“’Tis a lovely day for a walk,” Prue said, doing what she did best. Putting people at ease.
“Miss Spencer!” The words came from behind her and had Evie’s back stiffening. “Is there a problem I can aid you with?”
If Evie hadn’t been looking at Lord Hamilton, she would not have seen the flash of rage that was quickly masked with his usual insolent expression at Lord Cavendish’s words.
“I need no help, thank you, Lord Cavendish,” Evie said when the man moved to her side and stood far too close.
“I saw the entire thing. That horse should be whipped for running at you.”
“The horse bolted, Cavendish. I fail to see how it could be his fault,” Lord Hamilton said with that mocking smile Evie loathed. He then walked away without another word.
“Stay away from that man, Miss Spencer,” Lord Cavendish ordered.
“I beg your pardon?” Evie said. The man’s lips were now twisted in an angry snarl, his eyes on Lord Hamilton’s back.
“He is dangerous with a black reputation. I insist you keep your distance from him.”
“You insist?” Evie said slowly. No one insisted anything of her, and especially not a man she barely knew. “You have no say in what I—”
“I like you, Miss Spencer, very much. I watch over the people I like.” The words sounded like a threat to Evie.
“I don’t need anyone watching over me, my lord, and I will thank you to remember that.”
He leaned in closer. It was an intimate gesture to anyone looking. As if he would kiss her.
“You are a lady who deserves to be worshipped and cosseted, Miss Spencer. It’s my hopes that one day—”
“No,” Evie said quickly. “I-ah, I’m not looking—”
“Oh, look at the time. We are due at an appointment, Lord Cavendish. Terribly sorry, but we must leave. Good day to you,” Prue said, sliding her hand through Evie’s arm.
Evie saw Lord Cavendish’s eyes narrow, but at least he straightened, putting distance between them again.
“I will see you at the next society event, Miss Spencer. We will waltz together and continue with this conversation.”
Evie felt frustration rise inside her. Lord Cavendish had all but outright declared his intentions toward her, and it was selfish of her to hate that… him. Her family needed the safety of such a match, and all she could think about was that married life with him would be hell.
“Evie, I thought he may make you a good husband, but I’ve changed my mind. He makes my skin crawl, and you shall not marry him.”
“He revolts me,” Evie said bluntly. “I would rather marry a rat.”
“Yes, but both he and Lord Hamilton are important men, and a single word from either would harm your reputation… our reputation. You must tread carefully.”
Evie exhaled loudly, in a very unladylike manner. “I will have to dissuade Lord Cavendish’s attentions without insulting him. That will not be easy. Lord Hamilton is not a problem, however, as he dislikes me as much as I dislike him.”
“There is certainly something between you when he is near,” Prue said.
“It’s called animosity at first sight.”
“Very likely. He is a man with a dark reputation, but I don’t feel he is as horrid as Lord Cavendish,” Prue added. “Rude, arrogant, but not mean. I do not feel that in him.”
“Oh please,” Evie scoffed. “You cannot know that. He is feared by everyone and drinks and does other things that rakes do.”
“He has nice aunts, however.”
“You can hardly credit him for that. He was born with them,” Evie said.
Prue let out a loud sigh. “Perhaps you are right. Playing ladies is not easy, Evie, but we have only a single season to do so, or end our days in poverty, living in a stable back in Chipping Nodbury.”
