“Harry—”
“I should have spoken years ago,” she continued. “I tried, but you shut me out of your life. You’d changed. The gambling and everything else. It was like you were trying to outrun something, but never quite managed it.”
That was exactly what he’d been doing, but Anthony hadn’t known his sister had seen that.
“I’m sorry, Harry. You’re right, it was hell at Blackwood Hall, and doing what I did was the only way for me to cope,” he said. “I told myself it was better you didn’t know.”
“I’m sorry you suffered, brother, but glad that now you have found Evangeline you can find the happiness you deserve.”
“I’ve been happy, Harry. Don’t be dramatic.” He tried to make her smile.
“I’m not being dramatic. I’m being honest. I like her. She’s funny and intelligent. Plus, I doubt she will simply acquiesce to your every wish.”
“She’s unlike any woman I’ve ever known,” Anthony said, and it was the truth. There would only ever be one Evangeline Spencer.
“Well then,” Harry said. “Be happy, Anthony.”
He walked her to the carriage where his aunts waited and then helped them all inside.
“Look after my niece or nephew, sister.”
“I will, and you be nice to Evangeline, brother.” She kissed his cheek again. “I love you,” she said, like she always did when they parted. Anthony had never said it back…until now.
“As I love you… all of you,” he said looking around her to the three women shamelessly listening to every word of his conversation with his sister.
He closed the door on their surprise and watched the carriage roll away.
Smiling, he walked back inside to find Evangeline.
Chapter Twenty-Nine
Evie wasn’t readyto sleep, even though the hour was late. It was the third day of the house party, and she’d spent it walking around the gardens with a small party, including Anthony and Prue. It had been magical, and she felt herself falling more and more under his spell. Each day, she drew closer to him and believed he felt the same.
There was a tentative hope that what they had would become real, and she would one day be Lady Hamilton, Anthony’s wife. The thought was both terrifying and exciting.
When she’d returned to her room after a night of music and dancing, she’d told the maid she would not need her and taken down her hair but stayed in her dress. Evie now sat in the small window seat, looking out at the stars.
Lady Hampton had told her she must inspect her husband’s conservatory before she left. Looking through the telescope would be a dream come true, because she loved stars. Dared she do so now?
Grabbing her shawl, Evie slipped her feet into her shoes and made for the door. There was no point in rousing Prue, as she would just say no.
Opening it, she peeked out. Evie was no fool, and she’d heard that people at house parties got up to any number of things they shouldn’t, like entering bedrooms that weren’t theirs for illicit rendezvous. Stepping out, she saw no one lurking nearby. Although why they would be when the three Spencers were theonly ones in this wing, she wasn’t sure. Reaching the stairs, she made her way quietly down.
The house took on an entirely different personality in the dark. Shadows lurked everywhere, but as her eyes adjusted, she was able to see slivers of light filtering in through windows.
Reaching the entrance way without detection, she headed right along another hall.
Back in Chipping Nodbury, Evie walked about at night a lot because everyone in her village was sleeping. As a person should be at such an hour. But it had been her time to enjoy the stars alone.
She slipped into Lord Hampton’s library, which he’d told her to use as often as she wished. It was full of so many wonderful books. There was also a door that led directly to the gardens. Heading for that, she stepped outside and closed it behind her.
Looking up, she saw the sky was clear and a perfect night to study the stars. Decision made, Evie hurried to the path that forked left toward the lake. It wasn’t a long walk, but at night, alone, doubts crept in. Just when she thought about turning back, she saw moonlight shimmering on the water.
Walking over the narrow bridge, Evie opened the door quietly and waited. She did not want to come across anyone in here. Silence greeted her, so she closed the door and moved to the nearest seat. She’d look through the telescope soon, but for now she just wanted to lie on her back and stare at the stars.
The sound of footsteps, and then the door opening had her rising.
“I knew you were reckless, and this confirms it.”
