Fran sighed. “Oh, yes. Breathtakingly handsome and with plenty of coin. They are often spotted about town, riding massive horses that are not quite the perfect beasts for city life.”
Fran gave up the pretense of continuing to do Evangeline’s hair and sat on a chair leaning forward, her features bright. “The other Scot, his name is Gideon Sutherland, came upon a carriage with his unruly beast late yesterday. It spooked the carriage horses so badly that they bolted. Lady Beatrice and her daughter, Lenora, were frightened horribly by the incident.”
Evangeline pressed her lips together, not wishing to smile at the picture conjured in her mind. Lady Beatrice was old society and had no doubt spoke to the authorities. The constable was probably knocking on the Scotsmen’s door this morning.
“I wonder why they are here. It’s likely they have more to do than to annoy Londoners.”
Fran’s eyes widened with excitement. “Molly, the Robertsons’ maid, told me she heard they are here on business. Scottish whisky. They are also gamblers, going to that horrible place on Whitehall Street.”
At the mention of the place, Evangeline frowned. “The most curious of people go there. I’ve always wished to meet Missus Dove-Lyon. I bet she has the best stories and insight into London society.”
“You could never,” Fran exclaimed, her eyes rounded. “The very thought of it. Your parents would never allow you to leave the house again.”
Losing her only regular outing to the bookstore would be unbearable. “True, I have little to look forward to as it is.”
Her parents were already at the breakfast table when Evangeline entered the dining room. Both smiled at her warmly which was normal, but there was an underlying current in the air.
She served herself from the sideboard as was their custom and sat. A shy young maid poured juice for her.
“You look lovely in lilac,” her mother said. “I will ensure to have another gown made for you in that shade.”
Her father looked up from the papers he was reading. “Indeed. I agree.”
“I wish to speak to both of you about this marriage nonsense.” Evangeline took a sip of her juice, allowing for her parents to exchange a look. Unfortunately, she could not tell what, exactly, was communicated between them.
She continued. “I do not wish to marry at all, but to remain here in this home. When you both are elderly, I will be here to care for you.”
“We have quite a few years before we require care,” her father replied with earnest. “Your mother has even longer before she needs to worry. I look forward knowing she will care for me as she is still young and beautiful.”
Olivia Prescott blushed prettily and smiled at her husband. “I agree. Don’t fret about caring for us dear. You deserve to be in love and to form a family of your own.”
“Men prefer to marry women they are proud to be seen with in public. I will not mince words, as we have always been honest with each other. I love you both very much and am eternally grateful for your having forgiven my missteps of the past. However, society is not as forgiving, and no one will marry me unless forced.”
“Nonsense. You are a lovely girl…” her father started.
“There is a way for someone to marry you and it will be his choice.” Her mother interrupted, pinning Evangeline with a pointed look. “Your father and I have made up our minds and will not bend on this. You are to be married because we wish you to be happy.”
Her stomach sank, the food on her plate unappetizing. She pushed it away and let out a long breath. “You cannot force happiness, Mother.”
“We will see.” Her mother’s cryptic reply made Evangeline nervous.
“What are you planning?”
Her father gave her an indulgent look. “Isn’t today your book club meeting, Genie? Eat up. I will drive you there when I leave in about an hour.”
The subject was closed.
Evangeline drank the rest of her juice and when her stomach grumbled, she picked up the toast and nibbled on it. She’d confront her mother later. First, she’d discuss it with Rose and come up with the best way to combat the issue intelligently.
Her friend was a perfect negotiator and would give her good rebuttals and excuses for not marrying.
“I agree with your parents,” Rose pronounced with a firm nod later that morning. “We should all seek to be married and not be alone in life. Especially you.”
They were seated at a small table in the back of the bookstore. The others had not arrived yet, so it was nice and quiet. Jarod, the shopkeeper, had let them in and after greeting them, had returned to the front of the shop.
Evangeline’s bottom jaw dropped. “You can’t be…”
“You, my friend, are a passionate woman who requires the presence of a strong, virile man in your life.”
It was certainly not at all what Evangeline expected. She narrowed her eyes at her friend. “You knew. Mother spoke to you, didn’t she? You were the errand she ran yesterday and insisted on going alone.”
Rose shook her head. “I did not see your mother yesterday. The only time we have spoken about marriage has been in your presence. If you recall, I’ve always maintained that you and I should marry.” At saying this, Rose glanced toward the front of the shop.
“In that case, I believe you should have a chat with a certain someone.” Evangeline motioned toward Jarod.
Her friend gave her a droll look and flipped the page in the book she held. “Where are the others? They should be here by now.”
It was almost eleven. They always met at ten in the morning. Evangeline scanned the small shop. They were the only ones in there besides Jarod. Just a few moments later, the bell over the door jingled and an older man walked in. As he browsed, the other two members of the book club arrived. Sisters Harriett and Ramona entered and greeted Jarod before quickly making their way to the back of the store where Evangeline and Rose sat.
“You will never guess what happened,” Harriett, the eldest of the sisters, exclaimed.
