The Elusive Lady Winston (Regency Rendezvous Book 5) Read online

  “I accept your offer for a ride, but you should know it is all I will be accepting for the time being.”

  Evan couldn’t believe she’d been so blunt. The woman was clearly exasperated, and perhaps jealous, but there was no reason to be. The only woman he wanted was her, and now she would have nothing to do with him over that business with Amelia.

  They walked in silence to his carriage. He noticed Amelia stood concealed around the corner, but he knew she was there. The woman would not be sated until the whole scandal was exposed. She would also, no doubt, expose Annabelle’s conundrum and try to bring the whole lot of them crashing down; not that it would work.

  His family ranked higher than hers, not to mention respectability. He and his sister would survive these waves, but not his mama. The woman would have an apoplectic fit. Perhaps it was time he moved her into the dower house. She could retain all her servants, but as far as daily operations went of the family estate, she would no longer interfere.

  He assisted Eliza in who sat across from him with her hands folded in her lap.

  “Will you continue to be silent with me? Is this how it will be then?” he asked.

  “I have no idea what you are talking about, Evan. I simply have too much on my mind.”

  He surmised that the paper would have added to her uneasiness of becoming reacquainted with society, yet he had no idea what would still be upsetting her beyond that.

  “Well, if polite conversation is something you are looking for then I should like to remark on the weather. Oh, and I posted a letter to your sister telling her I had a fine time. I would dearly love to spend time with her again, but I will be returning to the cottage much sooner than expected.”

  She was leaving him. Why? Had he gone too far in the corridor at the theater? Or did she have a row with her cousin over her absence last night. None of this added up.

  All he could muster was, “Why?”

  “If you must know, I’m not one for competing, much less for a man’s affection. As well, it would appear my cousin has been keeping a secret all these months while in seclusion. I simply do not wish to inconvenience, nor be the reason why a scandal explodes for all the ton to ridicule.”

  He leaned back in his seat and watched her in silence. “Are you sure this has nothing to do with my kissing you in here and then again in the hall of the theater?”

  Her cheeks reddened.

  She put up her hand. “Stop. We shall never discuss those moments again. It is abundantly clear I simply do not live to the standard of society. Toss in the matter that you cannot even provide me with an honest answer where you disappeared to while at the opera last night; we are obviously ill matched.”

  Evan sighed. He could not tell if he was coming or going in her presence. She was put out with him. Though he had not the slightest notion of how to rectify the matter.

  Before he could invite her out again the carriage stopped. She rose to see herself out, but he reached for her arm and tugged her onto his lap.

  “I have no idea how or why I’m so drawn to you, but do not leave me in such a way. I adore you,” he said. “Desire you. There is not a moment that doesn’t go by where I don’t think of you. Tell me how I can make amends.”

  She wriggled in his lap which he wished she didn’t; the blasted woman was making him hard with need.

  “Evan! Please let me go.”

  “Not until you tell me what is truly bothering you, and that you’ll agree to see me beyond this moment in time.”

  She sighed, loudly and, thankfully, sat still.

  “What is it that bothers you most, my lord? The fact that the world doesn’t stop just because you don’t acquire what you desire, or the fact that I would rather not set my cap on a man who carts scandal around everywhere he goes?”

  Evan raised a brow. Other than his mama scolding him, this tiny slip of a woman was the only other person one who dared to take him to task for his penchant for finding trouble.

  He released her, but held the door closed. “Sit. Across from me so that we may have a civilized discussion.”

  She did as he instructed, and this time had the audacity to pout.

  “Truly, my dear. Pouting like an errant child does not suit you with so many garments on.”

  Eliza gasped. “You…you…”

  “I what, love? I only speak on what I see and feel. What frightens you most? The fact that you have competition for my attention, or that you are older? Or is it your lack of experience that you mentioned previously, or that you are concerned I desire a mistress?”

  “My issue with anything that you have proposed will bring, yet again, another scandal at your door, and I am most certain your family will not appreciate such blatant ignorance for a moments pleasure. I have no desire to be visited by my husband’s family at the tiny cottage I was bequeathed, only to be embarrassed further. Nothing quite takes the shame, you know, in being the second wife of a baron who was too old and sick to even provide me with a child.”

  She crossed her arms over her breasts.

  Lord the woman was a spitfire when angered. The sort of thing that carried well in the bedroom and made for an adventurous lover. “Darling, for the final time, I care not for lady Amelia, much less if another scandal is aired. I expect her to make good on her threat on spreading the gossip of my sister’s ruination, which explains the husband we are hunting for. As for your age, financial standing, or the cottage you live in, I only desire you for you and nothing less.”

  He leaned back and continued with a smile. “If you tell me to stay away because you do not desire me, then say so, and I will only offer my friendship. However, if you cannot find it in your heart to turn me away, then, by golly woman, do not be fearful nor deny yourself of the prospect of finding some companionship and pleasure.”

  Eliza released her arms and they now rested at her side. She eased back into the seat and stared out the window. “I honestly do not know whether to hate you and leave this carriage never to see you again, or to kiss you.”

  “Decide on what you want to do, love, but know I will respect either or.”

