Eden took a breath, steadying herself against the onslaught of her friends’ concern. “I appreciate that. I really do. But this journey means more to me than you can possibly know. After years of stagnation, to finally have a chance to pursue what I truly love... Can you not see why I must?”
Daphne’s expression softened, though her resolve did not falter. “And what of Mr. Thorne? What of your history? I saw the way you looked at each other the other night. I don’t believe that either of you will be able to keep this strictly professional. Normally, I’d be all for you finding a bit of passion, but I worry that his emotions might get in the way of his protecting you.”
“You don’t know what you’re talking about. You don’t know him as I do.” Eden’s voice cracked, the words holding both warning and vulnerability. She loved her friends; she truly did. But she would not let them talk her out of this, and she could not bear to hear their speculations about Max.
“Very well.” Genevieve’s disapproval was still evident, but she was nothing if not loyal. “But if you do go, I want ourobjection noted. And you must promise us that you’ll be careful, that the moment anything seems off, you’ll return home.”
Eden allowed herself a small smile, grateful that they seemed to be relenting, even if it came wrapped in admonition. “I will. Of course, I will.”
They lapsed into silence, the heavy air punctuated by the crackle of the fire. It wasn’t as though Eden was blind to the dangers that lay ahead of her. She knew far better than they did what could go wrong.
But for her, the risk was worth it.
“This has nothing to do with me doubting your abilities, Eden. I know that if any woman could do this, it would be you, but there are just so many things beyond your control,” Genevieve finally said. “I love you. More than I can say. Since the three of you moved to Willoughby Hall with me, I’ve considered you my family. And I’m very protective of those whom I consider mine.”
“I know,” Eden whispered, her defenses crumbling in the face of such open affection. “And I love you for it.”
Daphne had tears in her eyes, too. “I love you, too. We just don’t want anything to happen to you.”
Suddenly, the three of them were embracing, and Eden held onto her friends tightly, glad that there didn’t seem to be any hard feelings. She wanted to go to Egypt, but she needed her friendship with these women, too. She didn’t know what she’d do if she had to choose.
Genevieve drew back, her eyes shimmering with emotion. “If you must do this,” she said with a sigh of resignation, “then do it with all your heart. And write to us every chance you get so we know you’re all right. I also want to send someone with you to act as a chaperone. It will help cushion the blow to your reputation and also provide a bit of a barrier between you and Mr. Thorne. Lastly, I’d like to meet him before you go.”
“I’m a widow,” Eden protested. “I don’t need a chaperone, and I can’t be taking an elderly woman out into the desert.”
“She’s not elderly. Felicity Carlisle is my daughter-in-law Faith’s sister, and I believe she’s of an age with you. She’s recently widowed, and I was thinking of asking her if she would like to take Lavender’s place at Willoughby Hall. This way, you can see if you think she’d be a good fit.” Genevieve gave an elegant shrug. “You can leave her at the hotel in Cairo if you like, when you head out to the desert, but having her along for the journey will definitely protect your reputation.”
Eden frowned, not certain she liked the idea of anyone taking Lavender’s place. “It will be very awkward to take along someone I don’t know.”
“I think you’ll like her,” Genevieve insisted. “And Felicity needs this diversion as well. She has been grieving so deeply and for so long that Faith fears for her. She needs an adventure of her own.”
Genevieve had obviously found a new little duckling to mother, and Eden could hardly refuse this woman the grace she herself had been given when Richard had died. Perhaps this was a compromise that might work for all of them. “Fine. I suppose I can accept those terms if it will ease your mind.”
Genevieve smiled, then sat back down and picked up her teacup. “My visit with my son went well,” she said, and Eden was grateful for the change of subject. She listened with half her attention as Daphne and Genevieve spoke of mundane topics, trying to lighten the mood after all the emotion that had been spent.
Eden was left to her thoughts, a tumult of excitement, uncertainty, and an overwhelming sense of destiny that drowned out even the loudest protests of her friends.
Chapter Six
Max stood on the busy London train platform, checking his watch for the tenth time, his bag resting at his feet. He was focused, already mentally cataloging the tasks awaiting him in Dover, when a crisp, towering footman tapped him on the shoulder.
“Mr. Thorne?” the man asked with practiced deference. “Her Grace, the Duchess of Ashbourne, would like a word with you before your departure.”
Max frowned, checking the time again. He had less than half an hour before the train pulled out. Despite his irritation, he recognized the name; the duchess was one of Eden’s close friends. Reluctantly, he followed the man outside to a closed, highly polished carriage waiting just beyond the station gates.
