by Valerie King
When she released him, he reached for her, but the coachman came into view. She turned swiftly and moved, in his direction. “Are we ready then?” she called out.
“Yes, m’lady.”
“And the Bath chair is quite secure?”
“Very much so. I checked it over more than once.”
“Excellent. Let us depart.” She climbed aboard the coach and saw that Mia was worried. She held their mother in her arms. Her eyes were closed.
“She should not have come tonight,” Mia said, her face twisted in anxiety.
Evelina drew in a deep breath. “She would not have missed it for the world. She wanted nothing more than to see you dance at your first assembly. I, too, as it happens. Tell me who you favored dancing with the most, and were you able to forestall Mr. Fuller?”
Lady Chelwood spoke. “Yes, Mia, you must tell us everything. I want to hear it all.”
Mia glanced at Evelina, and she gave her sister an encouraging nod. The journey home was a sweet, delightful discourse of all the events of the evening, from Euphemia’s first dance to her last. She dwelt especially on what everyone had come to believe was the renewal of love between Sir Edgar and Miss Ambers. Nothing, it would seem, held greater value in her young mind than the fulfillment of love between two people each of whom had endured society’s censure for the past several years. She spoke of dancing with nearly all the gentlemen present, save for Mr. Fuller, who had been on the brink of asking her to go down a set when he suddenly collapsed into the chair beside her. “He actually leaned his head back against the wall,” she said, “and began to snore. I was never more shocked.”
The sisters laughed heartily together, and even Lady Chelwood chuckled, if faintly.
“Of all the gentlemen with whom I danced, I must say I found Lord Rotherstone to be the most enjoyable. He made me laugh nearly the entire set. He kept teasing me about having cast a spell on Mr. Fuller, thereby relieving the entire assembly of his loud voice.”
“I am glad to hear it,” Evelina said. “I know I have been given reason to think ill of him, but more and more he is proving himself to be a man of some good parts.”
“Besides being so handsome,” Mia said. “I only wonder he has escaped marriage for so long.”
“Some gentlemen,” Lady Chelwood said, “wait for exactly the right lady before venturing to the altar. He is such a man and very wise, I think.”
This was more than she had said the entire journey. Evelina believed these words were meant for her. The coach finally arrived at Wildings, and the next several minutes were devoted to tending to Lady Chelwood’s comfort and care.
The housekeeper saw her supported with a blanket and tucked into the Bath chair then carried slowly up stairs by three of the strongest footmen. Seeing her mother released at last to her abigail, whom Evelina knew to be devoted to her mistress, she could finally breathe a sigh of relief.
Only then did she bid Mia good-night and retire to her chamber. She was greatly fatigued, but in the most wonderful way.
As she lay in her bed, she was overcome with the sweetest, happiest reflections. She had seen Rotherstone and Sir Edgar take part in an assembly. Sir Edgar had danced with a woman he had once asked to marry him. Rotherstone had engaged fully with his neighbors. She had even seen him conversing amicably with Sir Alfred. The neighborhood was improving, and she took great pleasure in knowing she was part of those changes, which appeared to be of benefit to Maybridge and the attending gentry. She had even kissed Rotherstone, an act that had been as impulsive as it had been innocent, for she had only meant by it to give some expression to the gratitude she had felt toward him. Everything, indeed, seemed to be changing, but she could only wonder what Rotherstone thought of her now.
* * * * * * * * *
Later that evening, Rotherstone paced the library. He felt completely and utterly undone by all that he had experienced during and immediately after the assembly. Having taken strong control of the animosity he felt for many of his neighbors for the purpose of advancing his revenge upon them, he had unexpectedly found himself in the middle of a very fine assembly. He had not expected to be so well entertained, so welcomed, so involved in the lives of people he had kept at such a great distance.
He was of course not in the smallest degree fooled by Sir Alfred’s attempts at warm civility. His father’s explanation of the events of seven years ago placed Sir Alfred in a terrible light. He was no child to be misled by the baronet’s attempts to engage him in conversation or his offers to see his wine glass refilled. No, he knew what Sir Alfred was, and that knowledge continued to drive him regardless of how pleasant the evening had proved.
The ladies he enjoyed very much. There was an artlessness among them all that indicated an excellent sort of breeding shared among the ladies of Maybridge. Lady Euphemia in particular had charmed him with her wit and innocence. She knew how to laugh, a quality shared amongst the entire family.
Lady Monceaux had intrigued him. As the wife of his enemy, he had been naturally suspicious of her. But she had conversed at length with him and in a manner so devoid of criticism or arrogance that he soon formed the opinion as to which in her marriage was the superior partner.
Her words were thoughtful and kind. “I wish that we might have known you earlier, my lord. But you were a typical youth, away at school most of your years and intent on your own interests at university and beyond. I wish you to know that I always had a deep admiration for your father and that I was infinitely regretful that something occurred to separate our families. Sir Alfred, of course, did not share the particulars with me, but I hope you will find it in your heart to forgive the incident that has kept you from our circles these many years and more.”
He had narrowed his eyes at her, trying to determine if she was dissembling, but he saw nothing in her expression or her manners to indicate deception of any kind. “I know my father was very sad to have lost the friendships that he did.”
