The Secret Life of Lady Evangeline

by Jan Davis Warren

  “You demand?” Evangeline’s voice, raspy with exhaustion, rose in defiance.

  “You are my wife and as your husband, I demand the truth.” His tone softened as he reached Evangeline. “I thought I’d lost you forever.” He held a steady gaze as he sought her reaction to his touch.

  “There isn’t time to get into all of it now. My father will send someone to fetch me soon if I don’t make an appearance.” She allowed him to capture her hand. The gesture cooled the anger and fear of his demands.

  “The commander has already dispatched a messenger to the king with his report. He believes the king will send Lord Alfred Gilfried, the king’s current viceroy within a week or two at the latest, to confirm the report.” He rubbed a thumb across her cheek. “Try not to worry. Gilfried will find the report to be true and accurate and your father will have no need to fear punishment from the realm.”

  “That is my prayer.” Evangeline touched his hand. “Thankfully, we will have a small intimate meal with just our immediate family tonight.”

  “Shall we discuss what we’ll say when anyone asks?” He searched her face with his gaze.

  With her nod, he relaxed his stance.

  “For tonight, to stem the rampant rumors of your disappearance, I made a brief statement to the staff. I told them that you had narrowly escaped an assassin’s attempt and, at my insistence, went into hiding at a secluded nunnery.” He searched her gaze. “That much you’ve told me.”

  “Except for the part of being there at your insistence, what you say is true.” She gave an exhausted sigh. “The nuns of The Sacred Heart Order did find me after the fire and took me in.”

  Henry glanced down at his wife and rubbed his thumb across her fingers, once soft as silk, now rough and calloused. “Last year, at the anniversary of your death, I visited...” He closed his eyes and cleared his throat of emotion. “I ran across a nun on the road not far from the burned out cabin. When I questioned her, she refused to tell me where her order was located. Through some connections in the church, I finally located the remote abbey and demanded to speak to the abbess in charge, I found her just as evasive.” He watched the emotions flicker across Evangeline’s face with the facts he had uncovered. “I assume once you were well enough to travel you returned here.”

  “I had heard that my father was ill and wanted to use the knowledge the nuns taught me to help him.” She stared at the floor. “I wore a habit and veil to keep from being recognized.”

  “You used the name Sister Margaret Mary and lived in the old priest’s crumbling abbey.”

  “Margaret was my grandmother’s name, and I found solace in that rundown abbey.” She paced to the window. “When I arrived at the castle, Hemming was masquerading as an heir, all the while keeping my father prisoner.” There remained an air of sadness about her as if something still grieved her. If he was patient, perhaps in time she would share the rest.

  “Even with my explanation of your disappearance, those who saw me after your disappearance won’t be deceived, for my grief at your loss was very real.” He cleared his voice. “Does that story meet with your approval m’lady?” He smiled and drew her into his arms when she didn’t resist. “Or do you still wish to tie me to the stake, flail the skin from my body, then burn me alive for my past stupidity?” He leaned back and searched her face when she remained silent.

  “I’m thinking.” She couldn’t keep humor out of her voice. He laughed and tugged her tight against his chest.

  “I love you, Evangeline. Always have and always will.” After a deep kiss, he released her. “Now I shall leave you to get ready…unless you wish me to stay and help.” His voice was husky, and his eyes lit with challenge.

  “I have been raised, as have you, Lord Stanton, to attend to the duties of the court before personal pleasures.” She stepped out of his embrace and waved him away. “Go. Spread your version of my disappearance to the curious. I will join you in the great hall as soon as I’m presentable.”

  Chapter 27

  A little over two weeks later, the castle was filled with guests. After the commander’s thorough report, the king sent the viceroy as expected, however, with viceroy came six officials interested in other affairs of the realm bringing their wives, at their insistence, if the rumors were correct. Probably to see for themselves that the Lady Evangeline they remembered was indeed alive.

