“Are you that angry with me, dear?” the elder woman asked, her pale eyes wide with unchecked emotion.
The sight made Eve feel like a selfish brat who had just thrown a tantrum. She’d behaved so earlier today with Victoria and now with her grandmother. Pausing, Eve inhaled a deep, calming breath before trusting herself to speak.
When she spoke at last, her voice was controlled, “You acknowledged my hesitation in regards to marrying Colin during our conversation last night.”
“Yes, but you agreed to reconsider,” her grandmother paused, reaching for the fern that had fallen upon the worktable in the midst of being transplanted. “Since I know you love the man, I thought it only proper for me to visit him this morning. Quite early this morning. Before visiting hours.”
Eve narrowed her eyes. “Your intention was to catch him off guard?”
“Quite right,” her grandmother replied with a sprightly smile.
“What happened?” Eve’s flesh tingled in anticipation.
The Dowager Duchess averted her gaze. “We had a long chat—”
“He’s won you over!” Eve’s mouth was agape.
Her grandmother turned towards the wall as if to hide from the truth.
“Oh, no you don’t!” Eve marched around the table then stepped in front of the elder woman. “Don’t you hide from me. Admit it. You’ve been taken in by him.”
“Darling, you say that as if Colin were some charlatan.”
Eve turned on her heel and marched to the potting table before vigorously pulling her potting gloves back over her hands. She then took her frustrations out on the dirt, shoving it into a new pot with force. “He stole my heart. Referring to him as a charlatan is an understatement. Adding insult to injury, my grandmother is now defending the man who abandoned me without one word of explanation.”
“If it’s any consolation, darling, he is quite apologetic about that and appears to care for you very much,” the Viscountess said as she reached for her granddaughter’s shoulder. “Of that I am certain.”
Eve tipped her head, eyes narrowed. “How can you be certain?”
“My precious girl,” the Viscountess wrapped a plump arm around Eve’s shoulders. She then whispered, “I know love. I see it in both of you.”
“I suppose that next you’ll advise me to marry him and produce great-grandbabies without further delay.”
Her grandmother hugged her tighter. “You would marry him and start a family with him without my encouragement … you agreed to do so, in fact, years ago.”
Eve squeezed her eyes shut at the reference to her foolish behavior.
“I believe you have already made the decision to marry him, Eve, and I will support you,” the elder woman added “I believe he will be a devoted husband to you. I dare say Colin MacAlistair loves you. I wouldn’t agree to the union if I didn’t believe it was so.”
Eve leaned her forehead against her grandmother’s. “He’s different, Grandmamma. I don’t know why but he has changed … perhaps too much.”
“Would you ever be able to forgive yourself if you allowed him to walk away again, if you didn’t at least make an attempt?” The Viscountess tipped her head back, her eyes locked with her granddaughter’s. “Would running from him hurt you less than marrying the man and creating a life with him?”
“What kind of a life could we possibly have after what we did to Tristan?” Eve was voicing aloud the many doubts that had plagued her since the events of the evening prior.
“Eve, you must listen to me,” her grandmother’s tone grew stern. “You are far too young to give up on hope. You can’t punish yourself by giving up on the possibility of happiness because you wounded Tristan’s feelings.”
Tears slid down Eve’s cheeks. “What if you are wrong and Colin doesn’t love me? What if he has changed too much for us to ever be happy?”
“Eve, it is about time you learned an important lesson,” her grandmother squeezed her hand. “You must fight for what you want, otherwise it will never be yours. Over the course of several years, you pined for this man. You love him now, even though he stayed away without sending word to you. You were once a victim. I shall grant you that. Now is your chance to take control of your future, to seize the happiness you were once denied.”
“I don’t believe it is that simple,” Eve declared.
“It isn’t simple, dear heart! Marriage is difficult, especially when you love the man.” The Dowager Viscountess bobbed her head. “Not many marriages are built upon love in our society. The ones that are remain the most trying because both parties are evolving and struggling not to grow apart at a time where stringent duties trump all, including love. I dare say love and marriage are the hardest commitments you will ever make and the most rewarding.”
