Evan spent the rest of the day worried about Lady Ann. She had yet to emerge from her chamber, and he grew more concerned with each passing minute. The dinner hour was approaching and he hoped she would materialize for the meal.
He dressed, then escorted Mother and Elizabeth to the parlor. Most of the guests had gathered to visit before the meal. He searched the room but did not find Lady Ann. His gut twisted.
He hoped the morning’s adventure had not been oversetting enough to keep Lady Ann confined. More so, he hoped she had not taken ill. He saw Lady Lilliana across the room with Miss Henrietta. Perhaps they would have news of Lady Ann.
Evan turned his attention to his Mother and sister. “Please excuse me.”
“Of course, dear.” Mother nodded, and Elizabeth gave a slight turn of her lips.
He strode across the parlor’s polished floor and aubusson rug to the place where Lady Lilliana stood conversing with Miss Henrietta. “Ladies.” He gave a bow. “You both look lovely this evening.”
“Thank you, Your Grace,” they greeted and offered curtsies. Lady Lilliana gave a bright smile, while Miss Henrietta flipped open her fan.
“That was quite the storm this morning, was it not?” Lady Lilliana said. “I am glad to see it did not cause you irreparable damage.”
“I thank you for your concern, Lady Lilliana.” Evan smoothed his cravat, attempting to appear nonchalant. “Can the same be said of Lady Ann?”
“Lady Ann?” Miss Henrietta arched a speculative brow.
Evan grinned. “Lady Annabelle, if you insist. Has she recovered?”
“She is unharmed, Your Grace,” Lady Lilliana said. “I imagine she will join us soon.”
“Ah, yes, there she is now.” Miss Henrietta pointed her fan toward the door.
His pulse ticked up as their gazes connected. For the first time since he’d met her, Lady Ann did not scowl at him. But neither did she greet him with a glowing smile. Instead, she offered a cautious grin as she strolled toward them.
It was progress, and he was glad of it.
Relief swept through him at the sight of her hail and healthy. Her hair piled high and face glowing. He captured her hand, then gave a deep bow and brushed his lips across her glove covered knuckles. “I am glad to see you looking so well, Lady Ann.”
Her eyes narrowed a fraction, but she did not rebuff him. Instead, she pulled her hand back and gave a curtsy. “Likewise, I am pleased to see no harm has befallen you, Your Grace.”
“I assure you, it would take far more than a storm to do me in.”
“Of that I have little doubt. Still, you were soaked through and must have been bone weary.” Her smile widened. “I did not have the chance to thank you earlier. Please know that you have my gratitude.”
“Indeed, you are a hero,” Lady Lilliana said.
“Dear me, I would have set about rescuing damsels from storms years ago if I had known it would elevate me to hero status,” he teased.
Lady Lilliana laughed. “Well, perhaps not a hero, but you certainly did a good deed.”
“I did what any gentleman should.”
“Forgive me. I did not mean to eavesdrop, but did I truly hear you refer to my brother as a hero?” His sister paused beside Lady Lilliana, mischief in her eyes. “Surely my ears deceive me.” she turned a teasing grin on Evan.
He gave her a playful scowl. “Pay no mind to my mischievous sister. She likes to knock me off my pedestal at every opportunity.”
“Hum…” Elizabeth tapped her finger on her jaw. “You exaggerate, brother. I merely endeavor to keep your head from swelling.”
He chuckled at her good natured jesting, then turned his attention to the others. “Allow me to introduce my sister, Lady Elizabeth Colborne.” He looked from Elizabeth to the others. “Elizabeth, this is Miss Henrietta Sutton and Lady Ann Lindlow.” He nodded toward Lady Lilliana. “They are Lady Lilliana’s cousins.”
“It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance.” She offered a friendly smile. “I am sure we will become the best of friends, just as Lady Lilliana and I have.”
Even watched Lady Ann as she took his sister’s measure. Her gaze stilled at Elizabeth’s throat, and he felt victory coming nearer.
Lady Ann nodded at Elizabeth’s neck. “That necklace is lovely on you.”
