Thornbrook Park (20 page)

He rained his wrath upon his brother, blow after blow, until Gabriel, bloodied, fell to the floor. The rage was gone, at last. Spent. But oddly, Marcus didn't feel much better. The overwhelming sadness remained. He realized he'd been wrong about one thing.

He needed Eve Kendal. If only she needed him, too.

***

It was a banner day for Eve. She'd just lost her lover, the one man she cared about in a way that rivaled the great love she had for Ben, something she'd never thought she'd feel again, and now she risked losing her best friend. She steeled herself, trying to bury the pain of letting go of Marcus as she prepared to face Sophia.

“Eve, you've returned just in time!” Sophia greeted her from the drawing room as Eve headed for the stairs.

“In time for what?” Eve thought Sophia would be in her room, giving her a few more minutes to prepare what she would say, but better to face her immediately.

“The Dovedales are coming. Lizzy! You remember Lizzy Westwick.”

“Oh yes, dear Lizzy. How is she?” Lizzy was a friend of theirs from their girlhood in Delaney Square.

“She is quite the woman of fashion these days, a Londoner. Her husband is a publisher. They have three little girls.”

“Oh, how sweet.” Eve felt a hitch in her lungs at the news. Three girls. At least one of them had been blessed with children. Eve wanted to hug Sophia. Instead, she was about to break her heart. Or her trust. Maybe both. “Sophia, I've something to tell you.”

“Can it wait? I have to ring for Mrs. Hoyle and make sure she has arranged Lizzy's room exactly as I requested. Mr. Dovedale isn't coming for a few days. I've put them in separate rooms just down the hall from you. Do you think it will suffice?”

Eve shrugged. “Are they adjoining rooms? Married people do like to be together. Usually.” She didn't mean for it to be a cut about the distance between Gabriel and Sophia, and she hoped it hadn't come out that way.

“I suppose.” Sophia nibbled her lip, considering.

“What I have to say can't really wait, so if you could put Mrs. Hoyle off for just a bit?”

“But Lizzy will be arriving within the hour. Are you sure? Oh, you do look serious. Very well.” Sophia took a seat on the sofa across from the portrait of her mother-in-law, looked up, and moved to the chair in the corner. “Come. Sit by me. Tell me what's troubling you. Quickly. I still have to ring for Hoyle and send for Alice.”

Eve hated to rush such a conversation but she took a seat. Maybe it was for the best that Sophia had so much to occupy her mind. “I've been having an affair.”

“What?” Sophia's cornflower eyes widened. Eve had her rapt attention at last. “What kind of affair? What do you mean?”

Eve shook her head. “You know what I mean. An
affair
. I hate keeping secrets from you, Sophia. It has been so hard to live with myself, knowing I've been deceiving you.”

“You and Gabriel? Oh my word. Eve! How could you?” Sophia stood up, enraged.

Eve stood as well. “No, Sophia. Lord, no. Not Gabriel.
Marcus.
Marcus and I have been carrying on, if you will.”

“Carrying on? You and Marcus?”

“Having intimate relations, the two of us. Yes.”

“I'm astonished.” Sophia paced. “I shouldn't say astonished. When I think of it, I'm not all that surprised. No one could miss the way the two of you look at each other. But I thought you'd never act on it, either one of you. I thought it a mere flirtation. And that in the end, you were only thinking of me and of Alice.”

“I didn't give you enough thought, I'm afraid. I'm not ashamed of my actions, exactly. I needed to know love again. But I am regretful that I betrayed your trust. And I'm sorry that I fell for the one man you intended for your sister. It was”—she caught her breath, her heart fluttering—“disloyal. I've been disloyal, and I'm so sorry. I hope you can forgive me.”

Sophia crossed her arms and stared straight at Eve, fire in her eyes. “Do you love him?”

“I… no,” she lied, but felt it justified this time. She had no intention of being with Marcus again. “It's over between us. It will never happen again. I know you want him for Alice, and I believe he is ready to settle down and court her.”

“Oh? Are you sure? You're all done now, so Alice can have him?” Sophia spat the words, an attempt at sarcasm.

“Sophia, it's not like that. I'm so sorry.”

A loud crashing interrupted them, followed shortly by a maid running breathlessly to the drawing room door. “Oh hurry, it's chaos. They're killing each other!”

Both Sophia and Eve ran after the maid. “Who?” Sophia asked. “Who is killing whom?”

“Lord Averford and his brother! They're fighting.”