  Assured that Sarah was content and protected by guards and the servants tending her, Henry was free to concentrate on the evening.

  The servants had prepared rooms for their overnight guests, which he sincerely hoped would not prolong their stay more than a night or two at most. He and Evangeline were still in the process of getting reacquainted.

  The king had also sent papers officially declaring Henry Lord of Brighton Castle and surrounding region. He was to take charge immediately, a surprise that he hoped to share with Evangeline later. He looked forward to raising his family in this place far removed from the politics and dictates of court life in London.

  So far, tonight’s banquet had gone far better than Henry could have hoped. He, Lord Brighton, and Evangeline had prepared for this evening over the weeks by answering every question they could think that might be asked, until they could mask any indignation and answer with calm and discretion.

  His beautiful wife glided from guest to guest with royal dignity and decorum. Stuck in a group of men discussing trade issues with Scotland, he watched Evangeline’s posture stiffen, lips thinned in anger, and her fists clinched at her side. A gesture he recognized as the calm before the tempest. Before he could go to her side, she smiled. Instead of a full out explosion of temper, she ignored their guest’s persistent inquiries for details of her disappearance and expertly turned their attention to the latest court fashions. While praising her father’s part in capturing Millicent, Evangeline gathered the sympathy and admiration of even the most ardent skeptic, the same gossips Henry had overheard over the months of Evangeline’s disappearance, who had speculated a number of outrageous reasons for her being gone so long and allowing everyone to believe she was dead.

  A deep respect warmed his heart for her. She had matured in the time they were apart. Yet, he couldn’t dismiss the feeling that she was hiding something. Would she ever be able to forgive and fully trust him again so they could resume their life together?

  Evangeline’s gaze was drawn to a small crowd of women standing near the food table. The wife of the king’s viceroy, a busty blonde dressed in silk and dripping with expensive jewelry, stood in a corner with other bejeweled matrons. Once, not so long ago, these pompous overindulgent biddies would have been relieved of their wealth by the Fox. Their bobbles would have helped the suffering of many less fortunate. To her shame, but for her tragedy, she might have acted just like them.

  Evangeline had escaped the constant barrage of questions and the women’s frivolous conversation of fashion and gossip of the king’s court by hiding behind a large marble column. A quick glance confirmed Henry was involved in a deep discussion of commerce and trade with the women’s husbands. She overheard her name mentioned and for curiosity’s sake edged closer to the women’s circle staying in the shadows.

  “Do you think there is any truth in the rumors that Henry beat her, which caused her to run away?” A plain woman with a large mole on her chin used a lace fan to hide behind and emphasize her question with its rapid flutter.

  “I heard from a very reliable source that Henry had become bored with her and taken his brother’s widow as a lover, and that was why she fled the marriage.”

  “That may have been true, because I heard she joined a nunnery.”

  “You are both wrong.” The skinny brunette leaned into the group and whispered, making it hard to catch her words. “I heard she left for Spain with a foreign lover whom she jilted to return home.”

  “Oh, Bertie, the Spaniard wasn’t her lover but her kidnapper.”

  Henry captured Evangeline’s elbow and steered her away from the
gossips.

  “Amazing how facts can become so distorted in such a short time.” His breath feathered her neck as he followed through with a brush of his lips, sending chills down her spine.

  “Not so surprising when those facts are distorted on purpose for the pleasure of the old hags who prefer lies to the truth.” Evangeline rubbed a hand discretely across her neck to try and alleviate the tingle that refused to dissipate from his kiss.

  “You can’t rid yourself of my touch, for I shall be ever touching you and reminding you of my presence.” His eyes were full of humor and promise which loosed warmth within her.

  Henry remained at her side, ready to intervene if necessary, but she appeared to have no further need of his gallantry. She had put a retraining hand on his arm when he would have slain the intoxicated Lord Alfred Gilfried, the king’s viceroy, for his improper advances. Even an hour after the servants and his wife whisked Gilfried away to his chambers, Henry’s face still flushed with anger.

