‘I would be happy to,’ said Drake, ‘but I cannot remain in Cornwall to carry out the project. I already have commitments for later in the year.’ Drake saw the disappointment in Sir Robert’s face. For a man so devoted to his gardens, Drake had rarely seen Sir Robert take a walk in them. The man preferred to enjoy them from a distance, preferably through a glass window. However, he had an obsession to have the best gardens in Cornwall and he had the passion and money to achieve it. His latest project meant a lot to him. Drake relented. ‘I cansuggest things and draw up detailed plans that any competent landscaper can carry out. I can even recommend someone to you.’
The door opened, drawing the men’s attention to the woman who stood on the threshold. It was Evie and Drake knew, in that moment, why he had really come.
* * *
She hadn’t said a word since entering the room, just a slight inclination of her head at her father’s introduction and a nervous glance at Mawgan, as she accepted the chair offered by him. Since then, she had been sitting bolt upright, ignoring Drake and taking no part in the conversation that followed. She appeared as tense as his stomach felt and he regretted not warning her of his arrival. In his haste to visit, and all the occasions he had examined his own reasons for coming, he had not thought how she might feel. He was glad to see that her complexion, which had drained of all colour at her first sight of him, was slowly returning to a gentle pink blush.
Despite the conversation requiring Drake’s full attention, he found his eyes straying to Evelyn to only look away quickly in fear he may be caught. She looked even more beautiful than he remembered, with skin as smooth as cream and hair like spun gold. She was now an adult with all the allure of a woman in her prime. He had not prepared himself for this new power she had over him. A drink was offered to him by Sir Robert. He took it, but had no idea what he had agreed to have. He realised, belatedly, that Sir Robert was talking to him.
‘I would like a water feature of some sort.’
Drake composed himself. ‘A fountain or perhaps a stream passing through?’
‘Is it possible?’
Drake nodded. ‘There is a spring in the top corner that can be diverted.’
Drake found himself looking at her again. She wore a pale blue and white dress, buttoned high at the neck and nipped in tight at her waist. He noticed her breasts heaved a little faster than normal, drawing his attention to them time and time again. Dear God don’t let me lose control and reach for her, he thought. He took a drink and swallowed, the liquid burned his throat all the way down to the pit in his stomach.
‘I want it to be envied.’
Drake looked at Sir Robert. ‘It will take time for it to mature, but I will ensure it will make a fitting legacy.’
Sir Robert turned to Mawgan and the conversation momentarily turned to family history. Thankful that he was temporarily excluded, Drake found himself looking at Evelyn again. He felt a need to absorb every detail of her while he was in her presence, her wrists framed by lace, the curve of her dress hiding the splay of her hips beneath its folds. He felt as needy as a child for her approval. Was she impressed by the change in him? Was she pleased he had done so well? Was she ashamed that they had once kissed? Why could she not bring herself to look at him? Did she hate him so much?
As if she heard him, Evelyn lifted her gaze and turned her green eyes upon him. He felt his heart heave as he looked into them. He still loved her, but how did she feel? Her stony expression told him nothing.
Sir Robert rose to his feet. ‘It is time to show you the land, Mr Vennor. I have high hopes for this project. They say you are this century’s Capability Brown.’
‘Your enquiries have gone further than your former head gardener’s recommendation,’ replied Drake, rising himself. Evelyn rose too and he found himself briefly facing her, too far away to touch, but not too far away to see every exquisite detailof her face. She has grown taller, thought Drake, just the right height for kissing.
‘This will be one of the biggest changes to the gardens since my grandfather’s day. I want it to be done right.’
‘Will Lady Pendragon accompany us?’ Drake asked Evelyn, unable to drag his gaze away from her face.
It was Sir Robert who answered. ‘She will not. She has one of her headaches. Let me show you the way.’ Sir Robert and Mawgan prepared to leave.
‘Then perhaps Miss Evelyn will.’ The words were out before he had a chance to filter them.
He saw her stiffen and realised she had hoped to slip away and leave them to their talk. He may not get the opportunity to see her again if she had her way. ‘It would be helpful to obtain a woman’s perspective.’
‘A woman’s perspective is rarely sought, Mr Vennor,’ replied Evelyn. Unable to hold his gaze she blinked and fixed it upon her father who was speaking to Mawgan near the door. Her voice had not changed and hearing it again unleashed another set of memories for Drake. Shared confidences, reassuring words, help with his studies. How did he find the strength to walk away all those years ago?
‘This is true . . .’ he almost did not recognise the tenderness in his own voice ‘. . . but I am seeking your opinion nonetheless.’
She looked at him. ‘Why?’
‘Because they are worthy of being heard.’
Evelyn blinked. ‘Not everyone will agree with you, Mr Vennor.’
‘I have never lived my life trying to please others.’
‘You are fortunate. A woman has little choice in the matter,’ she replied, before following her father and cousin out of the room.
* * *
Evelyn did accompany them, but refrained from making suggestions. She listened to their discussions and occasionally agreed to a suggestion made by her father with just a slight nod of her head. Otherwise she remained distant in mind and body and Drake often saw her gazing into the distance as if she wished she were anywhere but with them.
