And then, with a mischievous glint, she added, “But the first step, Your Grace, is to let Eliza keep Whiskers.”
Her heart fluttered as she watched a smile spread across his handsome face. His eyes met hers, a silent agreement passing between them.
And the night was calm.
CHAPTER EIGHTEEN
“Evelina, where on earth have you been? Oh goodness, Sister, we were so worried!”
The moment Evelina stepped out of the carriage, a flurry of questions, screams, and embraces enveloped her.
Margaret’s voice was the first she could pick through the chaos. Her younger sister rushed towards her before the others and threw her arms around her.
“Oh, my dears, I’ve missed you all so much!” Evelina exclaimed, her eyes twinkling with affection as the rest of her sisters joined them.
“You did not respond to my question, Sister.” Margaret raised a skeptical eyebrow. “Where have you been? We were beside ourselves with worry!”
Louisa clasped the book in her hand. “Yes, please do tell us everything. Poor Margaret struggled quite a bit trying to take on your duties this morning.” She eyed Evelina as she added, “So it better have been for a good reason.”
“I beg your finest pardon? I think I did a pretty good job today.” Margaret looked around for support. “Everyone’s dressed, everyone’s eaten.” Her eyes narrowed as she glared at her sister. “You’ve been quite snappy all morning, frankly. Do you have a problem with being under my care, dear Louisa? I don’t think I quite understand.”
“Perhaps I have been snappy. I missed Evie, clearly.” Louisa shrugged. “And I was only stating what I witnessed, Sister. I have no problem with you filling in for her on very rare—” She coughed. “Extremelyrare occasions.”
Margaret scoffed, eyes nearly bulging in offense, “I’ll have you know that if our sister gets marries this Season, it’ll be my turn to care for you, girls. You cannot?—”
Evelina laughed at the sight before her, raising her hands to stop the argument and shaking her head. “Girls, please. If we could just go inside, I’ll tell you everything?—”
“Sister, you look a bit pale. Are you all right?” Alexandra, ever observant, noted. “What happened?”
“Oh, do I?” Evelina placed a light hand on her forehead, then gave the young one a smile. “I assure you I am quite fine, no needto worry yourself. I was only in the rain for a short moment last night. No danger of falling ill here?—”
“You got stuck in the storm?” Penelope, unable to contain her excitement, bounced on her tiptoes. “I knew you were up to something thrilling! You must tell us now, how was it? How did you get out, Sister?!”
Oh no.
“The storm?!”
“Oh, great heavens!”
“Evelina, that could have ended badly. How could you?”
“Girls, please.” Taking a moment to catch her breath, Evelina raised her hand again, cutting them off. “It indeed has been quite a journey. And I will explaininsideif you will.”
Margaret placed a reassuring hand on her arm and smiled. “Take your time, dear sister. We’re just glad you’re back safe and sound.”
Evelina returned her sister’s smile and then let out a chuckle. “I can barely notice, what with all the yelling and incessant talking.”
The sisters eventually turned around and walked back to the house.
“Did you encounter any dashing gentlemen on your travel? Someone to help you get out of the rain?” Margaret asked, a mischievous glint in her eyes. She nudged Evelina playfully. “Is there a blossoming love story here?”
“What?” Evelina let out a loud laugh.
“Or perhaps you stumbled upon hidden treasures? I read in one of Louisa’s books that there are some treasures that can only be found during a storm,” Penelope piped up excitedly.
Louisa’s head snapped to her little sister in horror. “Pen, why on earth are you reading my books?”
“I haven’t read that many. I only find some entertaining.”
