Chapter 28 #2
Evelyn’s stomach lurched again, for a very different reason.
In truth, she longed to excuse herself, and would not have to tell any great lie that she was not feeling well, but she doubted her father would take kindly to such an action. He certainly would not permit her to journey the short distance back the townhouse unaccompanied.
I cannot do this. Oh, heaven help me, I cannot do any of this.
She touched the small, dewdrop jewels that formed pleasing bumps along the chains of her necklace, taking comfort in the smooth shape and skin-warmed temperature of them.
Considering she had sworn to wear the jewelry only once, it had quickly become something of a habit to reach for the small blue jewels whenever she felt overwhelmed.
“Have you spent much time in the country?” Miles’ mother continued, Evelyn cringing as the woman stabbed another piece of fish with her fork.
“In my childhood, yes,” Evelyn replied. “And, recently, I attended a house party in the countryside.”
“Yes, of course, I have heard all about that. Apparently, you got yourself into a fair amount of trouble while riding. That will not do, either.” The woman shoved the forkful into her mouth, and the infuriating chewing began afresh. “Do you ride much?”
Evelyn took her glass of wine and downed a large gulp. “Not as much as I would like to.”
“Evidently,” the woman said, tutting. “Well, that can be remedied. We have exemplary stables. I am sure there will be a suitable horse for you there, though you cannot ride too much; it is bad for a woman when she is trying to conceive.”
A furious flush of embarrassment flooded Evelyn’s cheeks, so sudden and intense that she nearly choked on her mouthful of wine. Perhaps Miles’ mother had been in the countryside too long if she thought that this was appropriate dinner conversation.
“You are very fortunate to be marrying my son,” the dowager baroness continued, through smacking chomps.
“He is quite the admired gentleman in our nearest town. There are at least twenty ladies who would give a great deal to exchange places with you, so I trust you will enter into this union with that in mind. Do not forget yourself or think yourself superior because you are from the city.”
Evelyn’s eye twitched. “I would not dream of it, Lady Hemstich.”
Just saying that name made her insides twist into wretched knots, for once she was married to Miles, that would be her title: Lady Hemstich. A baroness. Expected to sit beside this uncouth woman at every meal, no doubt, listening to that awful, ill-mannered sound of chewing.
I do not want this. Hugo, there is my answer: I do not want this!
“If you will excuse me, Lady Hemstich,” she blurted out, rising to her feet, her knee knocking hard into the table in her hurry. “I am afraid I do not feel very well. I think… I just need some fresh air. Apologies.”
She did not wait for permission, walking out of the dining room as swiftly as she could, ignoring the faint ache that still troubled her ankle.
In the hallway, she immediately turned right, heading for the main doors of the apartments.
This was no townhouse, with gardens where she might sit and catch her breath, so the street would have to do.
Maybe she would just continue walking until she made it back to her own home, where she could at least garner a moment of peace and quiet before her father and brothers returned and unleashed their anger.
“Evelyn?”
It was Luke.
She halted, her entire body clenched. Would she be dragged back into that dining room so soon?
Turning, she cast a wary look at her oldest brother. “I really do not feel well, brother. I just… I just need a moment outside, and then I am sure I shall be fine again.”
“Come on,” he said, walking up to her and taking her arm.
She was certain he was about to haul her back to her place beside Miles’ mother, so it confused her somewhat when Luke began walking toward the main doors instead.
“What are you doing?” she asked feebly.
He glanced down at her with a nervous smile. “I am taking you home, in case your affliction is catching.”
“But… what will Father say?”
“I already told him of my intention,” Luke replied, leading her out into the communal hallway and down the stairs to the entrance. “He might not be pleased about it, but he will not quarrel with me.”
Heart swelling with gratitude, she clung onto her brother’s arm as he ushered her into the waiting carriage and instructed the driver to take them home.
It was the first truly nice thing that Luke had ever done for her and as she sat in the gloom of the carriage, with her arm still holding his, she felt bittersweet tears roll down her cheeks.
Why could you not have stood up for me sooner?
Maybe it would not have changed anything, but at least she might have felt that she could stand up for herself too, if she had just had the support and affection of a family who cared what happened to her.
“Are you cold?” Luke asked.
Evelyn shook her head, her heart cracking just a little bit more when he put a blanket across her anyway.