lord Renner said. “It made no sense.”
“What about Fallen’s financial state?”
Lord Renner lifted his hands. “I’ll not betray a friend in that way, but I will defend Everly’s innocence if she wishes it. I’m positive that Fallen is wrong to have chosen her as the thief.”
“He said she was red-headed, beautiful, and wearing white that evening. Can you think of anyone else who fits that description?”
“Only my wife.” Lord Renner’s eyes became cold. “And don’t you dare think to point the finger at Diana. I’d let Everly go to prison before I allowed that.”
Asher didn’t blame him for his loyalty since he’d have done the same. “I asked Fallen for the name of the jeweler who gave him the diamonds. He said he bought them from Mr. Cobbs, but the man is no longer in business and cannot be found anywhere.” Asher had gone to the man’s store yesterday and had found it closed without explanation.
“Mr. Cobbs is no longer in business?” Renner asked. “He was just open days ago. I went and bought Diana a gift there. Shame he’s closed. I thought he was doing well.”
Asher lifted a brow. “He was open days ago?” Was it only a coincidence that he would close when Asher needed to speak to him?
The Perfect Duke (Valiant Love) (A Regency Romance Book) Page 11