The Perfect Suitor (Bewildering Love Series) (22 page)

“I suspect Lord Devonhurst will not want to share his fine countess. I wish you the best of luck, Lady Evelyn. I, for one, know you are going to need it.” Brandon bowed formally and stomped away.

Eve watched his retreating form in surprise. She hadn’t meant to hurt him. She jumped as Paxton came up behind her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

“I’m guessing that didn’t go well?” When Eve shook her head, he said, “It’s no wonder. He lost the most wonderful, caring, giving, loving, beautiful…”

“Hush, that’s enough.” She turned around and hugged him.

“You know he is never going to recover.”

“I said hush.” She lightly pinched his side.

Paxton held her with one arm and held a sticky bun in his other hand. He smiled above her head. “I’m the happiest man alive.”

“And I’m the happiest woman.”

“There is one thing that will make you happier.” Paxton grinned at her mischievously.

“I do not think so, my lord, at least nothing that can be done here in the park.”

He chuckled. “We’ll come back to that later.” He brought his other hand around so she could see the sticky bun. “This is what I had in mind, for now, anyway.”

Eve blushed at her wicked thoughts, then snatched the sweet roll, ripped off a piece, and plopped it in her mouth. Then she licked the sugary topping from her fingers. “Would you like some?”

“Watching you eat is pleasurable enough.”

Eve laughed at the funny expression he made. “Tell me some more about my new home.” She sat down on the bench and continued to eat the sweet roll.

“Picture acres upon acres of rolling meadows banked by acres upon acres of forest. In a field of wildflowers sits the Devonhurst estate. It’s not a castle, but it’s large enough to be considered one. It was built in the 1700s by my grandfather, who mysteriously came into a great deal of money. My father claimed Grandfather’s wealth was obtained by legitimate means, but he sounded very skeptical when he told me so.

“Anyway, the house is rectangular in shape and constructed with dark red bricks. Numerous tall smoke stacks stick out from the black slate roof. I’d say there are at least a hundred windows. I was told my grandfather hated to feel closed in and so had windows put on almost every exterior wall where there was space. Cleaning all the windows happens to be the housekeeper’s biggest complaint. The job takes the staff days to finish.”

“How many rooms are there?”

“There are thirty bedrooms, but I think the total number of rooms is somewhere around fifty. It’s hard to say really. I usually stick to my wing of the house.”

“Your wing?” Eve asked, aghast.

“Yes. There are three floors, five if you include the cellar and the attic. The cellar is used for storage. The main floor holds the dining hall, parlor, various sitting rooms, my study, a library, a hearth room, and some bedrooms for the elderly or anyone who has trouble with stairs. The kitchen is also located on the main floor, but it is down a long hallway so that it is nearly separate from the living area, and various rooms branch off from that hall for storage and such. The second floor is comprised of mostly guest chambers, including Lydia’s and my mother’s rooms. Most importantly, our chambers are on this floor. We have a suite of rooms consisting of our bedroom, which has a large sitting area and a few dressing rooms. Then there’s our private study, a nursery, a playroom, and some extra rooms for more children I presume. The third floor is for the servants. I haven’t been up there since I was a little boy. Above that is the attic, another place for storage that I never visit. I don’t think I left anything out.”

“I think that is plenty,” Eve said in awe. “It sounds magnificent and beautiful. I can’t wait to see it. A nursery, you said?”

“Yes, I did.” He leaned over to kiss her cheek.

“One we can fill soon?” she asked, unable to hide her excitement at the thought of children.

“As soon as possible.”

“I wish we could leave now,” Eve said wistfully.

“Then let’s go.” Paxton stood, but she pulled him back down to sit.

“We can’t go yet. What about the wedding plans, my dress, and your mother’s party? I’ll have to be patient and so will you.”

“I’ll try to be patient for you.” He ran his finger down her cheek. “I can’t wait to have you all to myself. I find myself shamelessly wishing the wedding was over and all the guests were already returned to their homes.”