Eve stared at her grandmother in disbelief. “You and grandfather didn’t labor at your marriage. Your love was real and appeared effortless.”
“Of course it was genuine, dear, but don’t you think it was difficult for us?” The elder woman sighed before continuing. “I wasn’t accepted by his peers, not at first. Even now, most see me as a former governess. Many never wanted to see our marriage succeed. It was difficult, but we fought for our marriage, for each other.”
“I had no idea,” Eve whispered, shocked at this intimate glimpse of a marriage she always considered above reproach, one that she held with reverence as the epitome of perfection.
“The reward was worth it.” The Viscountess released Eve’s hand. “The question remains, do you love Colin MacAlistair enough to fight for him? To accept the life he is offering you and be happy with him?”
Eve didn’t answer, her grandmother’s words still racing through her tired mind.
The dowager Viscountess did not wait for a response. “Though I suspect you already know the answer, I shall give you time to consider it,” she patted her granddaughter’s hand before walking towards the door. “Don’t take too long. He is joining us for dinner at five.”
“This evening?” Eve asked as she leaned against her worktable for support.
“Yes. Oh, and by the by,” her grandmother turned as she said, “please plant that fern before you return to the house. I don’t want the murder of an innocent greenhouse plant on my conscience. Love you, darling.”
The Viscountess blew her granddaughter a kiss before hurrying out of the greenhouse, a flurry of orange and pink skirts.
Eve returned to the fern, lifting the leafy plant in the air. “What would you do in my place?” she asked.
She suspected the answer, for it was the same two words her inner voice had been repeating since her last kiss with Colin.
Marry him.
As she placed the plant in the clay pot and tucked soil around its roots, Eve decided that no one, not even her disloyal inner voice knew what danger she was in. Having already lost herself once in Colin MacAlistair and suffering the aftermath, Eve refused to ever allow such a thing to occur again.
Never again would she behave like a lovesick fool. Never again would she lose her tight control over her heart.
Though she had already come to the decision that she would marry him, Eve had yet to determine how to entrust her heart to him. As silly as it sounded, she refused to give Colin complete access to her heart.
She must protect herself.
“When I marry him,” she said to the leafy fern as she surveyed its new home, “it will be on my terms.”
Yes, her terms, not his. On that, Eve refused to relent. Her lips curled into a slight grin as she reveled in her newfound strength.
Eve was returning to normal.
Well aware that she was running out of time, Eve racked her brain for a plan. She would agree to marry Colin, but he must never know how much power he wielded over her, nor must he ever realize what a willing participant she was. Eve had been so once before, and he had nearly destroyed her. She would not give him such power over her heart again, especially since he had yet to explain where he went or why.
/> After tossing her gloves upon the workbench, Eve untied her smock and hung it on the hook. She must formulate a plan before Colin arrived.
Today Eve had been her own worst enemy, wallowing in self-pity, chasing her dearest friend away, and lashing out at her grandmother.
“Enough is enough,” Eve said aloud.
It was time she took control of her life and made her own decisions. From this moment on, Eve Weston was a new woman, one who would fight for what she wanted. She would marry Colin and protect her heart.
Fully aware that she had picked the wrong fights today, Eve was now on the right path.
No more hiding.
No more second guessing.
Armed with newfound determination, Eve walked towards the main house. Though her fate may be sealed, she was in complete control.
Let’s see how Colin likes having the tables turned on him.
Chapter 10
As Eve dressed for dinner with the help of her maid, she found herself repeating four empowering words:
I am in control.
She spoke them, sang them, contemplated them … used any method imaginable for them to sink in.
“I am cheering you on, Miss,” Eloise patted her mistress on the back as Eve surveyed her reflection in the mirror.