  Evan didn’t know what to expect, but when she flung herself into his arms he couldn’t have been happier.

  He stroked her hair as she embraced him. “Love, we’ve been out here long enough. You best get on inside and I will call on you before the week is over.” Evan pulled her hand to his lips and placed a chaste kiss. “Until later, love.”

  When the carriage door closed, Evan couldn’t have been more pleased with the outcome. Now all he had to do was prepare for the unfortunate exposure he and his sister were about to endure.

  Chapter Eight

  Eliza sat in her room staring at her tea. It was mid-afternoon and nothing could shake the feeling that she still needed to return to her cottage. Yes, the earl had helped her see all the more reason why, but if he desired her so terribly, then he’d have to consider the length of travel. Eliza had no desire to stay in town whilst the chandelier came crashing down, nor to be subject to his ex-lover’s cruelty.

  She decided to hire an independent coach to wait for her until the ball was over, then departure after Lord Haversham’s sister’s ball. Mary wouldn’t understand. however, Eliza couldn’t compromise any possible future Mary had with his lordship. If she was doomed to have scandal follow her to the country, at least it would be away from any prospects Mary had.

  Whether or not the earl being the man for her was yet to be seen but, Lord, was that man handsome. Before she could wander further in thought her cousin entered.

  “So, this is where you’ve been hiding. Why do you insist on secluding yourself in your quarters and not plan an outing?”

  “I’m tired and not feeling up to dinner.”

  Her cousin raised a brow. “Tired, huh? I suppose catching a ride home with your earl must have been quite invigorating.”

  Eliza stiffened.

  “I saw you with my own two eyes getting into his carriage,” Mary went on. �
��Also, I observed that his former mistress was watching you both quite intently. I am not certain she can be trusted.”

  “Of course, she was. You know…Evan has no interest in the woman. Yet she follows him everywhere. When she finally spreads the news of their affair and his sister’s intended running off to America with an heiress after ruining her; she will fully have made herself a pariah. No one will want her, much less an aristocrat.” She laughed. “And to think she fancies herself a countess.”

  “That may be so, Eliza, however, a woman that bold can be dangerous.”

  “Indeed.” Eliza rose from her chair and retrieved a book from her bookcase, then faced her cousin. “Tell me, Mary, how long was it in your mourning before Haversham paid regular visits?”

  Her cousin blanched.

  “Rest easy, Mary. It is only a question, and will not leave this room.”

  “I suppose it will soon be found out with that hateful woman sniffing at your earl’s heels. Our affair began long before my husband’s death. He was away at business in Jamaica, and Christian had begun his commission with the regiment. Haversham’s wife had recently died, and we were both lonely.”

  Eliza sat at the end of her bed. “I see. When your husband returned did he suspect anything of the affair?

  Her cousin sat on the chair she sat in moments ago. “He knew, and I suppose he felt defeated that we couldn’t have more children. We were lucky with Christian; we almost lost him. When my Edward was in confinement before his death, Haversham saw him and my husband gave his blessing. The two, while from different classes, always supportted each other over the years.”

  Never in a hundred years did Eliza think her cousin was capable of such an affair, but a heart’s true desire should not be ignored. Eventually, love found its way into the hearts of men and women separated by such a fickle thing as marriage.

  “Does Haversham plan on marrying you?” Eliza asked.

  “I’m not certain. He is acting quite peculiar. I have to wonder if he is uneasy with bringing us to his sister’s ball with this nasty bit of business.”

  “Unless he says so, it would be rude to decline after you’ve accepted, Mary.”

  “So be it. I will not decline, but the slightest bit of uneasiness and you have my word we will depart straight away. I suppose with being exhausted I will leave you be and we can continue our discussion at breakfast tomorrow. We really should decide on when to bring your belongings from the cottage.”

  Mary left her in peace to her own thoughts and misery. Her cousin could discuss all she wanted, however, Eliza was quite decided she’d return to her simple country life.

  No man, woman, or child would change her mind.

  * * *

  Evan lounged around in his library for what seemed hours, and for the life of him he could not quit grinning. Eliza would be his, and there was nothing anyone could say or do. As he sat stared out the window, he watched as servants moved his mother’s belongings to the dower house.

  He had to move her things while she was out for the afternoon. By the time she returned home, ragged him out over that display in the street with Eliza and realized her things were now in the dower house, he was bound to have an excellent rest for once.

  Annabelle barreled into the library more jittery than an invalid on opium. “Dear God! She will be home at any moment, and the roof will collapse with her wailing over being moved, Evan!”

  “My dear, dear sister. The woman will live. She has no choice, as I am certain she will not breathe her last breath until the both of us are married.”

  It was then his mama’s carriage rolled up the drive.

  Evan turned to his sister and grinned. “If you would rather not hear a thing, I suggest you head into the conservatory and practice your pianoforte. I can already see some servants running off to hide themselves from this battle.”

