Page 44 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

Fifteen

When Evangeline asked about Sir Jonathan’s absence at the breakfast table the next morning, Lord Dominic grunted, not bothering to look up from his plate.

“Was that Greek?” she asked with a bit of cheek. “If you would translate, please.”

He lowered his fork and stared a moment. “He stepped out,” he said curtly.

“Very helpful, thank you.”

Truly, the man was a bear in a cravat. Any attempt to engage him in conversation always ended with a growl or grunt.

She directed her attention to her brother-in-law, determined not to interrupt his lordship’s brooding again.

“Should we have a meal sent to the room for Regina?” she asked. “It doesn’t appear she will join us.”

“I will retrieve something once she is awake.”

It wasn’t like her sister to still be in bed. Regina had always risen early to practice Wing Chun, but not since arriving in Athens. She scrutinized Xavier’s face, searching for signs of worry. He met her gaze and smiled.

“Are you certain we shouldn’t send for Dr. Li again?” she asked.

“Oui, your sister is following doctor’s orders. He prescribed rest and she rests.”

“I suppose.” She nibbled her bottom lip.

“I promise, Regina is well. I would knock down the doctor’s door if I were concerned.” Xavier nodded toward her barely touched plate. “You should eat before Sir Jonathan comes to collect you. Where are you going today?”

“Lycabettus Hill. It overlooks the city.”

“It’s a climb,” Lord Dominic said between sips of tea. “Eat.”

She scowled. His advice was sound, but his delivery was lacking. She finished her meal and returned to her chambers, grateful to be free of his company.

Regina was up briefly to eat in the sitting room before returning to bed.

“It appears we won’t be venturing out today,” Xavier said after Regina was settled. “If you need me before you leave, I’ll be in Lord Dominic’s library.”

“Thank you, but I won’t need anything.”

Evangeline gathered her supplies and waited in the sitting room for Jonathan to return. By midday, she was growing antsy. She checked the mantel clock before turning back to the window, frowning at the empty courtyard.

“It is two o’clock,” she grumbled. “Where is he?”

“Evangeline?”

She jumped at the unexpected sound and spun away from the window as if Xavier had caught her doing something nefarious.

A corner of his mouth pulled down in a show of sympathy. “Perhaps an urgent matter has called Sir Jonathan away.”

“Of course, I’m sure you are right.”

She forced a bright smile, not wanting Xavier to see her disappointment. He was willing to do anything to keep his bride happy, which meant catering to Evangeline more often than not. She tried very hard not to need anything for fear of ruining his and Regina’s honeymoon.

“It doesn’t matter if Sir Jonathan is late,” she said breezily. “I have more work to do on my sketches.”

She started for her bedchamber, eager to leave before her true feelings played across her face. Xavier asked her to wait. “I wonder if you would do me a favor first.”

She paused, took a cleansing breath, and turned toward him. “Anything. How might I be of assistance?”