Though she wasn’t one to normally compliment herself, on this particular occasion, even Eve had to admit that she looked captivating. Choosing a crimson gown of made of silk with gold and cream chiffon was a wise decision she noted with pride. Since the fabric was embroidered with a combination of scrollwork and flowers, the opulence would compensate for the jewels she was lacking.
The gown’s rounded neck showed no cleavage though it dipped low enough to accentuate her ample bosom. From there, the fabric hugged her chest and torso before her skirts fell in layers, like waves, to her feet, accentuating her tall frame with a gathering of fabric at her rear.
One of her favorite creations, she especially loved this particular gown because it was out-of-fashion. In truth, fashion had not embraced the design yet, but Eve was certain it would eventually.
“Miss Eve, you look radiant,” her maid Eloise said as she adjusted Eve’s skirts.
“Thank you, Eloise,” Eve smiled. “You did an excellent job with my hair.” Eve’s long, blonde waves were worn down tonight, the front and sides pulled back by matching zircon encrusted clips as the rest cascaded down her back.
“Will you be requiring anything else, Miss?” Eloise asked.
“No, thank you,” Eve turned towards the crystal clock sitting on the hearth’s mantel. “It’s time for me to head downstairs.”
“Very well,” Eloise added before curtsying. “Your young man is very fortunate,” she added before exiting the room.
Eve glanced at her reflection one more time.
“I hope you’re ready, Colin MacAlistair,” she said with a wry smile, “this shall be an eventful evening.”
After winking at her reflection, Eve proceeded downstairs quite proud of herself. Once she reached the bottom stair, Eve caught sight of Colin entering the foyer carrying a large white box with a cream ribbon tied in a bow. He was in complete unawares that she was watching him as her butler held his attention, retrieving Colin’s hat and gloves.
The mere sight of him left her breathless. He wore dark trousers that hugged his long legs and a matching jacket, though his cravat and vest were garnet. As always, an unruly lock of his wavy, black hair hung haphazardly above his right eye and Eve clenched her fists in an attempt to resist the urge to tuck it in place.
Colin caught sight of her and the expression of open admiration and pride etched in his strong masculine features were temptation enough to consider forgetting her scheme.
Close, but not quite.
His boots echoed against the marble as he walked towards her. Eve dared not trust her weak knees to take her anywhere. Instead, she stood rooted to the very spot, waiting for him.
Colin halted before Eve, taking a brief moment to study her. She was a vision in scarlet and gold, the personification of passion illuminated by the luster of a brilliant summer day, he thought – bright, vivid and breathtaking. In truth, he’d never seen Eve look more beautiful than she did at that very moment. His heart ached for her, to kiss her, to make her his in body and soul.
Instead, he took her gloved hand in his and in a throaty whisper said, “You look exquisite.” Colin then kissed the back of her hand before assisting her as she descended the remaining stairs.
“I see we match tonight.” Her full lips curved in a bright smile as she stepped onto the marble hall, alluding to their color choices. “Do you like my gown?” She twirled for him, allowing Colin a full view.
Did he like her gown? The splendid garment that hugged her full breasts, making him wonder why he never before noticed how well-endowed she was. The same dress tightened around her slim waist, causing an urgent desire to see the woman beneath the gown in naked splendor. The very same concoction that he longed to slowly and methodically remove from her breathtaking form.
“It’s beautiful, Eve,” was all he could manage.
Her smile widened. “Thank you. An artist always appreciates hearing that her work is admired.”
“You designed it?”
“Yes,” she nodded. “I designed it and sewed it.”
“I had no idea …” he was dumbstruck by her talent.
Eve arched a blonde eyebrow. “I am full of surprises.” Before her playful words could sink in, she changed the subject, “Speaking of surprises, may I inquire as to what is in the box?”
Box? Colin had forgotten he was holding it. He offered it to her as he explained, “I brought some scones for your grandmother.”
“That’s how you won her over!” her expression was animated as she quipped. “Bribing her with scones … I had no idea you were so devious.”
