The Perfect Suitor (Bewildering Love Series)

by Hilden, L. A.

  Although she didn’t tell anyone, Eve had been very nervous about seeing Paxton’s mother for the first time since that dreadful night. After Veronica’s warm greeting, she felt relief wash through her. “I’m honored to become part of your family,” Eve replied, then smiled up in adoration at Paxton. She noticed he hadn’t taken his gaze off her since she walked in the room. He always made her feel so loved and desired.

  Everyone sat and talked about affairs of the heart until James walked in to announce dinner.

  When everyone stood to make their way to the dining room, the Countess of Devonhurst walked over to Eve. “Evelyn, dear. Can I speak with you a moment?”

  Eve felt her stomach drop. “Of course, my lady.”

  “Mother,” Paxton said in warning. Eve knew that he likely perceived her nervousness and didn’t want his mother making it worse.

  “Paxton, this doesn’t concern you. Please show our guests to the dining table.”

  “No, I think I’ll stay. Lydia knows where the dining room is.” By now everyone else was already moving down the hall.

  Eve saw the look of frustration on Paxton’s mother’s face. “Paxton, will you please escort my family to their seats.” She nudged him to leave and gave him a look that said, “Go because you are making this more awkward.”

  He nodded his head. “Very well.” He looked at his mother with a serious expression. “Don’t be long or I will return to retrieve Eve.” He left.

  “Thank you, dear. Goodness gracious. Sometimes I don’t know what enters his head. You’d think he was trying to protect you from me.”

  Eve knew that was exactly what Paxton had been doing, but she stood there with a small smile fixed on her face.

  “Nevertheless, now that we’re alone, I’d like to apologize for my shameful behavior when you came here for help. I wish you would have expressed your fears that night, but of course, that’s neither here nor there. I’m sorry to say I have grown cynical when it comes to my son’s female acquaintances. I should have known from the way you carried yourself that you are a lady of some degree. To show you how sorry I am for the misunderstanding, and to show you how delighted I am for your union, I am throwing you a party. I have invited most of London to share in your celebration.”

  Eve wanted to tell her that, no matter how she appeared that evening, she had needed help and anyone with an ounce of intelligence should have been able to decipher that without being told, but she wanted to forget about the entire incident. “I accept your apology and ask that you forgive me for coming here without a chaperone and in such disarray.”

  “Nonsense. You were in trouble.”

  Precisely.

  Veronica hugged her again. “I’m glad you’re all right. I am proud of my son for choosing such a lovely woman for his bride.”

  “Thank you.”

  “We better join the others before my son runs back in here to your rescue.” Veronica linked her arm with Eve’s and they strolled out of the room talking about the upcoming party.

  Paxton had warned her, and he had been correct. Dinner was an extravagant feast, indeed fit for a king. Eve looked around at the large assortment of food and smiled. The soon-to-be dowager Countess of Devonhurst certainly knew how to entertain.

  ***

  When Eve eventually arrived home after spending a wonderful time with Paxton’s family and friends, there was a present on the hall table for her. She opened the tiny box to find a small gold key and a note that said, “You hold the key to my heart.” She clutched the key to her chest thinking how lucky she was to have Paxton. As she climbed the steps to her room with a wide smile, she was close to breaking into song. She knew Cassie was going to love the romantic gesture of the key.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

  Eve had been nervous all week, but now that the day of the engagement party was actually here, she was quite calm. She walked arm and arm with her fiancé as they entered the coved entrance to the ballroom. Candles shimmered throughout the room, and large vases filled with colorful wild orchids lined the walls every five feet. Waiters in formal attire moved in and out through the throngs of guests carrying trays with champagne for the special occasion.

  Eve stood on the landing with Paxton waiting for their introduction. “The room looks wonderful. Your mother has exquisite taste.”

  Many heads turned in their direction as their families were introduced by the majordomo.

  “She’ll appreciate that you think so.” Paxton held her hand down upon his bent arm. “Are you ready to be announced?”

