He turned at once to help their mother descend from the coach. Her face was wet with tears—real, unhidden tears—and when Evelyn embraced her, the small, trembling figure in her arms felt more fragile than she ever remembered. Sorrow and joy tangled in Evelyn’s heart. It was the greatest display of emotion she had seen from her mother in years.
“Mama,” Evelyn whispered, holding her close. “What brings you here?”
Before her mother could answer, James assisted Lucy from the coach. Evelyn’s face lit at the sight of her friend, but Mama gripped her tightly and began.
“I had to come! Of course, I had to. You are my dear, dear child, and you were almost killed!” Mama cried. “That dreadfulman—oh, my darling!” She clung to Evelyn and sobbed. Evelyn cradled her gently, moved beyond words.
“Hush, Mama,” Evelyn soothed, stroking her back. “I am safe. Truly. You need not fear for me now.”
“But, my dear—it might have happened… that awful man…” Mama’s voice trembled.
“He could have harmed any of us,” Evelyn said gently. Her mother paused and nodded faintly.
“That is true,” she whispered. “And I was scarcely aware of the danger until it was over.”
Evelyn sighed softly. She did not know what to say. To see her mother feel anything—concern, grief, tenderness—was strangely wonderful, even if the emotion was painful.
“Lucy came with us,” Mama said, stepping aside so Lucy could come forward.
Lucy beamed and embraced Evelyn tightly. “It is so good to see you. I am so, so glad you are safe.”
“And I to see you,” Evelyn replied, her voice warm.
“We are both so glad to see you safe and well,” Mama added fervently.
“I am glad too,” Evelyn said, smiling—just in time to hear James chuckle. That small burst of laughter made emotion flood her chest. It had been too long since she had heard him sound so young.
“I received a note from Sebastian’s new solicitor,” James explained as they made their way toward the stairs. “Alexander Stowe. He says he has taken over Sebastian’s affairs and ours as well, until everything is set right.” He drew a breath—half relief, half disbelief. “I cannot tell you how grateful I am.”
“So am I,” Evelyn replied. She felt her heart swell with affection and admiration. She wanted to find Sebastian and kiss him for such kindness—but she reminded herself, with a grin, that she wished to kiss him for any number of reasons.
They entered the hall, and Evelyn sent the butler for tea. Her family followed her upstairs. Nicholas stood in the drawing room; Evelyn smiled warmly at the sight of him. She had not yet had a chance to thank him.
“Miss Harwick,” Nicholas greeted Lucy with an unmistakable brightness in his eyes. Lucy transformed at once—her chatter softening into something shy and delicate.
“Lord Nicholas,” she murmured, sweeping a graceful curtsey, cheeks pink.
“How pleasant to see you all,” Nicholas said, bowing to James and Mama. “I trust you will stay for tea?”
Evelyn nodded, and Nicholas, satisfied, returned his attention to Lucy with quiet delight.
“It was a good ride,” James said as he settled at the tea table. “Mama felt a bit queasy,” he added slyly.
“It has been years since I went quite that fast in a coach,” Mama answered, smiling fondly at him.
Evelyn’s heart soared, seeing them chatting together. They had always been close, and their love brought her real joy. Seeing their mother engaged in happy conversation was something more wonderful than she could express.
“I believeOthellois being staged at Covent Garden soon,” Lucy commented as tea arrived.
“Oh? Do you enjoy Shakespeare?” Nicholas asked.
Lucy wrinkled her nose. “I enjoy going to the theatre. But Evelyn… she is the true connoisseur. She could coach the actors if they lost their lines.”
Evelyn blushed, and Nicholas laughed softly. “I enjoy the theatre too. Not always Shakespeare, but my brother loves it.”
“Oh! How grand,” Lucy said, delighted.
Evelyn smiled as the room filled with light conversation. She poured tea, nibbled a tartlet, and felt her eyelids grow steadily heavier. The gentle murmur of voices lulled her until her headdipped forward. She startled awake, blinking, to find Lucy and Nicholas watching her with concern.