“One of the Scottish gentlemen stopped us to ask for directions,” Ramona said, her faced flushed. “He spoke directly to me.”
Evangeline narrowed her eyes. “Why would that be something of note? People ask for directions all the time.”
The sisters exchanged looks and Harriett spoke. “If you saw them, you’d understand. They are overwhelming. In stance and features.”
“I see.” Evangeline slid a look to Rose, who, like her, seemed to find the sisters’ story incredible.
Rose let out a breath. “Pray tell, where were they wishing to go?”
“A tailor,” the sisters replied at the same time.
“We gave them directions to Middleton’s.”
After a continued conversation about the Scottish men, Evangeline gathered both were tall, wide-shouldered men. One had red hair, the other light brown. Although reputed to be rogues, neither had been seen with a woman, nor had they visited any questionable locales since their arrival.
“The laird is named Camren Maclean. He had hazel eyes and a deep voice. The other, Gideon Sutherland, was the friendlier and more approachable of the two.” The sisters took turns informing them while finishing each other’s sentences.
With all the information the sisters insisted on dispensing, Evangeline had no need to meet either of them as she was sure to know them already.
By the end of their book club meeting, they’d discussed very little about the book, which was fine with Evangeline as she enjoyed the company of her friends and it mattered little to her what they discussed.
They walked out and bid farewell to Ramona and Harriett, who hurried off in search of a pastry shop.
“Should we go for a walk around the park before returning?” Rose asked. “Or perhaps hire an open carriage. It is a such beautiful day and I detest the idea of returning home just yet.”
Preferring to ride so that people would not stare, Evangeline agreed to hiring a carriage.
The driver took them around the pa
rk at a slow, casual pace, giving them time to look around and greet anyone they knew. For the most part, most of the people at the park were on horseback or on foot.
Couples sat on benches with chaperones nearby, stealing a touch of a hand or a delicate nudge of the shoulder. A lady with two daughters strolled leisurely as the mother kept a keen eye out for any single gentlemen that might happen by.
Evangeline let out a sigh. There had been a time she’d enjoyed walking there. She’d not been as innocent as the couple on the bench. Instead, she’d found the park a perfect place to meet with Lord Avery Hamilton, a man who willingly played along with her foolish games of seduction.
Her reputation had not been in tatters then, as they had been very careful. Lord Hamilton and she were madly in love, or so she’d thought. They’d not become betrothed because he was expected to marry someone of his elevated status. Although he did promise they would run away together and marry, it had not come to pass as yet.
When she and Rose rode past a specific area of the park, Rose slide a side-glance in Evangeline’s direction. “There have been other scandals. Some much worse than yours.”
“I am sure. However, once a woman’s reputation is in tatters, there is little to do to repair it. Other than leave London I suppose.”
“What, exactly, happened that day? You’ve only told me bits and pieces.”
Evangeline let out a long breath and began talking in a low voice.
It had started as her encounters normally did. She’d meet Avery Hamilton at Hyde Park and then join him in his personal carriage. His driver took them from there to a secluded destination Avery claimed to have scouted out to ensure plenty of privacy. It was part of the thrill, to have encounters in places one would normally not.
This time, they had agreed to an encounter outdoors. First, they would undress in the carriage, dash out and enjoy nature, as one could put it, and finally, they’d hurry back to the carriage.
It had gone terribly wrong.
Too busy enjoying the moment on a blanket just below a small ridge, they’d not heard a group of young ladies approach above them.
The birdwatchers and their tutors had come up to the edge of the ridge and gotten a clear view of Evangeline and her partner. Although the tutors did their best to keep impressionable girls from seeing such a scene, the girls had not listened and were eager to see what happened.
Hearing a gasp, Evangeline had looked up to see ten sets of eyes staring down at them.
Like a horrible dream, she’d fought to stop Avery who thought it was part of the game and not listened. Not at first. When she’d tried to scramble away, he’d pulled her back by the leg, laughing and climbing atop her.
“People are watching,” she’d finally said, the words hard to get out past the lack of air in her lungs.
Things got progressively worse at that point. Avery had jumped up and stood bare as day. The girls began shrieking.
One of the tutors had stepped too close to the edge and in her to attempt to calm her charges, lost her balance and fell over the incline. The rather large woman had landed right on top of Evangeline, crushing her right leg.
“What happened then?” Rose asked.
“Avery Hamilton rushed to the carriage and rode off. I remained behind, not able to move, and without clothing.” Evangeline shook her head. “I will never forget that day. The poor woman struggling to breathe while trying to roll me up in the blanket.”
Prudence giggled. “Up until the group showed up, I bet it was fun.”
She couldn’t help but smile. “It was. However, ill advised.”
“I remember those days. We were all young and foolish,” Rose said with a sigh. “I was never brave enough to go that far, however.”
The clip-clopping of the horse’s hooves, the warm air and sunny, clear sky reminded Evangeline of days past and she had to admit longing for adventure.
“I often wonder why your mother allows you to continue your friendship with me,” Evangeline said. She’d repeated that line over the years. No matter what happened, Rose had never stopped visiting or spending time in public with her. It had been during her recovery that they’d become closer than ever.