Eve laughed. “It sounds to me like it won’t be too hard for us to become lost together at your house.”

“It’s our house, and you’re right. Come. I should see you home.” He stood holding out his hand for her.

The sun moved to the horizon and so Eve no longer needed her parasol. She picked it up and looped it around her wrist. “I hate to leave.”

“Me too. Maybe you can sneak me into your room,” Paxton said, and by the look on his face she could tell his suggestion was only half in jest.

“I don’t think that is a good idea, especially with my mother coming in and out of my chambers to discuss wedding preparations. We will have to wait to see each other at tomorrow’s dinner. What is your mother serving?” She stepped up into the gig with Paxton’s help.

“I didn’t ask, but knowing my mother, something extravagant. She never does anything in half measures.”

CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

It was late afternoon before the Stonehaven women returned to the town house after running wedding errands all day. Hamilton, the butler, met them in the entranceway and was collecting their bonnets and gloves. “Lady Evelyn, there is a gift for you on the side table.” He indicated the location with a nod of his head.

Eve looked to see a large bouquet of flowers. “Oh, they are lovely!”

“Who are they from?” Cassie questioned, coming up to smell one of the roses.

“My wonderful fiancé, of course.” Eve smiled proudly.

Cassie started sifting through the flowers. “Here’s the card.” She handed the card to Eve. “What does it say?”

“It says: I miss you.” Eve grinned as she looked at the colorful blooms.

“You’re only away from each other for one day and already he misses you. How romantic.”

“He’s the most thoughtful man in the world.” Eve took the flowers up to her room and Cassie followed her.

“Don’t dawdle, girls. We need to leave for Lady Veronica’s dinner soon.” Mother sailed past them to peek in the study in search of Father.

***

The Stonehaven family stood on the front stoop of the Devonhurst town house. Father raised the golden doorknocker and let it fall back against the heavy wooden door.

James, the butler Eve had shoved aside a few weeks ago, opened the door and greeted them with kind words and a smile as he took their cloaks and gloves. He stopped in front of Eve. “My lady, I humbly apologize for my ignorance as to who you were last time you visited.” The butler was red faced and staring at the ground.

Eve felt sorry for him. “You were doing your job, sir, and I’m sorry for making your duties difficult. I had no right to force my way into your employer’s home.”

“I am the one at fault, my lady. Had I believed you were who you said, well… if you wish for me to resign from my post, I understand.”

Eve smiled to ease the man’s suffering. He was completely distraught. “James, is it?”

“Yes, my lady.”

“I would like it very much if you remained with us. Let us forget about our initial meeting and start over, shall we?” She handed him her cloak.

“Lord Devonhurst is right, madam. You are a kind and forgiving lady. I will not let you regret the decision you made today.” He bowed formally. “The earl and his family await your presence in the parlor.” His arms were loaded with cloaks and he motioned with his head in the direction they should proceed. “I will show you.”

“No need. We’ll find it, thank you.” Eve smiled at him reassuringly and then led the way.

As they walked down the hall toward the voices, Cassie came up next to her. “I don’t recall you mentioning anything about a butler.”

“Yes, well, with good reason. It was an ugly scene. In my desperation, I forced my way into the house. James was trying to do his job by refusing me entrance. Let it suffice to say, I achieved my goal. At this moment, I wish I wouldn’t have done it.”

“Why? You needed help.”

Eve didn’t respond to Cassie’s inquiry because they had entered the parlor and everyone started talking at once. Introductions and well-wishes for the bride and groom fairly vibrated through the room.

Lady Devonhurst had decided to invite her niece Rebecca and her husband William, the Duke and Duchess of Arlington. Lydia was also in attendance, along with Cole, who stood next to Lydia.

Rebecca hurried to Eve’s side, closing her in a warm embrace. “William and I are so happy for you.”

“Thank you, Your Grace.” Eve curtsied when Rebecca released her.

“Oh, don’t be so formal. We’re going to be family,” Rebecca insisted.

