“Long night,” Cole stated.
“That it is.” Paxton sat down on one of the many chairs scattered throughout the room. He looked at the orchestra packing away their instruments.
“Did Beverly leave without a scene?”
Cole laughed and pulled up a chair. “What do you think?”
“I think the woman is completely mad.”
“Yes, that goes without saying,” Cole agreed. “I should warn you though. She is on a mission to capture your heart, which she claims is rightfully hers.”
“The woman is definitely on a mission, but it’s more like my pocket book that she is after. She cornered me outside to tell me about her undying love. When I told her I loved Eve and never loved her, she began to kiss me in an uncontrollable manner. She threw herself into my arms right before Eve came upon us.”
“That couldn’t have been good.” Cole had seen enough jealous women in his life to imagine the scene that transpired.
Paxton smiled. “Eve is a spectacular woman. She didn’t even turn green with jealousy. She did, however, make it clear to Beverly where she stands, which of course is next to me for the rest of our lives.”
“I told you before that she could handle herself.”
“So you did.” Paxton saw Eve waving him over to the other side of the room. “It looks like I’m being summoned.”
“Something to which you should accustom yourself,” Cole warned good-naturedly.
“I’m looking forward to it.” Paxton stood and patted his friend on the shoulder. “Thanks for your help.”
“What did I do?” Cole got up from his chair.
“You rid us of Beverly, came to our rescue when Count Vernon held us, and talked me into going to Kent, shall I go on?”
“Definitely not. You give me too much credit. Besides, you would have done the same for me. I’ll see you in a few days.” Cole slapped Paxton on the back and left.
CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN
When Eve woke the next morning she found Cassie sitting at the end of her bed.
“Good morning,” Cassie said cheerfully. “I thought you were going to sleep all day.”
Eve yawned and stretched her arms above her head. “I must have been more tired than I thought.”
Cassie opened the curtains, allowing the sunlight to spill into the room.
“What are you doing in here?” Eve wondered as she sat up, fluffed her pillow, and leaned back against it.
“Here.” Cassie tossed a small wrapped package to her sister. “It came this morning. I’m dying to know what’s inside.”
Eve smiled at the wrapped package and then tore it open with the enthusiasm of a child. Inside sat a ruby and diamond brooch.
“Oh, it’s beautiful.” Cassie beamed happily. “You are so lucky.”
“I must agree. Paxton is the greatest man in the world.” Eve opened the white card folded inside the lid of the box.
“I don’t think I’d go that far,” Cassie teased. “What does the note say?”
“It says you looked sensational last night. I can’t wait until we see each other again.”
“You haven’t even been apart for more than twelve hours.” Cassie seemed amazed.
“Yes, but one day, you’ll see. When you’re in love, twelve hours can seem like a lifetime.”
“I can’t wait until I fall in love.” Cassie looked away dreamily. “Oh, I’m supposed to tell you to ready yourself. We are scheduled to try on our dresses.”
“Madame Devane was quick in completing them.” Eve jumped out of bed and disappeared behind a dressing screen.
“It is not like she had a choice. The wedding is this weekend. I’ll meet you downstairs.” Cassie closed the door behind her.
***
The Stonehaven women left the dress shop and were about to cross the street when someone called out Eve’s name. They all turned to find the Marquis of Bakersfield hurrying toward them.
“Hello, Lord Bakersfield,” Eve said in greeting as he tried to catch his breath.
“Thank you for stopping,” Brandon huffed out the words, and then he acknowledged her mother and sister. “I know you are probably busy, but I was wondering if you could spare me a moment. Perhaps I could treat all of you to an ice?”
“We…” Eve hesitated, looking at her mother.
“Why don’t you go, dear. Your sister and I have to stop at one more shop and then we will meet you at Gunther’s.”
Brandon linked his arm with Eve’s. She gave him a sideways glance. Now why was he acting so peculiar?
They arrived at Gunther’s and Brandon pulled out a chair for Eve to sit. They were sitting outside and pigeons walked in-between tables waiting for someone to drop something edible. “What is this all about?” Eve asked.
“I wanted to say congratulations.” He leaned across the table and kissed Eve firmly on the lips.
Eve was about to protest the personal gesture, when he stood up and went to purchase her an ice. When he returned and handed her the cold treat, she asked, “Are you feeling well?”
He cocked his head sideways. “Yes. Why do you ask?”
“No reason.” Eve continued to eat her ice.
“Hello, Lady Evelyn.”
Eve jumped at the stern sounding voice behind her. She turned in her chair to find Cole, the Marquis of Geary, frowning.
“Oh, Lord Geary, I didn’t hear you approach.” She smiled. “It is wonderful to see you. Would you like to join us?”
Cole smiled at her and then glared at Brandon. “Lord Bakersfield, is there a reason you are here alone with my good friend’s fiancée?”
Eve immediately stood up, offended by Cole’s rude remark. “Cole, please.”
“As a matter of fact, my lord, I saw Lady Evelyn exiting a shop down the way and I thought it would be nice to buy her an ice. If you’d like, I can purchase one for you.”