Her friend’s blue eyes sparkled. “Because she loves you and your mother. Besides, she told me to envy your vigor for life.”
Evangeline smiled. “No, she did not!”
Rose giggled. “All right, I made that up.”
“Had I known one of the encounters would have left my reputation ruined and my leg deformed, I would have reconsidered.” She shrugged. “The worst is how it hurt my parents.”
“It’s all in the past,” Rose soothed. “Now your mother feels sure she can find you a husband.”
“That, I do find hard to believe. I am sure whoever the poor man is, once he finds out who I am, he will fight to escape.”
Both laughed. Evangeline gave the driver directions to take them home as she had to find time to speak to her mother and put her off the idea of marriage.
In that moment, the largest horses Evangeline had ever seen blocked their path.
The beasts were impressive and, immediately, she knew who was astride them.
When her gaze clashed with a hazel one, she became acutely aware the sisters had not been exaggerating in the least.
Camren Maclean was indeed breathtakingly handsome.
With a blank expression, his gaze traveled across from her to Rose. He gave a curt nod and motioned to the carriage driver to continue forth.
Evangeline locked gazes with him for but a moment and then studied his companion, who was also attractive in a more rugged manner. This one smiled at them and winked at Rose.
“Oh, my,” Rose said. “The man is very forward.”
Evangeline made sure to keep her gaze straight ahead, but her lips curved. “He winked at you. How refreshing.”
“Oh, hush,” Rose exclaimed, covering her mouth to hide her grin.
Chapter Four
Upon entering The Lyon’s Den, Camren and Gideon were greeted by two young, attractive women dressed in revealing low cut gowns.
“Welcome, gentlemen,” a blonde woman greeted them with a well-practiced batting of her lashes. “I am Isadora.” She motioned to a redhead who, like her, acted as if she were engrossed by their appearance.
“This is Monica. We will escort you to meet Mrs. Dove-Lyon. If there is anything you require, we are here to serve your every need.”
Camren and Gideon exchanged a knowing look and followed the swaying hips into a parlor of sorts.
“Mrs. Dove-Lyon will be with you momentarily,” a servant announced and walked out silently; his footsteps absorbed by the thick carpeting.
Their escorts lounged on chaises ensuring perfect poses while Camren and Gideon remained standing.
Both bowed at the waist upon an elegant woman entering. Mrs. Dove-Lyon’s keen eyes rested on Gideon for a long moment before focusing on Camren.
“Please sit,” she said, taking a chair next to the fireplace. “Thank you for accepting my invitation. As you may have gathered, this is an unusual establishment. It may or may not be to your liking. That, I will leave for you to decide.” She hesitated as the blonde woman stood and served them drinks. Once she returned to her chaise, the redhead rose and took a tray from a servant. She then placed it down on the table between Camren and Gideon. The aroma of tiny meat pies filled the air.
Camren was impressed that upon tasting the whisky, he recognized it as his own.
The woman smiled. “I only serve the best, and your whisky is without compare. I plan to stock it at my establishment. My business associate will be in touch about that.”
“Thank you,” Camren replied.
Gideon cleared his throat. “Are the rumors true, that the stakes at your tables are high, sometimes even dangerous?”
“I cater to a very special clientele. I admit to satisfying the needs of the wealthy and bored. However, most of my guests are gentlemen like yourselves who are
adventurous.”
Despite himself, Camren’s interest was piqued.
Moments later, they were seated at a round table, cards in hand. Admittedly, both were cautious in placing their bets, not sure of the room and other players.
There was an interesting combination of men in the room, from older to extremely young. All had the same thing in common, extraordinary wealth.
At one table, a man stood with a glass in his hand. The entire room went silent and watched.
The goblet was filled with a thick, red liquid.
“Is that blood?” Gideon whispered to Camren.
“I believe so.”
The man held the cup up and glared at another across the table. His face went pale as he brought the item to his lips.
Everyone watched as he drank the liquid, stopping on occasion to gag. Somehow, he managed to keep it down.
“You are not permitted to leave the room,” a man who now held the empty goblet on a tray told him. “Else you will have to repeat.”
The unfortunate man turned green and gagged several times, struggling not to lose the contents of his stomach. “May I have some water?”
Someone pushed a glass of water into his hand and he downed the contents and slowly lowered into his chair.
Everyone returned to their games, including the man who’d drank the blood.
“Interesting,” Camren said as a new set of men sat at his table to start a new game.
Gideon frowned at the newcomers. “What is at stake for this game?”
“Marriage,” the young man who’d introduced himself as Lord Lloyd Whitaker replied. “We were specifically chosen because we are single and without attachments.”
Camren and Gideon exchanged looks.
Gideon turned an interesting shade of red. “I am not about to marry someone because of a game.”
There were four other men besides him at the table and Camren felt a rush of adrenaline. It had been a long time since any kind of excitement rushed through his veins. “I’m in.”
“Are you mad?” Gideon placed a hand on his shoulder. “Don’t forget, you are a laird.” Then he added, “With responsibilities to our clan.”
The Lyon's Laird: The Lyon's Den Page 3