But Evie made herself look him in the eye. “You are a liar and a coward, Anthony, but if you wish to live your life in lonely isolation, then do so. But if you change your mind—”
“I won’t,” he snapped turning his back on her.
“And wish to speak to me again,” she continued as if he hadn’t uttered a word, “it will be only when you tell me the truth, because I deserve a man who is brave enough to do that. I deserve for the man I love to love me back.”
She had the satisfaction of watching his head spin to look at her and walked out the door with hers held high.
Once she was sure Anthony could no longer see her, Evie picked up her skirts and ran back to the house. Reaching her room, breathless, she stepped inside and allowed the first tear to fall. Seconds later, she realized she was not alone as the tip of something sharp pressed into her neck.
“Don’t move or make a sound, Miss Spencer, or I will slit your throat and then go across the hall and do the same to your sister. Do you understand?”
Evie nodded, heart thudding so hard in her chest it was painful.
“Light your candle, and then walk to the dressing table, where you will find a note. Write those words on the blank paper next to it.” He spoke in a hoarse whisper in her right ear.
She had no idea who the man was, as he was behind her. But what she knew was that the blade in her neck was sharp.
“Hurry.”
The knife pressed into her spine now, as she lit the candle, and then moved to the dressing table. Sitting, Evie picked up the pen and wrote. Her fingers shook as she read the words on the note beside her.
Think, Evie. She had to alert Prue somehow that she’d written this note under duress.
“Hurry.” The knife dug into her spine, the small sting of pain telling her it had gone through her clothes to pierce her skin.
Dear Prudance,
I could not wed a man like Lord Hamilton when I love another. We have run away together. Please understand and forgive me. I love you and papa always.
Your loving sister Evanngalline.
Evie knew he was watching every word she put on the paper. Leaning over her shoulder to ensure she followed his orders.
“That’s not how you spell your name,” he said.
“When I correspond with my sister, it is.”
The sound of a door banging had him dragging her back to her feet.
“Fold it and place it on the pillow. Make haste.”
Evie pretended to trip. One hand tugged her necklace free as he grabbed her and then pushed her to the bed. After placing the note and the necklace on the pillow, she prayed he didn’t look.
“Hurry. Open the door and tell me if it is clear. Remember, if you try and alert anyone, I will kill you and then your sister.”
“It is clear,” Evie whispered.
“Walk to the servants’ entrance and take the stairs down. Hurry.”
She did as he asked. The man knew exactly where he was going, which told her he was a guest or one of the staff. When they reached the kitchens, she looked around, hoping to see anyone. A movement caught her eye, but before she could search further, the man pushed her forward, clearly not seeing what she had.
She had to escape, because if she didn’t, Evie knew she’d never see her family again.Anthony. She wouldn’t think about him now. There was too much pain there.
When they were outside, he pushed her around the house. They took a path through the gardens before reaching the stables.
“Do not even contemplate making a noise,” he said. “I am not alone, and I will have your sister killed while she slumbers.”
The thought of anyone touching Prue had Evie biting her bottom lip to stay silent.
