“I do,” Evie answered honestly, her stomach twisting. “It would be easier if I didn’t.”
Her mother gave a light laugh as she reached for her daughter’s hand. “That’s not true. I know I’ve pushed you for a good match, but sincerely, I didn’t just marry your father because he was an earl, I married him because he was the right man.”
Evie let out a surprised breath. Her parents always seemed happy but her mother had never shared her feelings. “Were you and Papa a love match?”
“We were and still are,” her mother said with a smile. But then her smile slipped. “And I’ve realized, I’ve been so busy pushing you to be the best debutante that I forgot to allow you to just be your own person and find the man who suits that person. And for that, I am sorry, Evie.”
Evie’s head spun. Was her mother apologizing? “I understand.”
Her mother shook her head. “You’ll understand better when you’re a mother.”
And now they were back to their usual conversation. But Evie didn’t mind. Her mother was her mother and she’d always accepted that. So instead of arguing, she took a step forward and gave her mother a hug. “I love you.”
“I love you, too.” Her mother leaned back, holding both of her arms. “Now. Go get your duke.”
* * *
Evan stoodin the stable brushing down his horse after a hard ride.
He could ask a groom to complete the task but he preferred to do the job himself. It gave him time to think while his hands were busy and active.
Exercise was another way in which he helped keep his control. Something he’d been lacking during this house party.
He ought to have remembered. Staying active was important for him. He stopped, swiping a hand across his forehead. How different might things be if he had?
Would Evie like him more?
Would he be in her company right now? Would he be courting her? Engaged?
He shook his head. That sort of thinking didn’t help and besides, eventually she’d have seen his other side.
He kept brushing the horse, losing himself in the rhythm, enjoying the quiet of the morning as he worked in the cool barn.
Tomorrow, he’d return home, back to his quiet, ordered, boring life. He straightened once again. When had his life become so dull? He’d never considered it so before. But he already knew.
Evie.
Now that he could picture a life with a woman like that cuddled in his lap or at his side on long walks or just sitting in the library talking or reading, he couldn’t find any enthusiasm for returning home alone.
Which wasn’t fair. She’d never wanted those same things. He could see that now.
“Evan.”
He spun around, Evie standing just behind him as though he’d conjured her with his thoughts. “Evie.”
She took a half step closer, her hands pressed to her stomach. “Do you have a minute?”
“Yes. Of course. Why?” He stared down at her as she nibbled at her lip, a habit of hers that he really loved.
“I wanted…I wished to talk with you.”
“All right,” he answered. “What about?”
She trembled faintly and part of him wished to pull her close. “Umm,” she started and then let out a huff of a breath. “My goodness. I am so bad at this.”
A ghost of a smile touched his lips. “What can I do to help?”
She shook her head. “I don’t know. Whenever I’m on the spot, I just freeze up. It’s why I dislike crowds so much.”