Chapter Thirteen #2
The cat uttered another meow. She went back into the room, and when Evan trailed after her, he sucked in a breath, for it was Hannah’s personal suite.
Though they had been together for the past week, she had never entertained him in this space, and from the quick glance he sent about the room, it was indeed her sanctuary.
Done in dainty shades of a blue that reminded him of coastal towns as well as ivory, every aspect of the draperies, gauzy curtains, and the bedclothes screamed feminine and were edged with soft lace.
The Aubusson carpet reflected the same color scheme.
A few candles burned in brass holders about the room, so clearly Hannah’s maid expected her soon.
Besides the four-poster bed, the space contained an armoire with a door slightly ajar, a trunk at the foot of the bed, a bureau, and a tall narrow cabinet with many shallow drawers.
A meow from Cleopatra recalled him to the present. She’d jumped onto the bed, circled a spot a few times before settling down and watching him with those intense light blue eyes.
“Why do I have the feeling you are trying to tell me something?” Of course the cat didn’t answer.
He sent another glance around the room. Very faintly, almost like a ghost, a scent teased his nose, and as soon as he smelled it, memories assailed him regarding the last time he’d been with Hannah.
That subtle perfume containing the essence of daisies, lilies, and a hint of wild roses.
Together, none of the florals were overpowering.
Instead, they worked together like an olfactory symphony.
“God, I miss those days,” he whispered to only the cat.
Cleo meowed. She said nothing else.
Feeling as though he intruded on something sacred but curious, Evan wandered about the room, gliding his fingertips along surfaces, touching random bric-a-brac, drifting them over her robe that had been draped along one corner of the bed.
Such an intimate glimpse into Hannah’s life was much like a sacred boon, and oddly, that made him miss the woman she used to be even more.
“What happened to you Anna?” Of course, there was no one in the room to answer him. “You used to have fire and mischief in your eyes, and now there is nothing but shadows and sadness.” When he looked at the cat, she stared back, her expression enigmatic.
Needing a distraction from his thoughts, Evan moved across the floor to the tall, narrow dresser.
Because he was far too curious about her, he opened a few drawers, peered inside at the contents, then closed them again.
Nothing more than accessories like fans, handkerchiefs, jewelry, or perhaps kid gloves.
But when he gained the bottom drawer, he frowned, for there was a slim, leather folio complete with a tag that his name scrawled on it in bold handwriting.
Captain Evan Buckthorne.
“What the devil?” After he pulled the folio out, he closed the drawer then rested on his knees as he unwound the leather ties from around the leather envelope.
Why would she have something clearly meant for him in her possession?
And from the looks of the dust on it, this packet had been there for some time.
Once it opened, he pulled out the contents—two sealed letters, also addressed to him, but only with his Christian name—Evan. Quickly tearing into both letters, he glanced at the dates on the top of each. One said April 1807 while the other had been written in early November of the same year.
“I suppose I’ll start in order.” That first letter occurred six months after he’d left London to take his place on his ship and leave England with the Navy.
Cleo meowed and watched him as she curled into a ball.
Dearest Evan,
I have started this letter to you so many times.
Of course, I would have no idea where to post this letter once it’s finished, but that is beside the point.
Frankly, I need to write you to tell you what has happened since you went away.
It’s the most marvelous news I still can’t believe myself, even though my whole body still aches from such a miracle…
… Evan, darling, I gave birth to a daughter two days ago, and she is simply beautiful with your blue eyes and grin.
Unfortunately, she is quite plump like her mama, has my nose, and my red hair, but she is a cherub sent from heaven, and she is part of us both.
I have failed as a mistress since I bore you a child, but where you are concerned, I never did learn how to think clearly, and I was quite na?ve when I fell beneath your spell besides…
“What the hell?” He flicked his glance to Cleo, but she was asleep or pretending to be, so he regarded the letter in his hands once more.
“I’m a father?” His chest tightened with foreign emotions that he didn’t know how to process.
Then where was the child? Did Hannah give her to someone else to raise?
Or worse, had the girl been dumped into an orphanage?
Because he needed answers, he continued to read.
…she is already two days old, but I can tell she will prove quite charming and intelligent.
Her eyes sparkle as if she knows a joke no one else does, and she grips my finger with her tiny, delicate hand with a strength that will serve her well in the future.
Since you are gone, I have named her Charlotte, for I have always adored that name.
Charlotte Anna, since that is what you call me; I didn’t think you would mind.
Why did you have to go away? Why did I let you?
Well, I know the answer to that question.
The Navy will do you a world of good, and hopefully there, you will find someone who believes in you as I have all along.
I should have told you that before you left, but I was far too shy, and I didn’t want you to think I was desperate to hold onto you.
Ours was never a love match… I knew that going in when you only wanted me for your mistress, but now we have a daughter together.
Perhaps you might consider coming home when your commission ends so that we can be a family?
I haven’t yet been considered too scandalous to be tossed from society.
In fact, no one knows what you and I have done since my family is still in the country…
Evan’s heart squeezed as if placed into a vice. Vaguely, he’d remembered that she was staying in her family’s townhouse with an elderly aunt, who slept more than she chaperoned.