  “Did that popinjay think your husband would stand by and ignore his impropriety?”

  “Henry, let it go. He will feel awful tomorrow when he learns from his very angry wife of his actions.” Evangeline captured her husband’s arm and drew him near. “Besides, he will leave on the morrow for London. He will report back to the King that all is well and confirm that my father is not, nor ever has been, a traitor to the crown or his people.” She glanced up, smiled seductively and fluttered her eye lashes at him, an action she once used to humor him out of a foul mood.

  He leaned down to whisper, “Does this mean you will follow through with the rest of my reward for not pounding that fool into a bloody pulp?”

  Evangeline grew flush and pulled away.

  “I…ah. No. Not tonight.” She turned and walked away to sit beside her father, leaving Henry standing alone and frustrated that she had shut him out again.

  “But soon, my love.” His whispered vow grew in determination to find out what caused the fear in her eyes. What secrets did she hide from him? His mind swirled with horrible possibilities. He paced the hall until he was able to calm his thoughts. It took all of his control to keep from throwing her over his shoulder and hauling her to their chamber where he would lock the door and remain until she revealed whatever she kept from him. For she did withhold something and it was time he knew it all.

  It was well after midnight before Evangeline was able to leave the celebration, which seemed destined to go on for hours yet. Exhaustion made every step a focused effort. Two handmaidens met her at the door of her chambers and whisked her inside. Never was she so grateful for their help. She crawled onto the feather bed and fell fast asleep.

  Loud pounding rattled her door. She tried to focus, but everything remained a muddy blur. Dawn blushed the stained glass of her window with a translucent glow.

  “Who is it?” Her voice was a raspy whisper. She tried to sit up, but her head pounded from not enough sleep.

  “Your Ladyship, the prisoner has escaped!” The male voice grew more demanding and the pounding increased.

  “Millicent escaped?” Evangeline threw off her covers and pulled on her robe as she stumbled to the door and unbolted it.

  Rodney, a downstairs servant, pushed open the door, grabbed her hand, and tugged her toward the back stairs.

  “Where are we going?” Fully awake now, danger prickled against her skin. Something was not right. She planted her feet, jerking her hand out of the startled young man’s grasp. “Where are the guards? Where is Elsa?”

  “I’m the boss so come with me.” He reached for her hand, but she stepped back. Anger flushed his face red. “We have your child.”

  “Impossible.” Evangeline turned and ran for the stairs to prove him a liar. “Guards!”

  “Stop.” He grabbed the back of her robe.

  With one tug, she freed the robe’s silk belt and slipped out of the heavy garment. Her plain cotton sleeping gown swished around her legs with every stride.

  “Guards!” Her hoarse cry echoed throughout the halls. She took the marble stairs two at a time, but the castle’s spy and her would-be kidnapper was right behind her.

  The sound of voices raised in alarm and the clangs of armor echoed along the corridors.

  “Got you.” Bony fingers grabbed the back of her thin gown, ripping the fabric.

  She seized the torn fabric in front and turned in time to see the stunned horror on his face a moment before Henry jerked him off his feet and threw him down the stairs into the waiting arms of two castle guards.

  “Sarah?” Evangeline backed away.

  “She’s safe. She is surrounded by guards at the door of the nursery and servants who are as intent on protecting her as we are.” Henry stepped up the stairs to her level and covered Evangeline’s bare shoulders and exposed back with her discarded robe. “Come. Let’s get you to your room.”

  “Millicent?”

  “She was found in the stable trying to escape but is once again safely locked away. The commander and his men will take her to London to stand trial. They leave tomorrow with the viceroy and the others.”

  A new dread pounded in her chest. Had Henry seen her back?

  They arrived at her chambers and were met by Evangeline’s chamber maid.

  “I have set warming stones beneath the blankets and prepared strong tea for M’lady.”

  “And you are?” Henry stepped between his wife and the servant.

