Dragon Redeemed by Hopkins Linda K

Author:Hopkins, Linda K.
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2018-06-06T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 25

The light was streaming through the windows when Evelyn finally rose from her bed. Nan had not come to wake her this morning, and she dug through her chest to find a fresh chemise and a clean gown, which she pulled over her head with some difficulty. She was unable to tighten the laces, and she peeked her head through the door, relieved to see Nan heading up the stairs.

“I thought you’d still be abed with that handsome husband of yours,” she said.

“Oh, he had some matters to attend to,” Evelyn replied airily.

“What a shame. I hope that doesn’t happen too often.”

Evelyn remained silent as Nan dressed her hair. She felt guilty for her waspish behavior, but after waking in Xavier’s arms she had thought he might be developing some feelings for her. It was foolish, since he had never offered her more than his affection. She glanced up to see Nan watching her closely in the mirror.

“You know, when my sister got married, her new husband thought he would keep meeting with the boys. Silly man,” she said with a laugh. “It took a little while for him to fully appreciate all he had at home, and now he’s always by her side. Some women can become downright shrewish when that happens, but my sister kept giving him reasons to come back.” She wove a ribbon through Evelyn’s hair. “Sometimes it just takes a little patience. Now, how do you want me to pin this braid?”

The last curl was pinned in place and Nan left Evelyn to her ruminations. She had not married Xavier for love, but the more time she spent with him, the more she saw that it was quite possible she might fall in love with her handsome, rather strange husband. Was it possible that he could learn to love her, too? She drew on her slippers and left the room in search of some sustenance. Suzanna had remained at home after the wedding, which meant she was on her own until Xavier returned.

Having satisfied her stomach, she gathered her art supplies and walked down the road. She had not seen Uncle that morning, but she heard him pacing his study. He no longer had the authority to forbid her leaving the house, however. She arrived at the common and searched for a good spot to settle down for a few hours. The blooms of summer nodded cheerily at her, and she began to sketch. She lost track of time as the hours passed, and it wasn’t until someone touched her on the shoulder that she looked up from her parchment. Xavier dropped to his haunches beside her, his eyes on her artwork.

“You have a very good eye,” he said. “You would love the mountains.”

A spark of hope flashed through Evelyn and she smiled at him. “Perhaps you will take me there one day.” He met her gaze in silence, and the hope died. “How did you know where to find me?” she asked.

“It seemed like a good place to start my search once I knew you weren’t at the house.

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