Two
The gentleman’s gaze shuttered, but he blinked, and his eyes cleared, locking on her. “It is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, Miss Darlington.”
He bowed over Evangeline’s hand, allowing her a moment to study him without his piercing turquoise gaze assessing her in return.
There was evidence of distraction in the haphazard style of his hair, as if he’d dragged his fingers through it. He held his hat, apparently having forgotten to put it on again after the scuffle with the thief.
Jacket dusty but made of fine cloth.
Trousers slightly worn at the knees.
Sensible leather boots.
When he looked up, she took quick inventory of his features. His face would border on pretty if not for a strong jawline and winged brows.
“Sir Jonathan Hackberry at your service.”
Evangeline gasped.
“Is-is something wrong?” he asked.
“Are you the Sir Jonathan Hackberry?”
One dark, peaked brow lifted. “I’m the only one I know.”
“Heavens! I’ve read your work.” She turned toward her sister, her hands fluttering as if they had sprouted wings. “He is the one I’ve been telling you about, the drummer.”
Regina stared at her blankly.
Honestly! She never listened when Evangeline shared anything interesting. “Sir Jonathan’s essays on ancient ceremonial drumming rituals were published in Vetusta Monumental. I devoured the entire series in a day.”
“That stack of periodicals Lady Norwick sent round?” Regina asked.
The lines around his eyes softened. “Do you know Bibi Norwick? Is she well?”
“She is amazing,” Evangeline said. “We only just met this past Season, and I would wager she is the most interesting person in London.”
Xavier smiled. “Très entertaining.”
Sir Jonathan chuckled. “I always thought so. We are from the same village, and she was the most entertaining of the lot.”
“I believe she returns the sentiment,” Evangeline said. “She kept every issue that published one of your essays.”
“Did she?" An endearing blush crept up his neck and into his cheeks.
His obvious pleasure was sweet, as was their mutual regard for each other. It was a testament to their lifelong friendship.
“When Lady Norwick heard about my fascination with antiquities, she loaned me the journals. I found your work spellbinding.”
Regina yawned. “Didn’t Aunt Beatrice have them tossed in the bin?”
Sir Jonathan cringed like someone had insulted his baby.
For heaven’s sake! Her sister was a hopeless case lately. Had married life caused her to lose her social graces? Evangeline smiled to smooth over Regina’s gaffe.
“Our great-aunt’s vision is bad, and she mistook them for a gentlemen’s publication. But I saved them.” She caught her bottom lip between her teeth, considering the editions she’d borrowed. “In Aunt Beatrice’s defense, the editor does seem to favor sketches of Roman vases.”
“Indeed.” The corners of Sir Jonathan’s mouth twitched, but he managed to keep his composure, much to her disappointment. He was very handsome when he smiled. “I understand how your great-aunt would draw that conclusion, given the subject matter.”
Xavier cleared his throat. “I hate to cut short this exchange, but the journey has done me to a cow’s toe.”
Evangeline and Regina laughed.
“Is that the wrong saying, mon amour?”
“Done to a cow’s thumb,” Regina said, sending a ghost of a smile at him, “but toe makes more sense given a cow’s anatomy. How does Aunt Beatrice come up with her sayings?”
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.
“Sir Jonathan’s essays are some of my favorites,” she said.
Regina snorted softly. “I am aware. Despite your belief to the contrary, I do listen when you speak—especially when you mention it very frequently.”
“It isn’t that often.”
Truly, Sir Jonathan’s study of transient states of consciousness as a result of repetitive drumming during spiritual ceremonies was fascinating. She couldn’t help speculating on the use of drums while marching to battle and wondering if the effects on soldiers were similar.
“Are you certain I’m awake, Gigi?”
“I can check if you like.” Regina pinched the air, playfully threatening to carry out the deed.
Evangeline laughed and slapped her sister’s hand away. “I said no thank you.”
“Sir Jonathan is very handsome,” Regina mused.
Evangeline shushed her. “He is a fellow scholar. I admire his intellect and nothing more. Don’t embarrass me.”
“All I’m saying is you would make a striking couple. Just imagine the stir you would cause when you arrived at an excavation site together.”
“La,” Evangeline muttered, turning her face away to hide the flush of pleasure from her sister’s words. “Why must married couples always play matchmakers?”
“I just want you to be happy, too.”
“I am, and I will be even happier once I join Uncle Charles in the field.”
Xavier appeared through the crowd with several strong men carrying their travel trunks. His brow furrowed as he neared. “Are you overheated, Regina?”
Evangeline inhaled sharply. Her sister’s cheeks were scarlet. “My word! You look like you might collapse.”
“Stop fussing over me, both of you.”
Gravel crunched behind Evangeline, and she spun around. Sir Jonathan had returned with a rustic cart drawn by a pair of oxen, led by a young man wearing a red brimless cap.
“It isn’t luxurious,” Sir Jonathan said, “but it must suffice.”
“It is perfect.” Evangeline clasped her sister’s arm above the elbow. “I insist Regina ride to the villa.”
Sir Jonathan gestured toward the cart bed. “There will be room for both of you.”
Looking up at the steep incline, she was grateful. She wasn’t dressed for climbing hills.
Once the trunks were loaded, she ignored Regina’s protest and drew her toward the cart. “Up you go, Gigi.”
“I can do it,” Regina grumbled as Xavier helped her climb onto the bed.
When Evangeline joined her, she angled her parasol to block the afternoon sun from her sister’s face. Regina scowled.
“You needn’t worry about me.”
“I never worry. That is your responsibility.”
Regina closed her eyes, flicking her fan to create a breeze.
Sir Jonathan stepped up to the cart, pulled an orange from his jacket, and handed it to Evangeline. “A souvenir to remember your first adventure in Athens.”
A gleeful laugh bubbled up from her chest, but she contained it. How would she ever earn the respect of the Society of Antiquarians if she giggled like a girl every time a colleague addressed her?
“Thank you,” she said, gingerly squeezing the orange and noting it was only a little soft from hitting the thief.
“My pleasure, Miss Darlington.” His eyes sparkled like the sea at his back, faint lines crinkling at the corners.
Heavens! Regina was right. Sir Jonathan was a fine sight, indeed.