“Of course,” she said, stepping back automatically to allow her mother entrance.
“I can’t believe…” Her mother started and Evie cringed.
But the next words completely shocked her.
“I can’t believe he chased after you like that. So publicly. Has he mentioned marriage?” Her mother sounded almost out of breath as she barreled on before Evie could even answer.
Evie’s breath caught. She did not want to give her mother any encouragement. “Not specifically.” Which wasn’t a lie. He’d asked some vague questions about her future…but his intent was becoming increasingly clear.
Her mother momentarily frowned, but then her face brightened again. “No matter. It’s only been a few days. We’ve plenty of time for that.”
Evie’s shoulders slumped in relief. She needed time to sort through all her feelings as well as rationally decide how much she might be willing to compromise.
But her relief was short lived.
Holding up her finger, her mother moved toward her wardrobe. “We must find you the perfect outfit for this evening. Something that will tempt His Grace beyond reason. Make him certain that you—”
“Mother.” Her voice bit out sharp and hard.
Her mother spun, her brow crinkling in confusion. “What?”
“My head…” she started, reaching her hand to the back of her skull. “I need to lie down.’
Her mother gasped. “Of course, darling. How foolish of me.” She crossed back over, feeling Evie’s skull. “No bumps.”
Evie shook her head. “I know. It just aches a bit.”
Her mother frowned. “Oh dear. Don’t let me keep you. You should rest.”
“Thank you.” She began to slump in relief, but once again, her mother cut short that joy.
“I’ll be back in an hour.”
“An hour?”
“Oh yes.” Her mother started for the door. “We’re going to need plenty of time to make you the belle of the ball.”
Evie cried out but the closing of the door covered the sound. The belle of the ball was the very last thing she wished to be.
* * *
Evan watchedEvie come down the stairs, his breath catching and holding in his lungs. She looked so beautiful…
Her hair had been caught up in a loose coif with tendrils falling all about her face while her cream gown hugged every supple curve. Evie always looked stunning, but tonight, she was truly exceptional. Deep inside, he knew tonight was different.
They’d discussed a future, at least vaguely.
He’d held her in the hall.
And then, she’d promised to see him at dinner.
They were building toward a future, he felt it in his bones. With a deep breath, he stepped toward the stairs, wanting to greet her the moment she reached the bottom.
She paused, their eyes locking when she reached the halfway point and she stalled on the step, her smile faltering.
He furrowed his brow, wondering what that was about. Was she nervous?
But her smile returned and she finished gliding down the staircase, her hand slipping into his offered one.