“Put your matchmaking thoughts out of your head, Mama,” Evangeline warned.
“Matchmaking is such marvelous fun,” Aunt Amelia interrupted. “I’ve already arranged a wedding for dear Lily Thornton and Cousin Matthew. I could easily find a match for you.”
Evangeline picked up her needlework and stabbed the needle through the linen. Without looking at the footman, she remarked, “Tell Lord Penford I am not here.”
But Amelia beamed and contradicted her. “Show him into the library, Harrison. I will send Evangeline in shortly.”
“I have nothing to say to that man. He is horrid, and I will not be a part of your scheming,” she informed her aunt. Evangeline would not allow them to make a fool of her.
“If you do not see him in the library, I will send for him here,” her mother said. “I know Amelia and I would both like to know why he has come. Perhaps to renew his courtship?”
She was aghast at the idea. Anger roiled up inside her, but Evangeline tossed the needlework aside and stood. “That is the very last reason why he would be here. But if you insist, I will find out and return within one minute.” She had no idea why James would dare to set foot here, but it would not take long to be rid of him.
“Evangeline, your hair is falling from the pins,” her mother warned. “Take a moment and make yourself presentable.”
She ignored her mother and strode out of the room. As soon as she reached the mirror in the hall, she tousled her hair even more, letting a few pins dangle from the strands. Good. Now she looked frightful.
Evangeline took long steps toward the library, but something made her pause before she entered. Her heartbeat was unsteady, her pulse racing. Why did that man always have such an effect on her? She wished James were unattractive or portly. Instead, he stood with his back to her, and his light brown hair held glintsof red. His coat hugged his frame, outlining the lean muscles. And his trousers molded to his legs like a second skin.
She pinched herself roughly before she walked inside the library.Gather control of yourself. He’s only a man.
The man she had worshipped for five years, until that fateful day when he had finally noticed her.
She bit her lip and said, “Why are you here, Penford?”
James turned at the sound of her voice. From his coat pocket, he withdrew a crumpled piece of paper and held it out.
Evangeline entered the room and took it from him, smoothing the edges. When she read the note, she frowned. “I did not send this.”
She examined the handwriting, which was nothing like her own. The letters were large and one of the words was misspelled. “Who would have sent this to you? And why?”
“I don’t know.” He leaned back and sat upon her uncle’s desk. “Especially when it was delivered an hour ago, and we’ve been traveling all day. I thought it best to find out, in case something was wrong.”
“Why would you care?” she blurted out without thinking. Her cheeks burned when she realized how rude she’d been. “I apologize. That came out before I could stop myself from speaking.”
James eyed her a moment. “You’re still angry with me.”
She was. A rush of humiliation washed over her, and she wished he would simply leave. “You’ve seen for yourself that we are all fine. Just go back home and we’ll leave it at that.” She started to go, but he caught her hand in his.
The warm pressure of his palm unraveled her with confusion. He had such a strong effect upon her that she could not resist. “Regardless of what you believe, Evangeline, I am not your enemy.”
She wasn’t certain she wanted to hear this. It was easier to hate him, to wallow in the humiliation. She had fallen beneath his spell, believing he cared for her. And every time she saw him, she was reminded of her weakness.
And his wickedness.
She raised her chin and regarded him. “I know that, Lord Penford. You may return home and there’s no need to concern yourself with my welfare.”
James studied her for a long moment before he nodded. “Still, I wonder why anyone sent that note.”
Her face furrowed, and suddenly, her eyes grew uncertain. “To draw you away from Lily?” She clenched her hands together, as if she were worried. “Perhaps someone wanted you to leave her alone.”
He stiffened and let out a low curse. “I believe you may be right. I should go back.” But before James left the library, he remarked, “I meant what I said. I don’t want to be your enemy, Evangeline.”
Her face flushed with the memories of the past. If she could go back and blot out those mistakes, she would do so in a single moment. But it was hard to let go of her own embarrassment and grant him a truce.
"Take care of Lily,” she said quietly.
He ventured a light smile, but when he departed, she felt a sense of terrible sadness. She had clung to animosity, for it protected her wounded heart. It was far easier to despise him than to forgive him.