By the time Eve and Sophia got to Gabriel's study, they found Gabriel sprawled on the floor, blood all over his face, his valet leaning over him.

“Dear God, Gabriel!” Sophia ran to her husband's side. “Gabriel, darling.”

“Don't worry, love,” Gabriel said, starting to sit up. “I'm not dying. Minor injuries.”

The valet stopped him, applying a kerchief to his face. “The blood, sir. Stay down until your nose stops bleeding.”

“Where's Marcus?” Eve looked around. There was no sign of him.

“He stormed off after he knocked Lord Averford out,” the valet said. “No idea where he has gone.”

The bell rang.

“Mrs. Dovedale's arrived.” Another maid ducked in to inform them. “Mrs. Hoyle is out greeting her in the drive.”

“Eve, please go and greet Lizzy for me. Make my apologies and say there has been an accident, no specifics. I'll be down as soon as I've seen to Gabriel.” For a moment, Eve had hope that Sophia had forgiven her. Until she added, in icy tones, “It's the least that you could do.”

Fortunately, Alice and Agatha had come over from the Dower House and were seated with Lizzy in the drawing room when Eve entered to join them.

“Lizzy,” Eve held her hands out as she approached. “So good to see you again.”

“Eve.” Lizzy stood to greet her. “I was thrilled when Sophia mentioned you were here, too. Imagine, I get to catch up with you both. Just like old times.”

“Just like old times,” Eve said. If only Lizzy knew. “I'm afraid there's been a bit of an accident in Lord Averford's study. Sophia was called away, but she will join us shortly. Has Mrs. Hoyle gone to see to tea, Alice?”

Alice nodded. “Mr. Finch is arranging it. He'll be along any moment, I believe.”

Lizzy had changed a bit since Eve had last seen her, but she had the same eager green eyes, welcoming, full-lipped smile, and abundant chestnut curls barely tamed in a chignon. She had become curvier with age and perhaps motherhood, with a fuller bosom and hips but still a trim waist. She wore a lovely cream-colored lace blouse with a burgundy organza overlay tucked into a black skirt with a wide satin sash, very fashionable for a publisher's wife. For all Eve knew, all publishers' wives were fashionable women.

A moment later, Sophia swept in, a picture of elegance in her lavender silk with black chiffon draped across the shoulders. Finch brought the tea cart in while they were catching up. “Lizzy! There you are. I'm sorry to keep you waiting.”

“Not a problem at all.” Lizzy took it in stride. “I'm happy to be here. Thornbrook Park is lovely as always. And you, breathtaking as always. I hope it was nothing serious, the accident?”

“Oh, no. Thank goodness. A light fixture broke free of its foundation and fell on Lord Averford, can you imagine? He's perfectly well now, just a bit of a bloody nose and maybe a blackened eye.”

“Really?” Lizzy's eyes widened. “How unusual. It must have hit just right.”

“I guess he tipped his head to look up as it fell,” Alice asked. “Or how would it get his nose and eye? Falling from the ceiling?”

Sophia shot her a glare.

“As long as he's well. Wouldn't want to think it was anything serious,” Eve said, relieved that Marcus hadn't done any significant damage. But where had he gone? What must he be thinking? She had a longing to comfort him that she knew was better left unsatisfied.

“Tell us about London,” Sophia urged Lizzy. “The latest fashion? Gossip?”

“Shorter skirts are making a splash. Apparently, they make it so much easier for modern women to get around.”

“Oh, I like that,” Alice said. “About time.”

“We're also seeing a lot more sleevelessness in daytime as well as evening wear. Not with winter coming, of course, but come spring we'll all be baring our arms.”

“Not all of us, dear.” Agatha chuckled. “This old bird will stay covered up.”

They all laughed.

“The Olympic Games are to be held in London,” Lizzy said. “It has been decided.”

“We were just discussing it with Captain Thorne.” Alice nodded. “I think it's delightful. But some of us are not in agreement.”

“London is crowded enough. Why would we want to attract more foreigners?” Sophia wrinkled up her nose in disgust.

“Oh, why not?” Lizzy waved her hand. “As long as they're interesting. London is always going to attract visitors. Might as well have a good reason for it. Is Gabriel's brother visiting, too? I don't think I've seen him since your wedding, though he stays at your house in town, does he not?”

“Usually.” Sophia cast a cool glance in Eve's direction. “He has been visiting, but I think he might be headed back to London. One never knows with Marcus. He's unpredictable.”

