He gave a little whimper and refused to move.
“Oh, darling.” She sighed, resting on her elbows. “You cannot come with me. You’ve realized that, haven’t you? But you’re going somewhere even better, I promise.”
Richard had agreed to keep the dog. He was being very good about the whole thing, not making any protest when Evangeline said she must cancel plans to attend dinner at his sister’s, and that she would not be going to the opera with him next week, as they’d planned. Opera was the one public entertainment they still attended together, where they could sit together in the privacy of a dark box.
“Come with me to Richard’s,” she said to her dog. Louis looked at her, then put his head down on his front paws. “And Hercule,” she coaxed. “Wouldn’t you like to stay with Hercule?”
His tail gave a twitch.
“I’m sure Richard will have bacon for you,” she went on in the same warm, confident tone. “He always does. He scolds me for spoiling the pair of you, when he is far more generous with the bacon. And the cheese, now I think of it.”
Louis’s head came up. He knew the names of all his favorite treats.
“Come,” she said eagerly. “Let’s go to him now.”
Louis stood and gave himself a full-body shake. Slowly he came out from under the chaise, sniffing at her hand and giving it a lick before letting her scoop him up. She kissed his furry little head and cuddled him close. She would miss him.
She went into the hall, and saw with relief that the carriage was waiting. She had already packed Louis’s things—his sleeping basket, his cushion, the old bit of wool blanket he liked to chew on and the rope toys she had knotted for him. She had also made a list of his favorite things and his habits, as if Richard didn’t already know these things perfectly well.
On the drive over, Louis stood in her lap and put his paws on the window, peering out and panting with excitement. He did like carriage rides, even more than he liked walks in the woods. She made the most of petting him and telling him how much she would miss him, and she resolutely blinked away the tear that formed in her eye.
“Ah, our guest has arrived,” said Richard when she reached Humberton Hall. “Come in, Prince Louis, come in.” Hercule trotted forward, tail wagging, and the two dogs sniffed each other complacently. “You are leaving,” Richard said to her.
She nodded. “Solly has cast me out. I am too much in her way, fretting over what to take. She pointed out that I am only going four miles into town, and anything I want later can easily be fetched, and so I should stop pestering her to death andsimplygo.” She smiled as she imitated her companion’s stern tone.
“As usual, she is correct in every detail. And the same applies to me: if ever you want me, simply send word and I shall come at once.” He raised her hand to his lips.
She sighed, but happily. “You are too good to me. I’ll write to you as soon as I arrive and acquaint you with the lay of the land.”
“To let me know when it is safe for me to show my face about town,” he teased.
Evangeline laughed. “That’s too harsh!” He cocked a brow, and she laughed again, a little more ruefully. “She’s very ill,” she said in apology for Marion. “I don’t wish to upset her even by asking?—”
“I know. I admire your generosity.” He squeezed her hand and released her. “Now, how shall I occupy this fellow in your absence?”
Louis was standing watching them, and at Richard’s regard, he gave a little yip.
“Long walks, every morning,” said Evangeline firmly. “No bacon. And he must be combed from head to tail every other night.”
Louis barked in disagreement, and both laughed.
“Thank you,” she said.
“I know how important this is to you.” He drew her into his arms. “I hope Lady Bennet recovers swiftly and is home soon, although my reasons are partly for her family, and partly for my own selfish gratification.”
She leaned against him, sliding her arms around his waist. She would miss this—him. They had been separated before, naturally. He had delivered his nephews to their various schools. She had gone for a fortnight’s holiday at a spa with Fanny. They would be only four miles apart, a distance easily covered in a day. But still it felt different. Perhaps because she was facing anebulous but daunting task, chaperoning a young lady on the ton with no warning or chance to prepare, for who only knew how long. It would all seem so much easier if Richard would be with her, laughing with her over her inevitable mistakes, comforting her if she and Joan didn’t get on as well as she hoped.
But he would not be there, because that was a favor too much. Marion was trusting her, and Evangeline didn’t dare push her luck.
“I will miss you,” she whispered, to keep her voice from breaking.
“And I you.” He tipped up her chin. “But I have faith you will be a marvelous chaperone and an excellent companion to the young lady. I hope you enjoy it immensely.”
“I hope so!” She kissed him quickly, beginning to smile. “I am sure you can come visit at least once. I’ll write and tell you when.”
“Rest assured, I will come.”
She stepped away, blinking hard, and scooped up her dog. “Be a good dog,” she told Louis, who wriggled wildly. She handed him to Richard. “I fear he will run after me.”
