“You are pale, Evie, and while I know that is a combination of nerves and fear, Lord Hamilton will not.”
They were in their bedchamber and Prue was fussing with her appearance.
“I’m still shocked by what you told me, Evie. To think he apologized to you, and now is taking you driving in the park today. It’s very romantic.”
Prue thought many things were romantic.
Evie had broached the subject of Lord Hamilton taking her driving last night, as casually as she could, to her father and sister. Heathcliff Spencer was delighted, and Prue shocked.
“I thought you disliked each other?” had been the first words out of her mouth. To which Evie had replied “not anymore” with as much conviction as she could.
“It is only a drive in the park, Prue. Don’t make more of it than need be. But I find that I do like him more after we talked.” The words felt like they were choking her. Looking down at her gloves, she avoided her sister’s eyes. “As I explained last night, you know I thought it would be you that had suitors falling all over themselves for your attention, which they are…will be,” she added quickly.
“But now you have one, and he is the powerful and wealthy Lord Hamilton. His reputation worries me, Evie. It is terrible. The rumors around that man make me worry for you.”
“Prue—”
“Miss Haddock said that he has five mistresses and a gambling den in his town house.”
“Don’t be ridiculous,” Evie said. While she knew his reputation, she believed a lot had been embellished. There had to be some good in that man, because his three aunts adored him, and Lords Corbyn and Jamieson were loyal to him.
“While you will not openly acknowledge it, Evie, I know you are only doing this for father and me.”
“As you would, and likely will. This season was for one of us to find a match, Prue.”
“Evie—”
“But I like Lord Hamilton. He does not flatter me, and we have spoken on many interesting topics. He is no fool, and as you know, I can’t abide those.”
“Really?” Prue looked relieved. Evie had said the right things to ease her worry.
“Yes.”
“Well then, let me look at you.” Prue held out Evie’s arms. “If you are to drive around the park with the devil, you must at least look good.”
“He is not the devil.” Evie sighed.
“He is not far from it according to many who walk in society.” Prue studied her. “The lemon is a perfect color for you. Perhaps I should just—”
“If you touch my cheeks again, I will slap you. Now back away, as I heard someone knock on our door.”
“Oh, very well. I only want your happiness, Evie,” Prue then said solemnly.
The sisters hugged. “I know, as I want that for you.”
“Will you take Sarah with you, Evie?”
“I will, yes.” Their maid would accompany her. Which was silly as far as Evie was concerned. She’d been walking about London alone since arriving here, but she also knew what sticklers society was for rules.
She followed Prue out the hall and down the stairs. Evie could hear the deep voice of Lord Hamilton as she drew closer. He was talking with their father in the small front parlor.
She wouldn’t feel shame having him here. Yes, it was not grand like the places he was used to, but it mattered not. He would not be in her life for long. This was a deal between them that would last the rest of the season.
Entering the room, Evie found the immaculately dressed Lord Hamilton seated across from her father. They appeared to be discussing horses, which her father loved but could no longer afford to purchase.
“Ah, here they are, my lovely daughters,” Heathcliff Spencer said regaining his feet along with Lord Hamilton.
“Miss Spencer, Miss Prudence Spencer.” He bowed deeply.