“She has been trying to make a match for him with me.” Alice shook her head. “You know my sister. Incorrigible.”

“I take it you object to the match then, Alice? What's he like? Not your type?” Lizzy dug for gossip.

Alice shrugged. “He's handsome enough, if you like that golden god sort. He looks a lot like his brother, really. Too much like, if you ask me. Though, I will admit that I almost changed my mind about him the other day when he brought me flowers and stayed to talk. He's a charmer.”

Sophia smiled. “All you really need is a chance to get to know him without any distractions getting in the way.”

Eve took the hint. Sophia tolerated her presence because they had a guest. Once Lizzy was gone, Eve had better prepare to head out as well. She would have to find a place of her own.

“Tedious business, matchmaking,” Lizzy said. “Not as tedious as searching for a new governess, which I wouldn't have to care about, had I not proven so successful a matchmaker. I fixed up our governess with the music master, and now they're married and gone off to Vienna, where he's from. I'm interviewing for a replacement.”

“I would think there are plenty of capable young women in London,” Sophia said.

“You would be surprised. The truly accomplished girls, few as they are, all seem to dream of marrying instead of going into service. And those with less to offer, well, they have all kinds of options these days.”

“Options besides marriage?” Sophia seemed surprised.

“Of course,” Eve said. “They can be secretaries or nurses.”

“Shopgirls.” Lizzy nodded along. “Journalists. One of them wanted to be an actress on the stage.”

“An actress, oh my. Not suitable company for impressionable young girls.” Sophia shuddered.

“I don't think there's anything wrong with actresses. You would have been a wonder at it, Sophia.” Eve enjoyed making light of Sophia as only friends who truly care can manage. Though, considering they were at odds, perhaps she had better not lapse into familiarity. “Who knows? If things had worked out differently.”

Sophia shook her head. “Heavens.”

Eve's life had turned out differently than she'd planned. With her savings perhaps lost forever, she pondered what she might do to support herself. Even if she finished her novel, there was no guarantee of success. An idea struck her.

“I could be a governess,” Eve said suddenly. “I love little girls. I need to earn a living. Actually, more than need, I think I would enjoy earning a living. There's something satisfying about putting in a day's work. And being a governess is a fairly respectable profession.”

“Certainly, your widow's pension provides enough to live on. Your situation can't be as dire as all that.” Lizzy paused as if considering, her pretty green eyes flashing with concern.

“I have some money,” Eve said. “Enough to live within very modest means, but not to be truly comfortable.”

“Are you honestly interested?” Lizzy turned to face her. “Truly?”

“I am.” Was she? London was the best place for her, a single woman on her own. And it wouldn't hurt to have established herself with an actual publisher, should she ever complete a manuscript. The perfect situation had fallen into her lap, but she would have expected to be more excited by the possibility.

“A governess, Eve? You can't mean it.” Sophia seemed aghast at the idea, driving Eve to like it all the more.

“I'll talk it over with Geoffrey, my husband.” Lizzy smiled at the idea. “You'll meet him in a few days. I think he will like the idea of taking you on as governess as much as I do.”

“That would be lovely. Thank you,” Eve said, although her stomach gave a little flip as if something didn't feel quite right about it. But her choices were limited. A happily-ever-after with the man of her dreams was not quite in the cards for her. At least with the Dovedales, she would be with friends and not completely alone as she established a new life for herself in London.

***

Beating his brother bloody hadn't been as satisfying as he'd expected. Marcus's fists throbbed in a way that made him begin to appreciate Queensbury rules, with gloves, but it was no comparison to the ache he felt down to his core, the pain of rejection.

Eve didn't love him. Or, for some reason, she was pretending not to. He couldn't decide which. And did it matter? She didn't want to be with him one way or the other. After fighting with his brother, he stopped to check on Brandon at the farm and extracted a promise from Mrs. Dennehy that she wouldn't agree with Lord Averford to toss the boy out before Marcus returned from London, though he doubted that even his brother could be so heartless. After that, there was no point in waiting. He headed to the station for his third train ride of the day.

He decided to visit the Coopers first to give Prudence an update on how Brandon fared, and then he would look for Tom to see if there was anything Eve had left out or had not considered in her attempt to urge a confession from the Lawsons. After stopping for flowers and tea cakes, he made his way up to the Coopers' flat. To his surprise, Tom Reilly opened the door.

“Tom? What are you doing here?”