“I see.” Cole ignored the offer of the dessert. He leaned in to whisper in Eve’s ear, “I’m sorry to interrupt, but he should know better than to continue courting a lady who is spoken for.”
Eve looked at Brandon, who sat calmly as Cole rudely whispered to her. “If you would please excuse me for a moment, my lord.”
Brandon stood. “Of course.”
Eve dragged Cole to the side of the building by his coat. “Now listen here, Lord Geary. I like you and I know you are Paxton’s good friend, but that does not give you leave to insult my friends, or me for that matter. To even insinuate that Lord Bakersfield and I are still courting is complete lunacy.”
Cole watched as Eve grew madder and madder. “All right, calm down. I certainly meant no insult…not to you anyway. As for Bakersfield, what he’s doing isn’t proper and he well knows it.”
“Oh for goodness sakes, he only purchased me a dessert. I don’t think that steps over the line of propriety. Moreover, my mother and sister should be joining us any minute, which I would have told you if you had given me a chance to speak.”
***
“Am I interrupting?” Paxton’s grin widened as he took in the scene.
Eve walked over to her fiancé and wrapped her arms around his waist. “Cole,” said Eve as she scowled at Lord Geary, “thought I was behaving less than honorable when I agreed to have an ice with Lord Bakersfield.”
“I see.” He kissed her head. “You go enjoy your dessert with Brandon. I will straighten out this misunderstanding with Cole.”
“Please do.” Eve went back to Brandon.
“Yes. You sure do have a way with the ladies.” Paxton laughed at the look of utter frustration on Cole’s face.
“I can’t believe it. She turned everything I said into an attack against her. All I was doing was explaining that the young pup’s behavior toward her is inappropriate.
” Cole shook his head in dismay. “The fairer sex never ceases to amaze me.”
“Me either,” Paxton agreed. “Let me explain Evelyn’s view of this situation. She likes Brandon. He is her friend, and as such, she sees absolutely nothing wrong with enjoying an ice with him. Unlike you, she’s not aware of the gossip that could transform what she views as completely innocent into something utterly salacious. She is in no way like Lady Beverly. I do appreciate you looking after her, and I’m sorry she took your good intentions the wrong way.”
“Yes, well, I hope she’s not angry with me.”
Paxton heard Eve’s laughter. “I assure you, she’s not. At least she won’t be once I explain your reasons for acting as you did. I’m glad I happened upon you when I did. Knowing Eve, I would guess she was about to put you in your place. I think I’ll go join them now so people don’t have room to speculate.”
“I think I’ll head to the club. I suddenly could use a drink, or two or three.”
Paxton laughed. “Take care. I’ll see you soon.” He made his way to the table to sit down next to Eve.
“So, Bakersfield, how is Lady Montgomery?” Brandon seemed to know exactly what Paxton was really asking, which was to inquire why the man should be spending his time with Paxton’s fiancée.
“She is well and will enjoy knowing you asked about her,” Brandon stated. “Would you care for an ice, my lord?”
“No.”
“I would like to say, Lord Devonhurst, that I meant no disrespect to you or Lady Evelyn when I invited her here. I only wished to garner her opinion about something and I find her easy to talk to.”
“He is trying to find something nice to buy Lady Anna,” Eve explained. “I told him a key with a note that reads “you hold the key to my heart” is a very romantic gesture. Don’t you agree?”
“I imagine it would be,” Paxton answered with a shrug. “I always thought jewels were a safe gamble.” He wondered why Eve looked at him with an odd expression.
“True,” Brandon said, seemingly mulling over the options in his mind. “I do know the perfect place to have a small gold key made.” He sighed. “I think I shall buy her both.”
“Good idea. You can’t go wrong that way,” Paxton said.
“Good, you found her!” Cassie exclaimed as she walked up to the table with her mother following behind her.
“I ran into them down the street. They told me where you were,” Paxton said by way of explanation.
“Evelyn, dear, we really should be going. We have a great deal to do before we leave the city,” Mother informed her.
“Yes, of course.” Eve stood next to Paxton. “Thank you very much for the dessert, Lord Bakersfield. I’m sure whatever gift you give Lady Anna will be perfect since it’s coming from your heart.” She turned toward Paxton. “And you, kind sir, would you mind escorting my family and your betrothed to our carriage?”
“I would be honored, my love.” Paxton turned back toward Brandon when the ladies were out of earshot. “I expect you not to make a habit out of seeking my wife’s counsel, Bakersfield. Do we understand each other?”
“Of course, my lord, I only wanted her opinion, nothing more.”
“Good day to you then.” Paxton moved off to catch up with the ladies.
***
The Stonehaven and Devonhurst families arrived at the Devonhurst Estate a few days before the big event. Evelyn thought the manor was as magnificent as Paxton described. She couldn’t believe this immense house with all of its beautiful land was to be her new home, a place where she and Paxton would raise their children.
“Do you like the property?” Paxton asked, obviously unsure by Eve’s expression of amazement.
“What’s not to like? Its awe inspiring. The grounds are absolutely breathtaking. It does make me wonder, though.”
“Wonder what?”
She laughed. “Why in the world you would choose to live in London.”
