“Shopping for afriend, are we, Lord Blackburn?”
Vaughn turned, ready to encounter some gossipy person trying to invade his privacy and gather information. But to his surprise, it was Evelina’s sister Arabella who was standing on the opposite side of the aisle, not a pushy stranger.
“Miss Comerford—er, Mrs. Windham,” he said, stepping toward her. “I didn’t realize you were in the shop.”
He stared at her, for he could see all the features she shared with Evelina on her lovely face. Only they didn’t draw him the same way. Her eyes were different, too, a dark blue where Evie’s were such a rich brown.
“Nor did I until I heard you speaking to Mr. Mattigan,” she said. “I know we’ve met before, but it was a very long time ago, I think.”
She held out her hand and he took it to shake. She had a firm handshake and she partnered it with an even stare that made him feel like he was being assessed. But of course he would be. He’d no doubt Mrs. Windham was fully aware of not only his affair with Evie, but of the true nature of it. She was so close to her sisters, she certainly would have told them.
“It’s nice to see you again,” he said.
“And so you’ve bought Kressley’s latest for Evie, it seems,” Mrs. Windham said with a little smile that softened her expression considerably.
“I have,” he admitted. “I know she’s an admirer of his work. Or hers, if her theory is to be believed.”
Mrs. Windham laughed. “I think it’s a good theory, considering how well the female characters are written.”
“I don’t disagree. Are you also a fan of gothic romance?”
“Not as much as my sisters,” Mrs. Windham said. “But I do enjoy them, yes. And if you’re giving her that one it means I’ll eventually get to read it, too, so I doubly approve of the gift.”
He tilted his head. “And do you approve of everything else?”
Her brows lifted. “How very direct of you, my lord. Fascinating. Do you actually have concern about if I approve of your…arrangement with my sister?”
“Not for myself, but she cares for you and your youngest sister a great deal, it’s evident in every way she speaks of you. Sothatmatters to me.”
Something in her expression shifted at that, softened. “Good. She deserves someone to care about her well-being this time. Even if it is…temporary, shall we say.”
“I agree.” He pursed his lips. “Evie deserves a great deal more than that. Certainly more than what she was given. She…she told me about the situation with your father. That Southwater wouldn’t assist in finding you when you were taken. I was incensed on her behalf and on yours. And I’m happy beyond words that you weren’t harmed, Mrs. Windham.”
“Arabella. I insist,” she said with a wave of an elegant hand. “I must say I’m surprised she told you that.”
“Upset?”
“No. Evelina has her own feelings about that night, I’m sure. It’s just that she doesn’t speak of them very often, not even to me or to Julia. I suppose it’s her way of protecting us from her pain.”
“Then I’m happy to be an outlet if she has no other.”
He shifted because he found that was true. And also that he felt a sense of…pride that she would feel safe enough to talk to him about something she kept close with others. It meant a great deal to be that for someone.
“Yes,” Arabella mused. “My lord, we are having a little gathering tonight at my home. It will be my sisters, Silas and our aunt Caroline Banfield. Won’t you join us?”
He started. “Invited to a family gathering?”
She nodded. “If you’re interested.”
“I am,” he said. “That would be wonderful.”
“Very good.” She smiled at him and there was a warmth to it that hadn’t been there before. “Join us at seven? I’ll send over the address this afternoon.”
“I’ll be there.”
“And now I must be off,” she said. “Silas is expecting me and I don’t disappoint him. Good afternoon, my lord.”
He inclined his head. “Arabella.”