“Who, me?” Colin attempted his best impersonation of an innocent schoolboy.
Eve’s expression conveyed that she wasn’t fooled.
He leaned down and whispered in her ear, “I brought these not as a bribe but because I was warned about your cook.”
When he straightened, the intoxicating scent of her rose-scented hair lingered. How he could get lost in this woman.
“I am happy to report,” Eve spoke in a hushed tone as she took the box from him and began leading him down the hall, “that Grandmamma supervised Pear this afternoon and assures me that the soup may be pink, but it is edi—”
“The soup is pink?” Colin asked as he paused in mid-step.
“Yes, pink soup,” she answered in a singsong voice. “As I was attempting to tell you, it is nothing to be concerned about. Pear has never killed anyone …”
Eve shot him a jaunty glance before adding, “Yet.”
It dawned on him at once: their cook’s name was Pear. “Pear is her nickname, is it not?”
“Oh, no it’s not,” Eve’s expression became even more animated. “Her given name is Pear. She has two sisters, one named Patience and the other named Prudence. Would you like to venture a guess as to their occupations?”
The gleam in her eyes told him that it would be an amusing game. “If Pear is the cook, I can only imagine Patience is a …” He paused and Eve arched her brows, an encouraging smile on her face. “A governess?” he ventured.
“Yes, very good!” she nodded her approval. “And Prudence is ….”
“A nun?”
Eve laughed. “No, although I’m sure she would have made an excellent one. She is, however, the head mistress at a boarding school in Surrey.”
“Are they more successful at their occupations than Pear?” he asked in a whisper, causing her to bend forward to hear him. The one innocent motion caused Colin to feel almost giddy. Warmth emanated from her flesh, causing his skin to quiver in response. Her close proximity made his heart race, his pulse quicken and caused him to want desperately to kiss her. Then again, he always wanted to kiss her. So much so, he’d forgot
ten what he just asked her.
Fortunately, Eve answered in a hushed, intimate tone. “I have no proof, mind you, but I believe they are better at their positions. After all, they leave the cooking to professionals.”
Just when he was getting used to being so close to her, Eve pulled away. As she began walking down the hall, she announced over her shoulder, “Come now, Grandmamma is waiting for us in the sitting room.”
He followed her, deciding that death by Pear was a risk well worth taking if it meant spending an evening with Eve.
They entered the sitting room to find the Viscountess sitting at a card table.
“Thank goodness you’re both here!” she said in an exasperated tone. “Cards are quite boring when one is playing against oneself.”
“I believe you will forgive us when you open the box Mister MacAlistair has brought for you,” Eve winked at her grandmother as she set the small package in front of the elder woman, who tonight wore a dress of rainbow-colored silks.
The Viscountess untied the ribbon and opened the box as a squeal of delight escaped her throat. “Thank you, darling boy!” She looked over her shoulder before closing the box, tying the ribbon around it once more then tucking it under her card table. “I wouldn’t want Pear to see these.”
“Yes, please keep them safe. We may desire some after dinner,” Colin said with a conspiratorial wink.
Their meal was an event. Truth be told, the pink soup was quite tasty in spite of its absurd color though the lamb was seasoned with an over-abundance of pepper.
He glanced over at Eve to find her taking several large gulps of water with every bite. Colin wondered how Fiona remained plump when her meals were … well, if not downright awful, certainly less than appetizing.
As they were completing the final course, the Viscountess announced, “Eve darling, Mister MacAlistair hasn’t yet seen our gardens. Why don’t you both take a turn while I have Durstan prepare dessert for us in the study?”
Eve dropped her fork in immediate response as if she couldn’t abandon her meal quickly enough. The Dowager Viscountess reached for Colin’s hand and pulled him towards her. Once he was within hearing distance, she instructed, “Don’t you dare do anything I wouldn’t approve of.”
Enticing Eve: Scandalous Secrets, Book 2 Page 15