But still, he left her cold, and always had. There was just something very superficial about the gentleman. I was as if there was simply nothing going on beneath that bland surface.
“I have not seen you at any events lately, my lady,” he said now, smiling at her in that charming way of his. “Have you been hiding under a bush?”
Evelina gave a short bark of laughter. “Hardly. I have simply been too focused on doing my duty here and to my father.”
“Why?” he asked, frowning slightly.
She gaped at him. “It has only been a year and a half since our loss. My father is missing my mother’s presence, and I am doing my best to fill her shoes, although it is a hard task.”
“Oh,” he said, as if he had only just remembered her mother’s passing. “I see. I suppose I can understand that.” But his voice was filled with doubt, as if he truly couldn’t comprehend why anyone would choose to curtail their social life in such a way. “You must be dying of boredom.”
“Not really,” she said, an edge to her voice. “I am content with my life.”
His smile widened. “What a sweet, obliging daughter you are to your father, my lady. A true reflection of your character.”
Evelina’s smile tightened. She could tell he was patronising her. She knew he didn’t want a sweet or obliging woman and that she probably bored him to tears. But he was willing to do his duty to his father and try to court her in the proper way.
They lapsed into silence again. She struggled to think of a thing to say to him, but she knew she must try to fill the gaps in conversation, for the time wouldn’t lag quite so much if they talked and this house call would be over and done with much sooner.
“What have you been doing lately?” she asked.
“Quite a bit of hunting, actually,” he said, stifling a yawn. “I have been out most days. It gets me out of the house. My mother is busy with preparations for Christmas and says I am in the way.” He yawned openly. “Sorry! I was late to bed last night. Playing cards.”
She nodded, stifling a yawn herself. It was hardly a scintillating conversation. She gazed longingly over her shoulder, towards the house. How much longer must she endure this walk before she could suggest they return to the house, and she could be done with this?
Suddenly, she saw Jude in the distance. Her heart somersaulted in her chest. He looked so tall and handsome in his livery. How she wished it washimwalking beside her like this, rather than Mr Beaumont. They always had fun together, and the conversation flowed seamlessly.
Her throat thickened with tears. She had been cold and dismissive towards him this morning when he had approached her, and he hadn’t lingered. She knew she had done the right thing. She was re-establishing their relationship, so he would have no doubt that she didn’t want anything more to happen between them. She had played the lady of the manor to the hilt.
So why did it all feel so wrong?
At that moment, Jude turned, seeing her. His face clouded. She felt a stab of pure sorrow. Quickly, he kept walking, disappearing from her sight.
Evelina took a deep breath, turning back to Mr Beaumont. As soon as this visit was over, she was planning to speak to her father and make sure that it didn’t happen again. She was sure she could persuade him if they were alone.
She just had to make sure that Richard wasn’t there. Her brother needed to realise she wasn’t the pushover he thought she was. She was the lady of the manor now, and her brother needed to either like it or lump it.
***
The next day, Evelina was restless. Her plan to get her father alone hadn’t eventuated. Richard was lurking in every corner of the house. Impulsively, she decided to call upon Caroline. She needed a friend, although she knew she could never tell Caroline about the kiss with Jude.
She could, however, talk about Mr Beaumont, and get her friend’s advice on how to deal with this unexpected situation. That would be something.
Caroline was waiting for her in the parlour when she entered, kissing her warmly on both cheeks. Evelina gazed around. The room looked festive, with holly and ivy everywhere.
“Come and sit down,” said her friend, leading her towards the sofa. “How are the preparations for the ball coming along?”
“Very well,” said Evelina, taking off her gloves as she sat down. “Although it has not been as much on my mind as it perhaps should be.” She took a deep breath, staring directly at her friend. “I have been distracted by my brother and his machinations.”
Caroline frowned. “Richard? What is he up to?”
“He has persuaded Papa that I need to court,” she said through gritted teeth. “And to that end, they have enlisted Sir Henry Beaumont.” She shook her head incredulously. “Mr Beaumont called upon me yesterday.”
Caroline’s jaw dropped. “Mr Beaumont? But… that isgood, Evelina! He is one of the most eligible bachelors in the district. Most ladies would give their eyeteeth for Mr Beaumont to pay them a house call.”
“Well, I am not most ladies,” said Evelina tartly. “I do not evenlikehim, Caroline. He may be one of the district’s most eligible bachelors, but he is a superficial, vain bore, in my opinion.”
“Evelina,” said Caroline, in a shocked voice. “You are rather forthright in that opinion.”