  “I’m ready, my love.”

  James announced the guests of honor and a hush fell over the crowd as everyone gazed at the happy couple. Slowly the din of voices and whispers were heard as an endless line of well-wishers quickly formed in front of them.

  ***

  Eve was having a marvelous time conversing with all the guests, many of whom she had never met before tonight. She danced with various kind gentlemen and spoke to many interesting ladies.

  When she was finally back in Paxton’s arms, the Duke and Duchess of York came over to wish them well. This was the same time Lord Bakersfield decided to make his approach. Brandon had a young woman on his arm as he made determined strides in their direction.

  Paxton must have felt her tense because he thanked the well-known couple they were speaking to for their blessing and moved Eve toward Brandon to avoid a scene. “He won’t bother you, my sweet, or he will be escorted out.”

  “I hope that won’t be necessary.” She put a smile on her face. “Lord Bakersfield, we are honored that you could attend.”

  ***

  “I’ve come to apologize for my rudeness in the park last we met, Lady Evelyn. I’m sorry for my churlish behavior. I wanted to come tonight to show you how happy I am for your engagement, and I wanted to introduce you both to my betrothed, Lady Anna Montgomery.”

  “Any relation to the Grampian Montgomery?” Paxton asked, knowing the family was one of the most influential in England.

  “Yes, my lord. Peter Montgomery is my uncle,” Lady Anna said quietly.

  Peter Montgomery was a well-known womanizer who spent most of his time abroad. Paxton eyed the young girl, sensing her shyness. “We congratulate you on your future nuptials.” Paxton bowed.

  Eve looked at the blond girl with big blue eyes and smiled. Paxton had a feeling that Eve was attempting to discern Lady Anna’s age. The girl couldn’t be more than seventeen. “Congratulations to you both.”

  “Our families have been friends for years. I have been patiently waiting for Lady Anna to come of age,” Brandon explained.

  “I see. Then I’m glad you could finally be together.”

  Paxton knew that Eve likely wondered why Bakersfield had been courting her if he had a future wife in mind. Moreover, the man had appeared quite put upon when they last saw him. Paxton was gladdened to see the man had moved on. Lord Bakersfield was a likable enough fellow and surely deserved happiness.

  “Thank you, my lady.” Lady Anna looked at Eve, then back down at the floor.

  “Do enjoy yourselves,” Paxton said, leading Eve off into the crowd. When they were out of earshot, he said, “That was strange.”

  Eve nodded. “I thought so too. The poor girl seems like she is frightened of her own shadow.”

  “Yes, I noticed. It is probably because of that uncle of hers. He is quite young, and I hear he travels to exotic places around the world learning their different customs. When he returns, he feels himself entitled to criticize the English for our beliefs and morals when he seems to have no moral compass whatsoever. I’ve steered him away from my sister a few times.”

  “He sounds dastardly.” Eve shook her head negatively.

  They glanced around the room to see his sister go floating by on the dance floor, her jade gown s
waying against her legs. She looked lovely, her feet moving easily to the music as she smiled up at her partner.

  “Your sister is having fun.” Eve watched Lydia twirling around the highly polished floor and then turned her attention back to him. “Is something amusing, my lord?”

  “My sister. She becomes accident-prone when she’s nervous, and she’s nervous before any big gathering, though she has this amazing ability to be able to collect herself when she is finally at the function. It’s rather an amazing transformation. Earlier she had on a copper gown that she adored, but she spilt a glass of champagne down the front of it. Of course I teased her mercilessly.”

  “That wasn’t very well done of you,” Eve said in a soft but scolding voice.

  “That’s what brothers are for.”

  “You make me happy I don’t have any.”

  Paxton laughed. “Believe me, if you grew up with my sister and watched all her mishaps, you’d tease her too. Besides, she gave me quite a tongue lashing until my mother came in to see what all the hollering was about and quickly put an end to it.”

