CHAPTER NINE
Wernham intercepted Eva as she took her parcels to her room. “A note has arrived for you, your Grace.”
Taking the missive, she thanked him. Hopefully, it was from Claire. Eva would love to speak with her new friend because she knew so much about society. She was aware that Daniel was not pushing her to attend any functions, yet she also understood that speculation was mounting about her. His grandmother had told her that in no uncertain terms today.
You need to get out there, gal. Your husband will become a laughingstock if you don’t!
And because her husband had been so generous to both her and Reggie, she did not want that to happen. Therefore she would go to a function soon. She just wanted to have a bit more coaching from Claire first.
Opening the note, she quickly scanned the contents.
Come alone to the park across the road now or I shall be forced to journey to Edinburgh to collect my son.
Pushing aside the instant wash of icy fear as she read the words, Eva quickly pulled on her gloves and bonnet and hurried from the room. The note was from her father and she knew he would do as he stated and she could not allow that, would not allow Reggie to be hurt anymore. Heart thumping, she reached the front entrance.
“You are going out, your Grace?”
“Just to the park, Wernham, a friend is awaiting me there,” she lied. “I shall return soon.”
“His Grace would be displeased if you did not take someone with you, your Grace.”
“Molly is coming, Wernham, she will be along shortly so do not fret and please do not bother my husband as he is very busy.”
Reaching for the door, Eva forced a bright smile onto her face as she opened it herself and ran down the steps before he could stop her.
The day was warm and under different circumstances she would enjoy the walk. Hurrying along the path she reached the park. Pushing open a small gate, she held it for a lady holding the hand of little girl.
“Lovely day for a walk, don’t you think?”
Eva nodded and mumbled a reply and then found the path that ringed the park. Plenty of people were here. Some had dogs; others, children, and all were enjoying the sun and the simple act of being outside.
“Hello, daughter.”
All the old uncertainties resurfaced as a hand touched Eva’s back and she struggled to remain a duchess and not the scared girl she had been.
“What do you want, Father?” Eva stopped walking and turned to face the man who had sired her.
He was big - not as big as Daniel, but still, he could and had hurt her without too much effort. Large and broad-shouldered, he and his two elder sons shared the same unfortunate pale skin which tended to turn pink in the sun. His hair was now grey, freckles dotted his face, and as usual, his brown eyes held a belligerent expression.
“Adjust your tone, Daughter.” Eva didn’t flinch as his fingers pinched her arm.
“What do you want, Father?” she repeated, fighting to stay calm.
“Lord Huxley and I have had a bad run on the tables lately and need a bit of blunt to turn things around.”
“You would dare to ask me for money after the life you subjected me to!” She couldn’t breathe. Her chest felt tight and she struggled to force air into her lungs.
“Think you’re better than me now, Duchess?” He spat the words at her. “You’re still the worthless girl you always were and no clothes or title can change that! You should be thanking me for giving you the life you now live.”
“I know I’m better than both you and Lord Huxley.” Eva kept her voice low.
“If you don’t give me money, I’ll go to Scotland and make your brother’s life hell.”
“No! Leave Reggie alone.” The sense of despair that she could not fight him returned. How had he found Reggie so soon?
“Then you better do as I ask, girl, because if you thought Scotland was far enough to hide him, you were wrong. You’re the only one now who can keep Reggie safe.”
“Do you care nothing for your son?” Eva rasped.