Paxton took time to consider her question. “I guess it’s because I never had anyone to share it with until now. My mother, as you know, is never here, and Lydia prefers the city. It can become lonely by yourself.”
She hugged him. “That makes sense.”
“Come on.” He grabbed her hand, excitement evident on his face. “I’ll show you around.”
Eve laughed as they ran toward the immense livery constructed of stone and wood.
Both were winded when Eve pulled them to a stop. “What’s that?” She pointed to an old wooden door that led under the stables.
“An old storm cellar. It’s never been used to my knowledge.” He pulled her into the stables and up to one of the straw covered stalls. “Midnight,” he announced, “I’d like you to meet, Lady Evelyn. Eve, this is my prized Arabian.”
The large black horse neighed when Eve reached out to pet its head. It then began to nudge Paxton over the top of the railing.
“And over here we have…”
“Champion.” Eve hurried to a stall across from Midnight’s. “When did you find time to have my horse moved here?” Ignoring her skirts, she climbed over the wooden railing to pet her horse.
“Your father and I arranged it.” Paxton grinned at her as she crooned loving words to her pet.
“Perhaps we can go riding later. I’ll introduce you to some of the tenant farmers.”
“I’d like that.” Eve went to climb back over the rail.
Paxton laughed and lifted the latch on the stall’s door. “This might be easier.”
Eve was already jumping down from the rail. “True. But not as fun.”
***
Paxton couldn’t remove the smile from his face. Evelyn was an absolute delight and he’d never been happier. “Are you ready to tour the house?”
Eve linked her arm with his. “As long as you promise I won’t become lost.”
He tilted her chin up to look deep into her eyes. “I’ll never lose you.” He kissed her gently and then grabbed her hand. “We better go before I’m swept away again by your kisses.”
“I love when we are swept away.”
“Do you?” Paxton’s smile turned wicked. Picking Eve up, he tossed her over his shoulder as he carried her into another room. This one was piled high with straw. Eve’s laughter echoed off the walls of the room as she was unceremoniously dumped into the straw. Paxton’s trapped his beautiful woman beneath his frame and she smiled at him, her blue eyes gazing into his. Pieces of yellow straw tangled in her red tresses and she looked so utterly perfect that his breath hitched, his groin tightened, and his mouth descended upon hers.
A half hour later, Paxton finally gave Eve a tour of her new home and an introduction to all her new servants.
***
“What do you think of Devonhurst, dear?” Paxton’s mother asked Eve after dinner. All the women were now seated in one of the ladies salons.
“It’s wonderful,” Eve exclaimed.
“Wait until you’re here for a while. It becomes quite boring,” Lydia stated.
Lady Veronica sat next to her daughter on a yellow divan, and she patted Lydia’s knee. “We all know you prefer the city.
“Eve loves the country,” said Cassie, “and so I’m sure she won’t become bored, especially with the large garden in the back of the house. Your brother will be lucky if he can coax my sister to come indoors.”
“Evelyn, I want you to promise to wear gloves and protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays.”
“Yes, Mother.” Eve stood up to look outside. The sun was descending but she could still make out the paths that snaked their way through the garden. It really was a beautiful garden, with twists and turns of colorful stones. Flowerbeds lined the walk, some low and others made high with mounds of dirt. She was impressed with the variety of flowers as well as the lush gree
nery that intertwined in whimsical patterns. All the paths came together at a large patio, which was where their wedding ceremony would take place. “If it’s all right with you, Lady Veronica, I would like to plant some forget-me-nots around the patio. They symbolize everlasting love.”
Veronica nodded. “You may do whatever you wish, dear. This is your home now.”
Lydia said, “I think the front yard will be perfect for the reception meal. What say you to this idea, Eve?”
“I agree. The lawns are quite beautiful.”
“If you’d like, we could add some potted flowers to splash more color into the atmosphere anywhere you’d like,” Lady Veronica added.
“That’s a wonderful idea,” Mother agreed.
After the women finished their discussion, Evelyn went to find Paxton. Lydia convinced Cassandra that every woman should know how to play cards and set off to teach her. Of course, the two mothers remained in the salon making lists of things that needed to be done.
***
Eve found Paxton in his study going over some ledgers. The door was ajar and she lightly knocked. “May I come in?”
“Of course.” Paxton put the ledgers aside. “So how did everything go?”
“Very well. We have planned everything down to the honey-covered almonds.” Eve circled around the desk, trailing her finger along the intricately carved wood. She laughed when she was suddenly grabbed and placed on his lap.
“Good. Now I have you all to myself.” He began to kiss the side of her neck.
Eve started giggling. Because of the lateness of the day, Paxton’s beard had begun to grow back and the little pricks of hair were tickling her neck and giving her goose bumps.
Paxton continued his assault, regardless of her small pleas that he stop. “I guess I need to shave.”
“No, I like it.” Eve laughed again and wiggled in his lap.
“Good, because I’m addicted to the sound of your laughter. I’m sorry we didn’t find time for our ride today. We’ll go first thing tomorrow.”
Their riding plans had been canceled when the mother’s insisted wedding plans were a priority. “I’ll hold you to that.”
The Perfect Suitor (Bewildering Love Series) Page 24