  “Well, the gown she has on is lovely.”

  “Indeed it is. Do you hear that?”

  “What?”

  “They are playing our song.” He held out his hand to escort her onto the dance floor.

  “But we don’t have a song.” Eve happily put her hand in his.

  “We do now.” He twirled her around and into his warm embrace.

  ***

  “Where is your future husband?” Cassie asked Eve as they both looked around the room.

  Eve shrugged. “You know, I haven’t seen him for a while.”

  “It’s almost time for the official announcement,” Cassie said with excitement.

  “Yes, I better go find him.” Eve hurried away. Spotting Cole across the room, she walked to him. “Excuse me, Lord Geary, have you perchance seen Paxton anywhere?”

  “Last I saw him he was headed that way.” Cole pointed toward the orchestra.

  “Thank you.” Eve made her way across the room, stopping now and then to talk to the guests. Paxton was still nowhere in sight. She decided to look outside and was not at all glad when she found him. He was standing in the shadows with a pretty blond woman wrapped around him. She recognized the woman right away, Lady Amsley from Madame Devane’s dress shop. She assumed he was comforting the lady during her time of grief and that was the reason they were standing so close together. He is such a thoughtful man.

  Eve walked outside, but she came to a sudden stop when she heard the lady say, “You can’t possibly love her when you still love me.”

  “Paxton?” Eve called to him and watched with widened eyes as he firmly pushed Lady Amsley away.

  “Oh!” Lady Amsley acted as if she hadn’t been shoved away and the action of moving backward was all her own. She wiped obviously fake tears from her eyes with a lace handkerchief she produced from the reticule around her wrist in one swift motion.

  Paxton went to put a very possessive arm around Eve. “Eve, love, this is Lady Beverly, also known by her late husband’s name, Lady Amsley.”

  “Yes. We met at Madame Devane’s shop. It’s a pleasure to see you again, Lady Amsley.”

  “I’m sorry you had to see this, my lady. We definitely don’t mean to hurt you in any way. I haven’t seen Paxt…I mean, Lord Devonhurst in so long. I guess our strong feelings for each other came rushing back.” She pretended to fix her hair. “Do I look all right? I’m not mussed am I?”

  “You look lovely,” Eve answered honestly, still perplexed by the woman’s comments.

  “You are such a dear. Thank you.” Beverly stepped into the stream of light that came out through the French door windows and she smiled triumphantly at Eve’s expression.

  Eve didn’t care for this woman who spoke to her like a child, and when the woman stepped into the light she couldn’t help but gawk. In the shadows, the woman looked properly dressed, but in the light, it was all too clear that she wasn’t. The woman’s nipples were slightly exposed above the gown’s neckline. Even more shocking, the dress was designed to do exactly that.

  Paxton rolled his eyes at the vulgar display in front of him. “Come, love. We have invited guests to return to.”

  “Now I’m offended,” Lady Amsley cried in shocked dismay. “To think as much as we mean to each other that you would now begrudge me the opportunity to know Evie.”

  “It’s Lady Evelyn, and she’s soon to be the Countess of Devonhurst.” It was clear by Paxton’s tone that he was irritated by the woman’s obnoxious behavior. Eve wondered why Lady Amsley was here when Paxton said she wasn’t invited. He turned away, pulling Eve along with him.

  “Come now, lover,” the woman coaxed, trying to keep the desperation out of her voice but failing miserably. “Little Evie is going to find out sooner or later. I mean, I’m sure she knows that a virile, handsome man like yourself will have to keep a mistress or two. I see no reason not to tell her that I share your bed.” Lady Amsley smiled as Paxton turned to glare at her.

  Eve looked at the garishly dressed woman claiming to be her fiancé’s lover. She had heard enough of this rude woman’s nonsense. She wanted to tell her that Paxton would never be interested in an impolite mean-spirited woman who dressed like a trollop, but she decided to hold her tongue. After all, the woman was in mourning, even though her less than proper attire stated otherwise.

