Veiled In Blue (Emperors Of London 6) by Lynne Connolly

Author:Lynne Connolly
Language: eng
Format: mobi
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

“I cannot imagine your so-called betrothed is coming back,” Sir Henry said after church. Two Sundays after Julius left, Eve was in private and quiet despair, desperate to hear from him. But very little had reached her.

The past week had driven her nearly demented. Julius had written to her, but only a short note to inform her he was delayed, and it was included in a much longer one to Alex, the contents of which he did not share with her. However after the arrival of the letter, by messenger and not carriage, no less, Eve was rarely alone. Even in the house a burly footman trailed after her, looking uncomfortable as he did so, but doggedly protecting her.

The footman was standing not six paces from her now, while she spoke with Sir Henry after Sunday service. Exasperation filled her. This was too much, having her watched as if he were afraid someone would leap out of the nearest bush.

“My dear, I am concerned for you.” Sir Henry touched her arm below the single ruffle of lace she wore.

She refused to take more from Connie, despite her new friend’s insistence. She would hardly have time for finery if she found herself back where she started—living in a small house on the village green, looking for work as a governess. While she had taxed her mother with the knowledge of her parentage, and her mother had confirmed it, Eve did not see what difference that would make to her life. It had not so far, so why should it do so now?

“You should not be concerned, sir,” she said. “You know who Lord Ripley is, and his credentials could hardly be better.”

“That family is somewhat irregular.” Sir Henry leaned so close, the sweetness of his breath wafted over Eve’s senses, mingled with the sickly scent of rotting teeth. If he did not suck pastilles all the time, he might not have such bad teeth.

Sir Henry had not repeated his proposal, but he had continued to visit, insisting on ensuring Eve’s safety and that of her mother. While Eve appreciated his care, she could have done much better without it. He appeared at the Ripley’s house with alarming regularity—like a vulture, Connie had said in one of her more unguarded moments. A well fed, smug vulture, waiting for Julius to let Eve down and abandon her.

His plumage today was his favorite russet, the color of the country, he had often said, with a green waistcoat that bore definite traces of breakfast.

Eve gritted her teeth, smiled, and nodded. “Lord and Lady Ripley have been very kind. They wish me to remain with them until the wedding.”

“Ah, but will there be a wedding?” Sir Henry smiled as if he were teasing her. “He promised to return within the week, and more than two have passed. How many more before you give up?” He lifted her hand to his lips, brushing the back.

Recalling the way Julius’s lips felt on her skin, Eve shivered, delicately but without the possibility of preventing her instinctive reaction.

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