“To the village.”
“Robert—”
“It’s a surprise,” he cut in, eyes gleaming with something secret and warm. “And before you ask, no, I won’t tell you what it is.”
“You’re impossible.”
“And yet, here I am. Your impossible husband.”
She rolled her eyes but couldn’t quite smother her grin. “Very well. But if this ends in livestock or me having to make some sort of speech to the townsfolk, I’ll never forgive you.”
“You wound me again,” he said with mock offense, offering his arm as they left the breakfast room. “I would never inflict either upon you. Though you would make quite the rousing village orator.”
“You are truly insufferable.”
“And yet, you married me.”
She gave him a sidelong look as they made their way to the stables. “I’m starting to think I had a moment of madness.”
He helped her mount her mare then swung up onto his horse with an ease that made her stomach flutter. He still looked the part of a brooding figure from a half-forgotten dream, but he smiled more now. His eyes were lighter. The darkness that had once cloaked him seemed, at last, to be receding.
They rode out together, side by side, along the winding country lane. The sun was warm on her back, and the breeze tugged playfully at the ribbons of her hat. She glanced sideways at him as they neared the village.
“Will I like this surprise?”
“I hope so,” he said softly, his gaze steady on the road ahead. “It’s something I’ve been thinking about for a long time.”
As they approached the edge of the village, Evelyn’s brow furrowed. Something was… different.
“Robert,” she said cautiously, slowing her mare. “Why are there garlands hanging from the trees?”
He said nothing at first, only urged his horse forward, and so she followed. But with every yard they advanced, more color appeared. There were more ribbons fluttering from windows, more floral wreaths draped over fence posts, and more strings of painted bunting stretched across the narrow streets.
Music drifted toward them, the sounds lively, familiar, and sweet. Her heart started to beat faster.
“What in the world…” she murmured.
They rounded the final bend, and the village square came into view. Evelyn gasped.
The entire square had been transformed. Tables were lined with food and flowers. Lanterns were strung overhead, swaying gently in the breeze. Children were laughing as they darted between booths. Musicians were playing a cheerful tune in the corner while townsfolk mingled, smiled, and clapped in rhythm.
She stared at it all, wide-eyed. “Robert… what is this?”
He dismounted with a quiet smile then stepped over and offered his hand to help her down. “It’s for you.”
She blinked. “For me?”
“To celebrate everything you’ve done. The school, the clinic, the workers’ homes… every single improvement. The villagers insisted on throwing a celebration in your honor. I may have helped them organize it. Just a little.”
She was speechless. Her eyes filled with disbelief and wonder as the townspeople began to turn toward her, clapping and cheering. A few of the children ran up and hugged her skirts, calling out, “Lady Evelyn! Lady Evelyn!”
The fact that they were not addressing her in the correct manner a duchess was to be addressed in was the last thing on her mind at that moment.
Still stunned, she turned toward Robert. “You… you did this?”
He shrugged lightly though his eyes were warm. “I only followed their lead. They’re proud of you. As am I.”
Before she could speak, she caught sight of familiar figures emerging from the crowd. Matilda waved eagerly, already wiping away a tear. Behind her were Hazel and Cordelia, all smiles and teary eyes, followed closely by Mason, who gave her a mock bow and exclaimed, “Told you he was up to something!”