“Perhaps you will be able to set everything to rights,” she said, smiling. “I was especially grateful when you allowed Lady Evelina to persuade you to permit our treasure hunt. That, I believe, will prove to be a good beginning—for all of us, I trust.”
He had returned an appropriate response, but he had also wondered if she knew even in the smallest amount that his efforts were not toward reconciliation at all, but rather toward exposure and revenge. He felt sorry for her, because it was her husband who was his primary object and she did not seem to be deserving of injury.
He stopped his pacing, sat in a comfortable chair beside an empty hearth and sipped a fine glass of brandy. The one surprise of the evening had been Lady Evelina, almost from start and certainly to finish.
Initially, he had thought to exact a kiss from her as one of his requisite three demands. Instead, he had insisted she relinquish control over her mother, a circumstance that had altered probably forever the relationship between parent and child. The tenderness that had resulted between them, in word and in action, which he had witnessed, had been so moving that his own heart had come to ache almost painfully in his chest. He could not have left Evelina’s side in that moment had he wanted to.
Later, he had attended to Lady Chelwood himself, carrying her down the stairs and seeing her settled in Mia’s arms within the family barouche. His opinion that her ladyship was an excellent woman had been confirmed again. He had known her husband, and there could be no two opinions that the former earl of Chelwood had not been the equal of his wife. Nor was their eldest son worthy of his family. As much as he had disliked Lord Bramber, he began to believe that the baron had made a very wise choice in bestowing Wildings upon Lady Evelina.
The greatest surprise of all, however, had been the very last moment with Evelina in the shadows of the inn, when she had kissed him so purposefully. Once before she had kissed his cheek, but that had been a friendly salute. This time there had been something more in the way she kissed him. He understood her purpose, to express her gratitud
e, but he felt all the strength of her character in that moment.
What she could not know, perhaps would never know, was that he had been more affected by that kiss than by any single event in the course of his life.
He was, in fact, undone.
***
Chapter Nine
On Monday afternoon, just past one o’clock, Evelina stared at Rotherstone, unable to credit that he, as well as Sir Edgar, had come to join in the treasure hunt. The earl had not given her the smallest hint at the assembly on Saturday that either of the gentlemen had meant to do so.
She was not the only one to be a little shocked. Even the younger Mr. Rewell had said, “What the deuce?”
Lady Monceaux came forward immediately and offered a small curtsy. “You are very welcome, my lord, I am sure. And you, Sir Edgar.”
The remainder of the party followed suit, and the next several minutes were spent in gathering round the map and engaging in a discussion as to which areas of the southwest corner of Blacklands had not yet been explored and what the party’s strategy ought to be. Mr. Creed’s advice to expand the area to be searched was put forth, whereupon Mr. Crookhorn suggested they divide the land in segments that would then be explored in small groups. When no objection was raised, several clusters of treasure seekers went off in various directions to explore every hillock, ravine and wooded copse within a half-mile radius of the original path. An ancient well, or the remnants of one, was the object.
Evelina’s party consisted of her sister Mia, Rotherstone, Sir Edgar and, not surprisingly, Miss Ambers. That the interesting pair found it imperative within the first few minutes of the exploration to venture down an entirely separate path from their own, did not surprise her.
Mia smiled broadly. “Did you chance to see how he looked at her when he first arrived?” she queried.
Evelina thought her sister was addressing her, but when she turned to give answer she saw that Mia was looking at Rotherstone. The earl also smiled. “Smitten, very badly so.”
“Very badly, indeed,” Mia said. “Oh, but think. We may have a wedding breakfast to attend before the summer is out. I do not think I could be happier. And do you believe they are a good match?”
Rotherstone gestured for her to precede him down a narrowing footpath and said, “It certainly does not matter what my opinion is. Sir Edgar will do as he pleases. However, I believe Miss Ambers to be a young woman of excellent character and not a little courage. Her temper is certainly sweet. She is the sort of lady whom I believe would make any man a good wife. That she appears to love Sir Edgar is his good fortune.”
Evelina, having joined them from a different path a few feet away, said, “These are very fine compliments indeed. I am quite envious of Miss Ambers in this moment. I did not know it was possible for any young woman to secure your good opinion.”
“Is this true?” Mia asked, as Rotherstone allowed Evelina to pass him as well. “Are you so severe upon our sex generally?”
“Your sister would have you believe so.”
“And that is what disturbs me, for if you must know, I value Evie’s opinion above anyone’s.”
Rotherstone fell silent for a moment. Evelina turned to regard him, wondering what next he would say. The spirit of the entire exchange had been quite light-hearted, so that she did not expect anything of a serious nature to fall from his lips.
“I believe, Lady Euphemia, that you have quite put me in an intolerable position. If I protest Lady Evelina’s criticism of me, you will be required to doubt her opinions, yet if I do not, you may begin to find as much fault with me as she does.”
At that, Mia laughed in great delight. In just such a way the hunt continued.
As their small group headed south, nothing more was seen of Sir Edgar and Miss Ambers. Occasionally, Evelina would espy Lady Monceaux, Mrs. Rewell and Mrs. Huggett, who were exploring to the east.
