Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 107756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
I did not wish to run, as it was not proper, and her little feet would not allow me to, either. I feared the scene that would be caused between Evander and his stepmother. I waited until we had gotten inside and I knew where I was.
“Eleanor, take her to Mrs. Watson, and then meet me in front,” I said and transferred Emeline’s hand to Eleanor’s before I cupped Emeline’s face gently. “We shall have another day all to ourselves, my dear, I promise.”
I dusted off the front of my dress before heading to the foyer, where I could see the back of Evander’s broad shoulders, the light of the sun coming in from the door before him. He stood like a lone gatekeeper to the outside hall, his whole body looking as though it were carved from marble.
“I do not know how many times I must tell you that you are not welcome here, Datura.” His voice was cold and severe.
“I have a right to—”
“You do not!” he snapped and took a step forward.
Luckily, I had reached them by then, placing my hand upon his shoulder. He paused and glanced over to me.
I smiled, searching his eyes to see only anger. “Dear, I heard we had unexpected company?”
He stepped back. “Datura came to see Emeline, so she says.”
“She is family, is she not?” the woman called, not able to even come up the stairs as the men stood guard beside her. “Since my return to Everely, I have heard a great deal of talk, saying that she is being neglected. The duchess prefers her sleep.”
It seemed the days I had taken to rest had somehow reached her.
“You have been greatly misinformed, Dowager,” I replied politely though angry, walking down the stairs. “Emeline is under the very best of care. In fact, she and I were in the middle of a walk through the gardens when I heard you had arrived.”
Holding her cane, a new addition, her blue eyes narrowed on me, and she lifted her head. How she managed with such a massive wig was truly a talent. “Yes, of course, my dear girl. However, one cannot merely take your word for it. Emeline is very important to me, and I wish to know she is well taken care of.”
“Naturally, but Dowager, children need to keep to their schedule. Had you sent word that you wished to see her, I would have arranged a time that was appropriate. I must say, to come to another’s home with no notice and demand an audience is highly improper, even if you are the child’s relation. Or were you not aware of such etiquette?” I asked.
Everything I had seen of the dowager, from her clothes to her hair to her manner of speech, told me that she wished to be respected despite her low birth. So to insinuate that she did not have common manners was a great insult.
The grip on the cane tightened, and she chuckled bitterly. “Highly improper, you say? May I ask why it is highly improper when I arrive without notice? But when your mother came trampling through here, years ago, she was deemed a heroine.”
“I beg your pardon?” I snapped my eyes wide. “My mother has never acted improperly.”
“It is past time you leave, Datura.” Evander’s harsh voice sounded behind me. “And do not return again. My daughter does not need your care. No little girl does, I assure you.”
Her glare shifted to him. “Should anything happen to her, I shall not let it go quietly—”
“Oh, I do not doubt that, but it would not be for anyone else’s sake except your own. I advise you to be wary of playing games with me, Datura, and to pass this caution to Fitzwilliam.”
She huffed and shook her head. “I have not spoken to Fitzwilliam since you so cruelly dismissed us from our home.”
“This. Is. Not. Your. Home,” he sneered, and I took hold of his arm to calm him.
“Thank you for coming, Dowager. I hope you have a safe trip back from whence you came.” I forced a smile and outstretched my arm to her carriage.
“I have returned to Everely, and I will not be forced out once more,” she said directly to Evander, then spun around dramatically. We watched as she entered her waiting carriage.
Evander turned to the guards, holding up his finger. “Never allow that woman on the grounds again. I do not care if you must throw yourself in front of her carriage. Am I understood?”
“Yes, Your Grace.” The man bowed his head.
Without another word, Evander marched up the stairs. If he thought I was not going to ask, he was mistaken.
“What is going on?” I questioned following after him. “Did she truly come here because she thought Emeline would be treated so poorly? Why—”
“She is lying,” he replied. “Pay her no mind.”