Eleven #2
“There is nothing boring about your work, sir.”
“Speak for yourself,” Lord Dominic mumbled and cut into the lamb chop on his plate.
She slanted an annoyed look in his direction before spearing a piece of artichoke heart with her fork. “I always speak for myself, my lord. Who is better qualified to know my own thoughts?”
“Indeed.” Lord Dominic’s eyebrows lifted. “I like this one, Hackberry.”
She bristled at his possible meaning.
This one? As in a woman or a scholar? Did he view the two as separate and believe one was inferior? She was a woman and a scholar. She was every bit as educated as most men, albeit she had gained her knowledge through independent study rather than university.
Throughout the meal, Evangeline directed her questions toward him, attempting to take his measure. “How long have you been in Athens, my lord?”
“Almost five years. After the war, I stayed on the island of Morea for a brief time before settling in Athens.”
“What precipitated the move?”
“The same reason I left England.” His smile never reached his eyes. “I require more room to roam if the urge grabs me. I have the heart of an adventurer myself, Miss Darlington.”
She found his answer satisfactory but insincere, as if he’d tailored his response to what he thought would appeal to her. She looked askance at everything he said and questioned any inconsistencies she detected.
Regina kicked her under the table and narrowed her eyes slightly. “Shall we allow Lord Dominic a moment to enjoy his meal?”
Across the table, Lord Dominic gripped his fork, his jaw muscles bulging as he ground his teeth. Perhaps Regina was right. All Evangeline seemed to have managed was to put him on guard.
She glanced at her own plate of roasted vegetables and lamb and realized she hadn’t eaten a bite.
“Forgive me, gentlemen and family. It wasn’t my intention to monopolize the conversation.”
“Nor mine.” Lord Dominic popped a piece of lamb in his mouth, chewing in sullen silence.
Regina’s lips thinned briefly before she returned to her meal. She didn’t trust the man any more than Evangeline. Regina’s trust was always hard won and required patience and perseverance, so her caution wasn’t a surprise. She thought it was best to keep their suspicions under wraps.
Evangeline had no talent for subterfuge, though. Every emotion or thought played out on her face. Uncle Charles often teased her about being the best whist partner ever because he always knew when she had a good hand. Unfortunately, her sisters also knew how to read her and usually won the round.
Xavier drew Sir Jonathan into conversation, easing the tension, and the remainder of the meal passed pleasantly.
Eventually, Lord Dominic shook off his broodiness and engaged with the men.
He seemed knowledgeable when he spoke about the various customs practiced by the Turks, Greeks, and Albanians, as well as the rules imposed by the sultan.
Evangeline found his insights interesting and set aside her suspicions for the moment.
“Did anything surprise you about Athens when you first arrived?” she asked Lord Dominic.
“I was less surprised than bemused to learn one must gain permission to conduct a soiree,” Lord Dominic said. “Society is rather dull as a result, but I doubt you came to Athens to attend balls or the theater.”
“I would have stayed in London if I desired such things.” She met Sir Jonathan’s striking gaze across the table.
The blue-green shade reminded her of the apatite gemstone necklace Uncle Charles had brought back from one of his trips years ago.
“I prefer tromping through theaters of old to a box at Drury Lane.”
Sir Jonathan’s smile was directed solely at her, warming her insides. “I couldn't agree more.”
At the meal’s end, Evangeline suggested the party retire to the gardens where they could sit among the citrus trees. She had much she wished to discuss with Sir Jonathan and hadn’t given up hope of a reading from him.
Regina covered a yawn. It was the second time Evangeline caught her in the act.
“I believe your sister is ready to retire to her bed,” Xavier said. “I will join you in the courtyard after I see her settled.”
Regina smiled sheepishly. “Please forgive me, gentlemen. Would it be unpardonable if I excused myself?”
“Not at all,” Lord Dominic answered.
Xavier wrapped his arm around Regina’s waist, and she rested her head against his shoulder as they left the dining room.
Evangeline caught her bottom lip between her teeth. She had noticed several sickly young men assembled on the streets near the market since she and her family had arrived. When she asked Lord Dominic’s butler what ailed them, Mr. Wilcox had explained the men were engaged in a prolonged fast.
A protest, miss.
Since her inquiries seemed to annoy him, she hadn’t asked what the men were protesting. Now she feared the manservant might have been mistaken about the cause of their wan appearances. Before she could ask Sir Jonathan if he was aware of any illness in the area, Lord Dominic stood.
“I hope you will excuse me as well, Miss Darlington. I have another engagement this evening.” He tugged his shirt sleeve, tucking his fingers into the cuff and sliding his thumb across his wrist thrice, as if he didn’t know what to do with his hands.
No doubt his engagement was of the improper sort and accounted for his awkwardness.
“Be careful,” Sir Jonathan said.
“Rest assured, I won’t become lost in the dark.”
Evangeline wasn’t sure she could say the same. The meandering neighborhood streets were challenging enough to navigate in the daylight. She had become turned around more than once after leaving the house, but Xavier had kept them from losing their bearings.
Perhaps a bit too cheerfully, she bade Lord Dominic goodnight, but she was eager to speak with Sir Jonathan without the other gentleman’s sarcastic commentary.