Chapter 30
Surely there was an explanation. Evelyn was not a foolish girl. Though not a scholar or academic, she was capable of understanding the world around her. She saw reason and discerned truth. But no matter what logic she employed, Evelyn could not comprehend her present state.
Experience had taught her gentlemen may be kind and friendly, but that did not mean their intentions were romantic, and Evelyn knew to guard her heart. It wasn’t always easy to do so, but she had learned caution. She had welcomed Mr. Townsend’s attention, but it was others’ assurances and proddings that had prompted her to throw her whole heart into the possibility of being the future Mrs. Townsend.
Yet there the gentleman stood, chatting up Miss Virginia Fernsby with an animation that made all the world think she was the most interesting and amusing lady present. It was precisely the sort of look he’d given Evelyn so many times before and the reason why so many had believed him to be enamored with her.
Even as her heart crumpled like the dry autumn leaves littering the ground outside, she tried to find some reason for her present situation. But there were only two conclusions: Mr. Townsend’s affections had been false all along, or she had done something to drive him away. Had it been only her heart reaching out to embrace those fledgling feelings, Evelyn could easily believe she had been mistaken about his. But others had supported that belief. They had spurred her on. They had seen his preference. It was not just her imagination—
“Evelyn?”
George’s voice cut through her thoughts, making her flinch at his sudden appearance. Miss Wakefield was on his arm, and the pair watched her with furrowed brows.
“I didn’t think you would return until tomorrow.” Evelyn forced her lips into a smile, though her heart felt as though it would crack beneath the strain.
But her brother would not be put off by the false cheerfulness in her tone. “What is the matter?”
Evelyn opened her mouth and closed it, her brows knitting together. As she couldn’t comprehend what was happening, how could she explain it? Miss Wakefield turned her gaze to the crowd, her eyes falling quickly on Mr. Townsend before turning back to Evelyn with a flicker of understanding shining there.
“It is of no significance,” Evelyn whispered, though George shook his head.
“You are clearly upset.”
She winced. “I have already made a fool of myself; please tell me I have not compounded my shame.”
“I—” began George, but Miss Wakefield silenced him with a squeeze of his arm.
“I doubt anyone else would guess,” said the lady.
“I simply do not understand.” Evelyn’s voice hitched, and she scrunched her face, turning away with a shake of her head, waiting until she was certain she could speak without breaking her composure. “It was hardly a fortnight ago that his cousin confided in me. I cannot believe he would say Mr. Townsend cared for me if it weren’t true, so what have I done to offend him? I can watch him flirt with other ladies—it is nothing I haven’t suffered through before—but he knows I am here and hasn’t even come over. Not even a wave in my direction. It’s as though I do not exist. What have I done to lose his good opinion so quickly?”
Miss Wakefield drew close, bringing an arm around Evelyn as George stepped in front of them, giving Evelyn some semblance of privacy. At least she was not on full display where everyone could see her foolish little heart breaking over yet another gentleman who was only being a friendly flirt and not a beau.
“Have I been too forward?” asked Evelyn, her chin trembling. “I tried to keep my feelings in check, but perhaps he suspects and is appalled. Or am I so detestable that he cannot stand to acknowledge me?”
“That is impossible, Evelyn,” said George with a firm shake of his head. “He is—”
But his words were cut short when Mrs. Wakefield sidled up next to her daughter. “I do apologize for interrupting your conversation, but I really must steal away my daughter for a moment.”
“Might I have a moment, Mama?” asked Miss Wakefield, her worried gaze turning between Evelyn and her mother.
“I fear Mr. Highmore has been quite anxious to speak with you, and you have kept him waiting for some time.” Mrs. Wakefield’s tone was kind but firm, and Miss Wakefield sighed, her arm dropping from Evelyn’s side.
“I do apologize,” she said with a sad smile for both Evelyn and George before taking her leave.
George shifted in place, his expression darkening as he studied his sister, as though he couldn’t decide between taking Miss Wakefield’s place and remaining where he was to provide her shelter. Though the mention of Mr. Highmore likely hadn’t improved her brother’s mood, either.
Perhaps it was cruel of her, but some of the strain in her heart eased when she met George’s troubled gaze; she was not alone in her romantic frustrations. Though she didn’t wish this pain on anyone, there was comfort in knowing Evelyn Finch was not the only person who struggled with love.
Sighing, she shook her head at herself and tried to pull herself free of those debilitating and all too unhelpful thoughts.
“Evelyn, I cannot claim to know what you should do or what is going through Mr. Townsend’s thoughts at present, but is he the man you wish to give your heart to?” George’s gaze warmed, his lips slanting into a crooked grin that was more kind than humorous. “You are a wonderful woman, Evelyn, and you deserve a man who is desperate to be at your side. Someone who sees the whole of you and loves you without caveat.”
Though Evelyn had been trying so very hard to maintain her composure, there was nothing to be done when her brother’s loving words wrapped around her. Tears filled her eyes, and she wiped them, her lips and chin trembling as she tried to keep them at bay. George’s own eyes widened, and he cast a look about as though searching for something to stop the tears.
“I am sorry—” he began, but Evelyn shook her head. She tried to explain how much his compliment meant to her, but it only drew forth more emotions.
“Dearest? Miss Wakefield mentioned you wished to see me—” Mama appeared at George’s elbow, her tone light and curious, but when she caught sight of her daughter, she quickly took Miss Wakefield’s previous position, her arm wrapped around Evelyn’s back. “What has happened?”