“Marcus, lovely to see you.” Prudence came to greet him. “Mr. Reilly has become quite a friend to us since you introduced him to us. I guess you could say we look out for each other.”

“I make sure the neighborhood stays safe for the children, and Prudence returns the favor by making me home-cooked meals. I think I've put on weight, but it's worth it.”

“Glad to hear it.” Marcus had hoped that Tom would be able to look out for the Coopers in his absence, but he never expected him to become so companionable with them. It added a bright spot to his otherwise dreary day.

Anna and Emily descended on Marcus for cakes, stealing his attention temporarily. Once all the young Coopers had their treats, he turned back to Prudence.

“You've nothing to worry about with Brandon. He's happy as a lark on the farm and a good worker. I'll bring him back home for a visit soon, and then maybe one day I can take you all out there to have a look around.” One day. If he wasn't persona non grata on the grounds of Thornbrook Park and thereabouts.

When Marcus prepared to leave at last, Tom left with him so they could go to the pub and talk.

“Let me catch you up on my progress,” Tom said, over a pint.

“Eve caught me up. You really let her go back to the Strumps' house alone?”

“She was determined. And her plan made sense. Plus, it worked, Marcus. We have them right where we want them. She's a clever one, your girl Eve.”

“She's not my girl. She's a capable, independent woman. But I want you to keep a close eye on her nonetheless. I don't like the fact that you've been unable to locate Oliver Lawson.”

“Believe me, we're still investigating it. If he turns up anywhere near his house, we've got him. So far, though, no sight of him.”

“I wish we had such capable surveillance at Thornbrook Park.” He hadn't given Lawson much thought all afternoon. Now that he had a clearer head, he worried about Eve in Yorkshire. How could he have left her there alone? But she wasn't alone, he reminded himself. Thornbrook Park was large and safe, and she had the sense not to go running about on her own. Didn't she? He would feel better if they were together, or at least under the same roof.

***

When Eve heard that Marcus had gone to London, she realized that she might not ever get the chance to say good-bye. She wasn't going back to Averford House, not with Sophia holding a grudge. She had to make a clean break. But if she had the chance to see him again, could she manage to leave him? Would he still want her? She had her doubts.

“I want you to know that you've upset me very much,” Sophia told her after dinner once Lizzy had gone to bed. “And you've certainly made it harder for Marcus and Alice to come together.”

“But you heard her, Sophia. Alice isn't interested in Marcus.” If Eve had thought for one moment that she was, would she still have made love with him in the library? In the field? In his room? She couldn't be sure. Heat rose to her cheeks.

“That's not what I heard at all. She said she found him charming, and she'd begun to change her mind. If not for you, they might already be together.”

“I want you to be happy, Sophia. I love you like a sister. I would never have hurt you on purpose and I hope you know how very sorry I am.”

“Then go away,” Sophia said coldly. “Not now. I don't want to give Lizzy any reason to be suspicious or to spread gossip in London. But once the Dovedales leave, go away and give Marcus and Alice a chance.”

“I'll go away, and I hope things turn out in the way that you want. But you can't make them fall in love, Sophia. No matter how much you wish them to be together.” Eve wasn't sure Marcus planned on coming back. To Tilly Meadow to visit Brandon, perhaps, but only as long as Brandon stayed there. He might be in London searching for a new situation for the Coopers even now. “I have an appointment in London in a few days, and then I'll be taking the position with the Dovedales. I'll be out of your way.”

The next day, the rain came and they were stuck inside. They played games, charades, backgammon. Sophia seemed to forget sometimes that they were at odds, and other times she treated Eve with false cheer. But Lizzy had no reason to suspect that they weren't getting along. By the third day, Eve decided to share her treasures from India after Lizzy began asking questions about it, a place where her husband, Geoffrey, had spent time away on business without her.

They looked through Eve's picture books and dressed up in Eve's saris for a laugh. Eve chose a deep green sari and went behind the screen to change. She emerged wrapped in a length of hand-dyed and embroidered silk that bared one shoulder and showed a flash of skin along her midriff.

“
Namaste
,” she said, coming out and bowing with her hands pressed together in front of her, as she had seen Prama and so many others do.

“Nama—what?” the others asked.

“
Namaste
,” Eve pronounced the word slowly. “It's a traditional greeting. It's like wishing someone well. It means simply hello or more reverently, ‘I recognize the holiness within you.'
Namaste
.” She bowed again.