Back and forth they wandered, climbing more than one small hill, searching out every thick copse that barred their path and pressing on until the dry stone wall was reached that separated Blacklands from the lane beyond. Across the lane was one of Rotherstone’s tenant farms.
“I know I should not be,” Evelina said, leaning against the wall, “but I confess I am greatly disappointed.” She settled her gaze on several sheep clustered near a ruin of a stone shed on the farm beyond the lane. One of the ewes was scratching her side against the wall and leaving tufts of wool behind.
Mia leaned down to retie her half boot. “As am I,” she said. “Lord Rotherstone, are you certain you do not know of a well anywhere on your property?”
“Alas, I do not, and as you may imagine, I was used to play in these woods since I was a boy.”
“Then what is the point of our searching?” Mia asked reasonably.
“You must place that question before your sister.”
Evelina smiled broadly. “For the pure pleasure of it,” she responded happily.
“You have your answer, Lady Euphemia.”
“I wish you will not address me so formally,” she said, wrinkling her nose. “I have come to think of you as an elder brother. Oh dear, have I offended you? Do you think it improper of me to have said so, for now you are frowning.”
“Then you must forgive me. I have no experience in the matter, having no siblings of my own. However, I would like very much to address you in a manner you would prefer, but only if Lady Evelina does not mind.”
Mia laughed at the emphasis he had placed on ‘lady’. Not yet being seventeen, she did not censure herself overly much, a circumstance that Evelina thought had made their time together quite enjoyable. She smiled in return. “I can have no objection to Rotherstone addressing you as he would a sister. However, with me I fear I must insist on some formality.” She turned her laughing countenance to Rotherstone and saw that a warm light had entered his eye.
He said, “You are not always entirely formal with me. As I recall, there was a moment on Saturday night when you were not formal in the least.”
Evelina bit her lip.
“You mean when Evie kissed you?” Mia said, unthinking. She clamped a hand over her mouth and a blush instantly suffused her cheeks.
Evelina was also blushing and said, “I was not certain you had seen my, er, indiscretion.”
“I thought it very sweet,” Mia said, “and not undeserved, for he had been so kind to Mama. However, I beg you will both forgive me for having been so completely thoughtless in having reminded you of it.”
“You are not to blame,” Rotherstone said, appearing entirely nonplussed by the exchange. “After all, I hinted at it first.”
“Are you in love?” Mia asked, glancing from one to the other.
“Mia,” Evelina said. “You have just gone beyond the pale for a second time.”
For some reason, Mia did not seem in the least penitent. She merely smiled and turned on her heel. “I have something I would ask Annabelle, and if I am not mistaken, she is exploring with her brother just beyond Lady Monceaux’s position. I will leave you now.” She turned once to wave then hurried away.
Even though Evelina suspected that Mia had matchmaking designs in leaving her alone with Rotherstone, she did not bother to call her back. She had begun to fear anything else that Mia might take into her head to say. “You must forgive her, you know. She is still quite young.”
“There is nothing to forgive. We have been indiscreet and have given rise to all manner of speculation in her young mind.”
“If I recall, you were not indiscreet, I was.”
He chuckled. “I could have prevented the kiss, but then it all happened so very quickly.”
“The hour was late and the night dark. You could hardly see me coming at you.”
He chuckled again. “I am grateful then that I did not have a moment to decide. I do not think I have enjoyed a kiss more. But come, let us return to some others of the party. I begin to be afraid that you might accost me again.”
“I would never do s
o, not with those sheep continuing to scratch themselves against the stones. Could anything be less romantic?”
Rotherstone watched them for a moment and shook his head. “I suppose not,” he said, laughing.
As they started up the path, a shout was heard from a distance to the northeast. Evelina recognized Stephen Rewell’s voice.
“What is he saying?” she asked,
“I believe it is, ‘I have found the well.’ ”
“Indeed?” she said, a burst of excitement coursing through her. She did not wait, but picked up her skirts and began to run. Rotherstone’s laughter followed her.
Fifteen minutes later, most of the party was gathered about what the younger Mr. Rewell had proclaimed was the well.
“But are you absolutely certain?” Evelina asked, quite despondent, as she glanced up at Rotherstone.
“Indeed, Carfax will tell you. Here he comes now.”
“The devil take it,” the colonel grimaced. “I see Rewell found our old fire pit.”
“Well,” Sir Alfred said, huffing a sigh, “how very unfortunate, for I vow this ring of stones is the most promising thing I have witnessed all day. I am coming to believe that Jack Stub’s treasure is nought but a hum.”
So dominant was the air of discouragement that Evelina recommended they return to Wildings for some refreshment. Not a single person offered an opposing suggestion, and everyone began moving in a northwesterly direction toward where the map had been left with one of the Wildings servants.
Once gathered at the map, Evelina asked if Rotherstone and Sir Edgar would like to join them. Sir Edgar, gazing fondly at Miss Ambers, agreed at once and that so enthusiastically that a round of chuckles passed through the group. Rotherstone also accepted, a circumstance that set Evelina’s heart to fluttering anew.