  His sister paled, lifted her skirts, and raced from the room. ‘Twas such a site to see everyone shudder over his mama’s reaction. For him, he would remain calm during her fit of rage that she so often unleashed upon everyone in this house. Perhaps it was her arranged marriage to his father, or the fact that his father kept his attentions elsewhere. The simple fact was, his mother would no longer order his servants around, much less have any say with who his sister would marry. She’d lost the right the moment his sister was ruined. The woman was no longer head of this house, he was, and that was that.

  He braced himself for the library door to swing open. The mere thought soon became reality when the tall, white-haired woman raced through the door.

  “What is the meaning of this, Evan? Why have my things been moved?”

  “It is simple really, as a dowager, you are now entitled to an entire abode to yourself, and your own servants. From this moment on, I will be seeing over Annabelle’s marriage arrangements, and while you will be consulted on garments and the wedding breakfast, I do think Annabelle’s prospects will better without your constant shadow and hover.”

  She straightened. “Is that the how it is to be? Well! You should know, earl or not, that widow you have been seen with will be nothing but trouble. I reckon you will soon learn that for yourself.”

  “What has you so vexed, Mama? The fact that she has already been married and is five years older than I, or the fact that she could outrank you?”

  His mother struck the floor with her cane. “I will not tolerate this insolence.”

  “I do believe you will. Now go and have a rest, madam, before your heart gives out.”

  She slammed the library door as she departed. He chuckled. Did she honestly think that little threat of Eliza ruining them would be their undoing? She could not be further from the truth.

  His sister returned a few moments later and whispered from the door. “Is she gone?”

  “Yes, yes, come on in.”

  “My word! I thought she would never leave. A part of me thinks you are wrong for casting her to the dower house, but I can certainly appreciate why you did so.”

  “Annabelle, it is my hope that we find some respectable man for you to marry. Toss in the fact that Amelia will unleash her fury upon us all, Mama’s interference is unwanted.”

  Not that he owed his sister any explanation, yet his sister ought to understand the odious scrutiny she’d be subjected to once the ton had been made aware of what really happened to her intended.

  Annabelle sat down across from him and pouted. “Brother, did you know Mama was going to bring me to Lord Jameson’s ball on Friday? She is quite vexed with you and I suppose she will not wish to attend now. Do you think you could escort me?”

  Evan pondered the request and did not think it was wise to risk attending with the scandal of the season ready to expose them all.

  “If you won’t take me, I may ask Emberly,” she said.

  He stiffened. “You wouldn’t dare!”

  “Of course, I would. Besides, I have heard a certain lady will be in attendance, and I long to see her again, brother.”

  Evan sighed with contempt. “If that is what you desire, then I will take you.”

  She beamed. “Most excellent. I always knew you had redeeming qualities, even if Mama brought out the worst of you.”

  “You little…”

  His sister smiled and ran out of the library before he could utter the word ‘brat.’

  Patience…it was all he needed to get through one more event before he decided on a proper fellow. By then, a full month would have passed since Wickham ran off with her virtue, and they would know with the utmost certainty if a quick wedding was required or a traditional engagement.

  He suspected she was not with child, but nonetheless, that fact did not ease his thoughts. Any man of a reasonable age would suspect her lack of virginity on their wedding night. So, the scandal and more funds in the dowry would have to be added to make her prospects favorable.

  Then there was the matter of how those would view his affair with Amelia whilst she was married. If anything, the minx had
to be held accountable for her actions. The thought that worried him most was Eliza, and how well received she would be at Lord Jameson's ball.

  If memory served, Lady Jameson was Lord Haversham's sister, so if Eliza had been invited, she'd be a guest of Lord Haversham and Mary. At least she would have a familiar person to converse with, and with Annabelle in attendance, there would be some comfort in knowing she was not alone.

  Evan's nerves began to make him rattle. An affliction when he worried of events that could spiral beyond his control.

  Yes, there were times even God could not control events, but a jilted doxy was one that he’d brought upon himself. He was all the more a fool to be played by a pretty face and beautiful willing body.

  There was not much he would not do for his sister, or for Lady Eliza if she asked, yet a part of him wondered what the grand allure was to the beautiful widow. He would never take her for granted. Never. There was a sense of calm and responsibility with the dear lady that it was truly an unfortunate matter that her husband never gave her a child. Not that it would have mattered if she bore a son. Her son would have not held up to the eldest gaining his entire estate. At least the baron possessed the sensibility to see that she had a roof over her head and an income, though he wondered how much she truly had in the cottage she called home.

  A small part of him reveled in the fact he would see her again at the ball. They would no longer hide in the shadows or in his carriage. He could dance, walk and talk to her for all the ton to view in their displeasure. Any mistreatment of Lady Eliza would immediately earn his wrath and a sound tongue lashing.

  Yes. The ball would provide them both with an opportunity to find some middle ground, and yet behave as proper adults in the presence of society. Not that he gave two figs what the women of London thought of him, much less his mama.

  Chapter Nine

  Eliza’s had her cousin’s maid fashion her hair tightly with several strands of curls whilst it was pulled back. Seated before the looking glass, she hardly believed the person staring back at her. Her own wedding dress hadn’t been so exquisite. Never in her life did she expect she would be attending a ball in town, much less fall in love with an earl. The maid carefully tucked tiny strands into place.