Page 6 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

Evangeline shrugged. Auntie blurted whatever came to mind, and Evangeline had inherited the same tendency—though she was trying to curtail the habit.

“Once we are settled, Sir Jonathan,” Xavier said, “perhaps you would call on Evangeline to further discuss your shared academic interests.”

“Oh, we need an address first.” Evangeline passed the envelope to Sir Jonathan. “If it’s no bother.”

His eyebrow arched slightly as he read the street name aloud. “Mrs. Bellini takes in lodgers from time to time. I would be happy to escort you. It isn’t far from where I am staying.”

“Is there a reputable inn or hotel nearby?” Xavier asked.

Sir Jonathan drew back. “You didn’t write ahead to arrange lodging?”

Xavier frowned. “I hadn’t anticipated it would be necessary. This is still the Continent, non?”

“You’ll discover Athens is less metropolitan than London or Paris,” Sir Jonathan said. “There are no inns or hotels. A few private homes will house travelers, but vacancies are rare given the number of tourists who come to the city.”

“Oh, dear,” Regina murmured.

“The Duke of Valmont’s son has taken me in at his villa,” Sir Jonathan said. “There are spare rooms. Lord Dominic doesn’t typically open his doors to travelers, but upon my recommendation, I’m sure he will make an exception.”

“We would not want to impose on his lordship,” Xavier said.

“Lord Dominic is away until the end of the week. You will reunite with your uncle before he returns. Dom won’t be inconvenienced in the least.”

Xavier sighed, glancing toward his wife and Evangeline. “If you will excuse us a moment…”

He drew Regina and Evangeline aside to form a huddle. He had that wary gleam in his eyes he often got whenever they encountered someone new. Evangeline didn’t blame him for being overly cautious. After all, he had been kidnapped and almost killed in England.

“We would be better off finding our own way than following a stranger,” he said.

“He isn’t a stranger, per se,” Evangeline whispered in return. “Lady Norwick has known him for years and considers him a friend.”

Regina nodded. “True, and our options appear limited. I hate to complain, but I need one good night’s rest in a bed that doesn’t rock.”

“Forgive me, my love. I’ve not forgotten how miserable you have been.” Xavier held her hand, drawing her closer to his side. “I promise you will have a comfortable place to lay your head tonight.”

Evangeline studied her sister closely. Regina had developed seasickness the last leg of their voyage, and Evangeline had hoped her sister’s delicate stomach would settle once they came ashore.

“We can try the lodging house where Uncle Charles is staying,” Evangeline said, “but there are no guarantees there will be room for us.”

“Perhaps we should become settled first.” Xavier sighed and glanced back at Sir Jonathan. “A guide who knows the city could be helpful.”

Evangeline and Regina agreed. They rejoined Sir Jonathan, and Xavier accepted his offer.

“Splendid,” Sir Jonathan said. “I will secure a cart while you see to your trunks.”

As both men walked in different directions, Evangeline whispered into her older sister’s ear, “Pinch me. I must be dreaming.”

The smile Regina tossed her way was wicked. “You know I’ll do it.”

“Don’t you dare. You will leave a bruise.”

“I am only trying to be agreeable.”

“How generous of you,” Evangeline said flatly, then squeezed her sister’s arm with affection as they strolled together toward the shore.

Sir Jonathan Hackberry is here—here in Athens.

The unlikelihood of such an encounter almost made Evangeline believe in fate. She didn’t, of course. That would imply people were little better than marionettes, and she refused to believe she had no power to influence her future.