“My mood is just fine, and I think it deuced unfair that father may sit about the place and we are walking everywhere, when all this is his fault. He even went to his club today, can you believe? As if he’d not a care in the world.”
She looked at Prudence. There were only five years between them, but sometimes she felt like it was ten. Evie had aged considerably since her father walked into their front parlor one evening many months ago, while they were still mourning the death of their mother, and stated they were in dun territory. No funds were available, and they would likely end up in the poorhouse as his investment in a gold mine had failed.
One would expect this news to be delivered in a somber tone, with a lot of hand wringing. Not the case at all. Lord Heathcliff Spencer, first son of the late Baron Spencer, was smiling. In fact, that was the look he wore most often, even a year after the passing of his beloved wife.
Not that he was mean spirited or even enjoyed telling his two daughters that he’d ruined their life. No, it was just his way. Their father was a simpleton, but one his daughters loved verymuch, even when they were angry with him, which they both were.
“If we are to keep up appearances, then father must still go to his club,” Evie said looking up at the late afternoon sky, which seemed darker with the threat of rain that had not been there when they left the house earlier.
The Spencers had carefully planned what events they would attend this season. Tonight they were to stay home, which suited Evie perfectly. Her feet hurt, as did her jaw from all the smiling, and she relished the idea of a night seated in a chair reading. Of course, there was always the option to slip out and make some money too, but she’d think about that later.
“I still question why he didn’t speak up. Perhaps then we could have saved ourselves from this drudgery,” Prue said as they trudged up the street.
“You are going out to balls and society functions most evenings. Surely that is not drudgery,” Evie protested.
“The rest of it is drudgery. The charade of being wealthy, and yet living a frugal life.”
“Hardly that when compared to those that clean out chimneys or scavenge the Thames or sewers for their survival. Maids who clean chamber pots and—”
“This again.” Prue sighed.
“Yes, that again. We are the lucky ones, Prue. Never forget that. And when you marry someone, then our life will change again, unlike those who will continue to live a truly horrible existence.”
Prue’s face scrunched into distaste, but she wisely did not speak again.
“I think you will marry first,” Prue said suddenly. “That man, Lord Cavendish seems quite taken with you.”
Evie couldn’t hide the shudder. There was just something off with the man that she couldn’t put her finger on. She felt like hewas watching her closely, and he never missed the opportunity to touch her intimately, which was usually followed with an apology, as if it had been an accident.
“We’ve discussed this. You are our best chance at achieving a marriage. I also have no wish to wed Lord Cavendish,” Evie said. “I know I should, as he is wealthy, but I don’t like him, Prue.”
“Then you will not marry him, Evie. We both agreed, we must at least like our future husbands.”
“Yes.” Evie yawned.
“You are always tired.”
“We stay out late.”
“You also stay up reading by candlelight, Evie.”
If her sister actually knew what she was doing, she’d be horrified.
Their father was with them in London, for appearance’s sake. In fact, everything the Spencers did was for that, but all those things took money, of which they did not have a great deal. She was taking steps to ease the financial burden, but the risk could far outweigh the reward.
Evie tamped down the fear that was her constant companion. They were all right, and would achieve what they needed to this season, she had to keep telling herself.
“Oooh, look at that bonnet!” Prue cried suddenly. She then hurried to press her face to the glass of the shop window.
Evie allowed her sister to dream as she stayed near the road.
New lace and trimmings were added to repurpose old bonnets in the Spencer family. Running through what they had, she thought about how to rework one that would make Prue smile. Perhaps they could afford some ribbon?
Oblivious to people milling about around her, Evie continued working through things in her head.
“Watch out, Miss Spencer!”
She looked down the street at the words and saw the riderless horse galloping her way. Before Evie could flee, someone hurled more words at her.