  “Hilde.” She bobbed a curtsey and smiled.

  “Thank you, Hilde but you can return to your quarters now.” Henry’s tone brooked no refusal. “I will take care of my wife.”

  “Yes, M’lord.” The maid frowned but nodded and left.

  Henry closed and locked the door.

  “What were you thinking unlocking the door and rushing about this time of night without escort?” He paced from one end of the room to the other as if unable to settle in one spot.

  “Henry.” Evangeline touched his shoulder as he passed by.

  He turned and gathered her into his arms and sobbed. Great racking waves of grief poured out of him.

  Emptiness carved out her heart. His reaction to her disfigurement was far worse than she could have imagined.

  “I understand.” She soaked up his last embrace. No man could be expected to accept such disfigurement into his bed.

  “What?” Henry drew back but did not release her. The misery on his countenance was a mirror image of her own.

  “I must repulse you…”

  “Repulse?” His question was sincere.

  “The scars.”

  “My grief is not about your scars, but for your suffering and my stupidity that caused them.” He turned her around and tugged the robe off of her shoulders leaving her back bare. He rubbed his hands down her back then gently traced each puffy scar with his fingertips.

  Even the light touch ignited the memory of being trapped and alone. But then she felt him kiss each ugly ridge. His actions burned away the past and ignited a different fire within her, a fire of love and passion that could only grow between the life commitment of a husband and wife.

  After a lengthy exploration, he stepped around to meet her gaze.

  “You could never repulse me.” He drew her close and kissed her with such passion they were both left breathless. “You are the best part of me.” He pulled back the covers and set the bed warmer on the floor. “Did you realize that the scars are in the form of a tree?”

  “A tree?” She knew the scars started at her spine and spread up toward her neck and across her shoulders. Dropping her shredded gown to the floor, she climbed beneath the warm covers, no longer fearful of her husband seeing all of her.

  “Yes, a tree. It’s like a symbol of God’s tree of life or…” He shucked his clothes and followed her onto the bed. He tugged her within his arms. “It could be our family tree.”

  “There are a lot of branches.” Her voice drew husky within his embrace.

  “I know.” His chuckle rum
bled against her neck.

  Chapter 28

  Six months later

  Evangeline sped across the meadow with her hair flying in the wind. She was determined to enjoy this last bit of freedom before Henry forbade her from riding in her condition. Being pregnant didn’t mean she was fragile. As much as she loved him, he could be a bit overly zealous in his vow to protect her. If he watched from their quarters, she would be in store for a stern lecture when she returned.

  After much struggle with her conscience, she had finally forgiven Millicent, not because the wicked woman deserved it but as an act of her will. She released her anger to God and prayed for the woman’s salvation two days ago. It was a relief to break that tie that bound her to the past. Evangeline felt as if a heavy burden had been lifted.

  A messenger had arrived at Brighton Castle early this morning with the report that Millicent was dead. Found guilty in her trial, she had cheated the court of her beheading by taking poison the morning of her execution. With that bit of news, Evangeline vowed to never give the dead woman another thought.

  Her mount eased into a gentle rocking canter. The morning sun burned off the last of the fog and shone brightly across dew-kissed fields that would soon be ready for harvest. Wheat, barley, and corn had grown in abundance after the soil’s long rest, as if eager to share its stored up wealth.

  From a distance, a small horse-drawn cart approached. Evangeline waved and leaned down against her horse’s neck.

  “Go, Misty.” The white mare stretched out and ate up the ground with her long strides.

  Evangeline eased back the reins and slowed her mount when she reached the road. She stopped when she reached her friend.

  “Evangeline you mustn’t… Oh, never mind.” Helen had blossomed too since her marriage to Armand. After he resigned his commission in the king’s army, they married and ran the inn together. Expecting their first child in a few months, her friend looked happier than Evangeline had ever seen her. “Dismount and ride with me so we can talk on our way to our meeting.”