That alone should have screamed for all to hear how Evander truly felt… but again, he would ignore it, as he did so often. Such was the fear of happiness that lurked within, because men like Evander were not bred to be happy. Nor would he ever be.
Chapter Thirteen
Was it so wrong that Evander looked forward to the walk he had agreed to take with Miss Finch, her brother, and Aaron? He would never admit as such. He knew that once the walk began, he would be his usual stoic and removed self. But he was undeniably enthused, even curious as to what this walk might lead to.
I know that I need to do better with Aaron, and a walk such as this is a perfect way to do so. If anything, it is expected of me, and nobody would think of accusing me of trying too hard to make my son happy.
But that Aaron will be pleased… I rather like the notion.
It helped, too, that Miss Finch would be on this walk also.
She was unlike any woman whom Evander had met. She did not fear him. She did not strive to stay on his good side or do ashe bade, without question. She was independent, confident, and she knew her worth like few others might.
By rights, such a thing should have frustrated Evander, even angered him. He did not like disorder, nor did he like his word being disobeyed. But where Miss Finch was concerned, he enjoyed this side of her. Just as he enjoyed testing her limits, as well as his own.
“Your Grace!” Miss Finch beamed when Evander strolled into the foyer, just as they were preparing to go on their walk. “You made it.”
“I said I would.”
“Father!” Aaron looked at him excitedly. “Miss Finch said that you were coming.” His smile grew, and he looked as if he wanted to rush to Evander and hug him.
He did no such thing, of course, as Aaron knew better than to show such open displays of affection as that. Even if Evander might have liked him to… just this once.
“Are we ready?” Evander asked plainly, sure not to show any enthusiasm at all. “We best be getting this over with.”
Miss Finch rolled her eyes as she fixed the collar on her brother’s shirt. “Do not sound so excited.”
“Where are we walking to?” her little brother asked.
“There is a park down the road,” she explained. “I thought it might be nice to make our way there. Unless someone has a better idea…” She looked at Evander as if expecting him to argue.
“Lead the way,” he said, again making sure to appear bored.
“Very well. Henry, you’re with me.” She took her brother’s hand. “Your Grace, if you don’t mind watching Aaron?”
“Watching him?”
“Make sure he does not run off,” she laughed. “See.” She showed how she held her brother’s hand.
Evander looked down at his son, who grimaced as if he knew what was coming. He did not offer his hand, but shied away, seeming to know already that Evander wasn’t going to take it.
Just take his hand! You are the boy’s father. It should not be such a big thing.
He almost did it to… or he meant to. Evander had to believe that he wanted to hold his son’s hand, to show that he cared, that he was there for him. However, before he had the chance, the door swung open and Thomas, the footman, rushed inside.
“Your Grace!” he exclaimed. “You have an unexpected visitor. They have arrived just now.”
“I do?” Evander frowned. “Who?”
“His and Her Grace of Amberhall, Your Grace,” he said. “They wait for you outside.”
“Amberhall…” Miss Finch cocked her head. “Why is that name so familiar…”
Caspian is here? What on earth could the man want? He knows how I hate unexpected visits.
“Wait here,” Evander ordered as he strode across the foyer and outside. Typically, Miss Finch did not heed his command, and he heard her and the two boys follow.
As he had been told, Caspian and his wife, Thalia, waited for him outside. They stood beside their carriage, smiling warmly to see him sweep down the steps, not in the least put out by the disgruntled expression that was written clearly across his visage.
