“Lord Hamilton, how lovely to see you,” Prue said. Evie bobbed a curtsey and managed a tight smile.
They must spend time together to convince people they were engaged…or soon would be. Would anyone believe he could be interested in her? After all, he could have his pick of any woman, even if half of them were terrified of him, and she was hardly a catch. Older than the average debutante and not as pretty, there would surely be questions.
“Allow me to tell you how lovely you look today, Miss Spencer,” Lord Hamilton said.
“Thank you.” The words felt like they were choking her. Prue and her father were watching closely, and she hated lying to them.
“Shall we go?” she asked.
“Of course.” He smiled, seeming completely at ease, while her insides were churning like butter.
Prue squeezed Evie’s hand and told her to have fun. Her father kissed her cheek, and then they were outside and climbing into his carriage. She took the seat beside Sarah, while Lord Hamilton sat across from her.
“It’s a lovely day for a drive,” he said as they started moving.
“Yes, lovely,” she agreed.
She felt his eyes on her as Evie’s went to the window to watch the scenery until they entered the park. They circled slowly behind other carriages and horses, and then Lord Hamilton tapped on the roof, and they halted.
“A walk, I think.” He opened the door and stepped down.
Evie couldn’t very well argue and demand to continue in the carriage, so she took his large, gloved hand and climbed out. He assisted Sarah to do the same.
“Put your hand into the crook of my elbow, Evangeline.” The words were spoken softly, but she heard the order behind them.
She managed a jerky nod, and then her eyes were scanning the people before them. Who had seen them together? She saw two groups looking their way.
“I look exactly as you do when I am forced to eat boiled salmon, Evangeline. Smile for pity’s sake. If we are to convince anyone you have fallen madly in love with me, you need to work on your acting skills.”
“I like boiled salmon.” Evie smiled after she’d said the words. “The problem is, I don’t like to be fake and loathe that about some in society. Plus, I don’t remember us ever discussing falling madly in love.” The very thought made her stomach clench.
“I doubt either of us are the falling madly in love kind. However, this is something we both decided upon, so put your back into it, Evangeline.”
“Very well. I shall try.” She smiled up at him, fluttering her eyelashes. “I cannot tell you how lovely it is to be here today, walking in the park with you, Lord Hamilton.”
He frowned. “I will need to be on my guard with you. That was very convincing for all you said you couldn’t act. Will you try to use my name now, Evangeline?”
“Anthony.” It sounded off and misshapen on her lips.
They walked a few more steps before he spoke. “Excellent. What is your favorite color?” he asked.
“Yellowy orange.”
“Not just yellow, or orange?”
“It is the color that strikes the meadow at the edge of my father’s land when the sun begins to rise.”
He sighed.
“You don’t like my color choice, Anthony?”
“There now. You’re getting the hang of it, Evangeline.”
She only just resisted the urge to poke out her tongue.
“As to your question,” he continued. “It makes my choice of green seem bland,” he said. “Are you one of those people who describe things in flowery prose?”
Evie wondered how many people, besides those closest to him, knew this man had a sense of humor. Not many, she guessed, as he was usually leaning on ballroom walls with a mocking look on his face.
