Thornbrook Park (A Thornbrook Park Romance) by Sherri Browning

Author:Sherri Browning [Browning, Sherri]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Sourcebooks
Published: 2014-06-03T00:00:00+00:00

Sixteen

The next morning, any hope Eve had of running into Marcus was dashed by Mrs. Hoyle, who informed her that the men had gone out together early and that Sophia hadn’t rung for her tray. It was just as well. Marcus had to start paying more attention to Alice, and Eve had best get back to her business of finding out what had become of her husband’s investments.

She’d stayed up late writing to Colonel Adams and Adela, and then turned her attention to crafting a new outline for her novel, newly inspired by Marcus’s war stories, a romance between a war widow and a soldier from the opposing side. With more time on her own that afternoon, she’d gotten a solid start on Chapter One when she was interrupted by a knock at her door.

“Get your coat,” Sophia said, all impatience. “Let’s go for a walk.”

The idea of spending a beautiful day out of doors appealed, but Sophia’s sudden determination to get out of the house seemed suspect.

“A walk would be welcome,” Eve agreed. The fresh air might spur her creativity.

“Such a good idea,” Sophia congratulated herself once they got outside. “Smell that autumn air.”

“It’s lovely.” Eve inhaled. Not as lovely as it been yesterday when she was in Marcus’s arms, even with the rain. Especially with the rain.

“I’m worried about how things are progressing between Marcus and Alice,” Sophia confided as they crossed the dusty path through the garden. “I mean to stop at the Dower House and encourage Alice to spend more time at Thornbrook Park.”

“More time? She’s with us most of the time as it is.” Having Alice around would no doubt aid Marcus in his quest to win her heart, so Eve couldn’t say why she felt such a sharp tug of disappointment at the idea. “She and Agatha would have been there last night, had you not decided to take dinner in your room alone. Were you unwell?”

“Of course not,” Sophia snapped, then softened her tone. “Gabriel and I were quarreling, to be honest. I wasn’t ready to face him again last night.”

“I’m so sorry, Sophia. Is there anything I can do?”

She shook her head. “We made up this morning. It’s just that Gabriel is unusually tense with his brother around, and his idea of a relaxing afternoon alone together and mine didn’t exactly mesh.”

The fishing, Eve thought to herself. “I’m glad you’ve made up.”

“Thank you for keeping Captain Thorne entertained. Mr. Finch said the two of you went out for a drive.”

Color rushed to Eve’s cheeks. “Yes, we did.”

“A pity that it rained on you.”

“I didn’t mind the rain.” The image of Marcus’s wet shirt clinging to his chest as he made love to her filled her mind so that she almost veered off the path into the shrubs.

“Careful.” Sophia took her arm. “Uneven ground.”

“Thank you. Clumsy me.” As they crested the hill, Eve caught sight of the Dower House at the edge of the green and the village beyond.

“I only wish you’d thought to include Alice on your adventure, to give her more time with Captain Thorne.

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