Emily beamed, though a curl of some unnamed emotion lingered in her gaze. It pained Evie’s heart to see it, and she vowed to have the children to her house, even if Mamma threw a hysterical fit. She would have to speak with Papa and gain his support and approval. In short order, Evie bid farewell to each of the children and was seated in the carriage on her way to Rosette Park.
Oh, what am I to do?
The panic clawing at her insides was unwelcomed. When she’d given herself to Richard last night, she had been helpless against the feelings stirring within her soul. She had no regrets, but she could not believe he would take the gift of her body and then offer for another the very day after. He’d not said it, but she had seen the cool knowledge in his eyes. The libertine! She could not believe it of his honor. Surely he couldn’t be so callous and so dreadfully stubborn. As he’d loved her for the night, the knowledge he cared for her deeply had bloomed and lodged itself in her heart, and she’d felt such sweet hope. And he would give up everything because of an unreasonable fear.
She settled her hand across her stomach. And then there could be a child… Dear lord.
The wave of pain gave way to blinding anger. Her thoughts churned with fury, and by the time she arrived at Rosette Park, her mind had been decided.
He would not court and marry another.
The butler opened the door at her knock, and Adel rushed from the parlor to greet her.
“Evie! What has happened, you look frightfully pale.”
She was ushered into the parlor, and Adel rang for tea. Evie moved to stand by the window, watching the rain as it fell over the land.
“Evie, what is it? Oh, I should have come for you last night when I got Westfall’s note. What did the wretch do?”
A sob hiccupped from her, and she faced her friend. “I gave him my virtue.”
Adel gasped. “Oh, Evie.”
She swallowed. “I did it with no expectations of an offer. I knew his heart was against marriage, and I simply wanted to feel how I know no other man but Richard would ever make me feel. At least that was what I convinced myself.”
Adel frowned. “Then why do you look as if your heart has been irrevocably shattered?”
The breath sawed from Evie’s throat. “He plans to speak with Lady Honoria’s father, who is on the way to Kencourt with his countess and daughter. I cannot escape that it is not marriage he is averse to, but a union to me. I willfully deluded myself to believe his distaste was for matrimony itself…but he really would see us divided forever despite the palpable caring he has for me,” she said on a sob. “He believes I am of such a weak character I would wilt under society’s derision if we married. Oh, Adel, I feel as if I am about to shatter into a thousand pieces and nothing will put me back together.”
“I cannot believe such a thing of Westfall. It is clear to me he admires you very much.”
Evie straightened her shoulders. “I’ll not allow it.”
Adel blinked. “Allow what?”
“He will not marry another. I may be with child, and he only said I should inform him if that is the outcome. I am left to assume he will take care of me if I am…”
Adel gaped. “As his mistress or as his wife?”
“Was there any doubt as to the scoundrel’s meaning? It was not an offer of marriage,” she said furiously.
“Oh, Evie, you must inform your father.”
“No, I’ve always been so dutiful and proper, to tell Papa of my circumstances would more than likely induce a stroke. I shall handle this myself.”
Her friend’s face blanked. “I fear I need enlightenment.”
Evie sought to steady her voice as she answered, “You are the Duchess of Wolverton. I need you to wield your influence…with your husband’s aid, if needs be, to help me.”
“Done,” a cool, authoritative voice said from behind.
They spun around to see the duke lounging in the doorway. Mortified heat flushed through Evie’s entire body. Oh, dear Lord. He had heard her shameful confession.
“Edmond, we’d not heard the door open,” Adel said with a glare. “You did not knock, my love.”
He seemed undismayed. “You will forgive my intrusion. I happened to overhear the circumstances that prevented you from returning to us last night. What is it that you need, Lady Evelyn? I will see it done.”
Before her stood a man certain of his power and privilege, and his warm sincerity instead of damning judgment soothed the painful and turbulent ache in her heart.