  “I’m sorry, Eve. The woman is deranged. She belongs in Bedlam.” He scowled at Lady Amsley. “Which is exactly where she’s going to find herself if she continues with these absurd lies.”

  ***

  Beverly looked completely offended by his words.

  Paxton perceived that the daft woman still thought he loved her. The whole idea was laughable. Looking at Eve, he knew his feelings for Beverly were never really genuine. He had felt lust for Beverly but never had he loved her. To think I almost married this despicable woman. He scrunched up his face in disgust. Turning back to Eve, he smiled and ignored Beverly. “Let us go inside.”

  “Wait, I have something to say,” Eve said, seemingly noticing the smug look that came over Beverly’s face as she smiled at Paxton. “I know you recently lost your husband, and for that, I am truly sorry. I can only assume you are spouting these vicious lies because you are unhappy and would like those around you to be unhappy as well…”

  “That’s not it,” Paxton interrupted.

  “Please, allow me to finish.” Eve gave her attention back to Lady Amsley. “You see, you have no idea how my fiancé feels toward me. He loves me. We have been in love with each other since the first day we met. It is fate that brought us together, but it’s our love that will keep us together. I have enough faith and trust in him to know he would never hurt me. Hence, he will not be unfaithful to me with you or any other woman. I hope that everyone can find a love like ours, even you, Lady Amsley.”

  Just then, Cole walked outside. “Well, well, what do we have here? No, let me guess.” He put up his hand to stop Paxton from explaining. “Beverly, are you causing trouble for my good friend and his soon-to-be wife?”

  “She was leaving,” Paxton said adamantly.

  “Then I shall escort her out to make sure she does just that.” Cole grabbed Lady Amsley firmly by the arm and then looked at Paxton. “I came out here to tell you two that your betrothal will be announced in ten minutes.”

  “We will be right in,” Paxton said.

  “Good,” Cole said as he pulled a squirming Lady Amsley down the balcony steps. “Are you going to walk on your own or shall I carry you?”

  Beverly seemed to sense that Cole wouldn’t hesitate to do such a scandalous thing. She harrumphed, shot daggers at the happy couple, and pulled her arm out of Cole’s grasp, allowing him to follow in her wake.

  When they wer
e alone, Eve said, “I take it you know Lady Amsley well?”

  “She’s the reason I swore off marriage.”

  “I can understand why. She’s a horrible woman.”

  Paxton smiled and then chuckled. “You handled her beautifully. If the situation were reversed, I don’t think I would have been as calm.”

  “I was only being honest. Besides, nothing can wreck this evening. The night belongs to us. Look at all the stars…”

  Eve was silenced by Paxton’s lips as he claimed her with a fiery kiss that left her weak-kneed. “We better go in now, love.”

  “One second.” Eve tried to compose herself.

  “You make me want to puff out my chest and crow when my kisses leave you on shaky ground.”

  “Yes, well, don’t let it go to your head.” Eve grinned. “Ready?”

  “I’m more than ready to make you my wife.”

  “Wife.” Eve sighed happily. “I like the sound of that.”

  “Me too. I love you, Evelyn.” Paxton kissed her quickly on the lips and put her hand on his arm.

  “And I love you.”

  ***

  Loud cheers and thunderous applause followed the official announcement. When the betrothed couple took to the floor for their solo dance, the crowd immediately quieted, but whispers were heard throughout the ballroom regarding what a handsome couple they were and how it was obvious they loved each other. Their great affection shone in their eyes as they circled around the dance floor. Men in the crowd exclaimed that Paxton was truly a lucky man to have found such a rare beauty, and women murmured their astonishment that the Earl of Devonhurst was finally and truly caught. Obviously, no one in Society had heard about Count Vernon’s spy mission or about the abduction of Paxton and Evelyn.

  Eventually as the party began to die down and people were making their way to their carriages, Cole found a chance to speak with Paxton alone.