“I never thought I’d see the day when Devonhurst would agree to step in front of an altar. Well done, my dear,” the duke said.

“It wasn’t easy,” Eve replied teasingly.

“Quite untrue,” said Paxton. “I have been putty in your beautiful hands since we met.” He put an arm around her waist.

“That’s true. I for one was surprised at how pliable he became.” Cole grinned devilishly, then kissed Eve’s cheek after he bowed. “I wish you both all the best.”

“I couldn’t be happier.” Lydia hugged Eve and then her brother.

“Me either.” Veronica walked up to the happy couple after greeting Charles and Madeline. “Lady Evelyn, you are a vision of loveliness, and my son’s face lit up when you entered the room. We are honored that you are going to be part of our family.” Paxton’s mother pulled her into her perfumed embrace and then kissed both her cheeks.

Although she didn’t tell anyone, Eve had been very nervous about seeing Paxton’s mother for the first time since that dreadful night. After Veronica’s warm greeting, she felt relief wash through her. “I’m honored to become part of your family,” Eve replied, then smiled up in adoration at Paxton. She noticed he hadn’t taken his gaze off her since she walked in the room. He always made her feel so loved and desired.

Everyone sat and talked about affairs of the heart until James walked in to announce dinner.

When everyone stood to make their way to the dining room, the Countess of Devonhurst walked over to Eve. “Evelyn, dear. Can I speak with you a moment?”

Eve felt her stomach drop. “Of course, my lady.”

“Mother,” Paxton said in warning. Eve knew that he likely perceived her nervousness and didn’t want his mother making it worse.

“Paxton, this doesn’t concern you. Please show our guests to the dining table.”

“No, I think I’ll stay. Lydia knows where the dining room is.” By now everyone else was already moving down the hall.

Eve saw the look of frustration on Paxton’s mother’s face. “Paxton, will you please escort my family to their seats.” She nudged him to leave and gave him a look that said, “Go because you are making this more awkward.”

He nodded his head. “Very well.” He looked at his mother with a serious expression. “Don’t be long or I will return to retrieve Eve.” He left.

“Thank you, dear. Goodness gracious. Sometimes I don’t know what enters his head. You’d think he was trying to protect you from me.”

Eve knew that was exactly what Paxton had been doing, but she stood there with a small smile fixed on her face.

“Nevertheless, now that we’re alone, I’d like to apologize for my shameful behavior when you came here for help. I wish you would have expressed your fears that night, but of course, that’s neither here nor there. I’m sorry to say I have grown cynical when it comes to my son’s female acquaintances. I should have known from the way you carried yourself that you are a lady of some degree. To show you how sorry I am for the misunderstanding, and to show you how delighted I am for your union, I am throwing you a party. I have invited most of London to share in your celebration.”

Eve wanted to tell her that, no matter how she appeared that evening, she
had
needed help and anyone with an ounce of intelligence should have been able to decipher that without being told, but she wanted to forget about the entire incident. “I accept your apology and ask that you forgive me for coming here without a chaperone and in such disarray.”

“Nonsense. You were in trouble.”

Precisely.

Veronica hugged her again. “I’m glad you’re all right. I am proud of my son for choosing such a lovely woman for his bride.”

“Thank you.”

“We better join the others before my son runs back in here to your rescue.” Veronica linked her arm with Eve’s and they strolled out of the room talking about the upcoming party.

Paxton had warned her, and he had been correct. Dinner was an extravagant feast, indeed fit for a king. Eve looked around at the large assortment of food and smiled. The soon-to-be dowager Countess of Devonhurst certainly knew how to entertain.

***

When Eve eventually arrived home after spending a wonderful time with Paxton’s family and friends, there was a present on the hall table for her. She opened the tiny box to find a small gold key and a note that said, “You hold the key to my heart.” She clutched the key to her chest thinking how lucky she was to have Paxton. As she climbed the steps to her room with a wide smile, she was close to breaking into song. She knew Cassie was going to love the romantic gesture of the key.