“And this concerns me because…?”
Simon placed one hand on top of the paper and pushed it down. “Because, and I say this reluctantly, you are a very fine judge of horse flesh and I value your opinion.”
Eva noted that Simon looked like he’d sucked on a lemon as he spoke.
“I’m flattered.” Daniel folded the newspaper and passed it across the table to his wife. “And as you have begged so nicely, I will, of course, accompany you.”
“I did not beg - I asked. There is a subtle difference,” Simon said.
“Will Claire be here shortly, Eva?” Daniel enquired.
“Yes, we are to visit the bazaar - it is for the orphans and widows.”
“My God! Come, let us leave, Stratton, before that virago arrives.” Simon shuddered.
“Claire is not a virago!” Eva declared.
“Methinks the man protests too much,” Daniel said with a sly smile. “Have a nice morning, Duchess, and be sure to kept Molly at your side. I will instruct two of the footman to accompany you at all times also, he added, kissing the top of Eva’s head. Eva lifted her face so he kissed that, too.
“I protest too much about what?” Simon demanded as he and Daniel left the room.
…
“I always attend the bazaar during the season.” Claire slipped her arm through Eva’s as they began to stroll through the stalls. “I like to support the widows but in all honesty there is always a wonderful array of things on display.”
Eva felt a flush of warmth. She had still not gotten used to the fact that this woman actually liked her. Her life seemed to be filled with moments of extreme happiness and dark despair. Happiness when she was with Claire or Daniel - especially Daniel. He made her forget about her father and the terrible thing she had done. He made her laugh and sigh, but most of all he made her believe in the future, a future for them.#p#分页标题#e#
Her father had approached her twice more and she had given him the spending money Daniel had given her the first time, and the small pearl pendant, which he had gifted her recently, the second time. It had nearly broken her heart to hand it over. Spencer Winchcomb had simply laughed at her distress and said there would be plenty more where that came from and surely keeping her husband’s health intact was more important than a few baubles. Eva had realized then that unless she took a stand, they would never leave her alone. She had brought herself some time when her father had approached her again, telling him she had nothing else to give at that moment and if he wanted her to continue supplying him things he would have to wait awhile. So far, he had kept his distance. Lord Huxley had not approached her again, either, but wherever she and Daniel went at night, she could feel his eyes on her. Watching and waiting, but for what she was not sure. She was terrified of the threat against Daniel, terrified Huxley would challenge him, but she also knew she had to find a way to break all ties with both her father and Lord Huxley or she would never be free to live her life.
Her next letter to Reggie had contained the truth. She had told him everything and warned him of their father’s threats and begged him to be vigilant. That was all she could do for now. She had told him that Daniel did not know and pleaded with him not to tell him until she was ready to do so herself.
“Do look at this blanket, Eva.”
Inspecting the soft, white wool, Eva pushed her dark thoughts aside. “I received a letter from Reggie this morning and he is settled and very happy. His studies are keeping him busy, as are his new friends.”
“Even though you miss him, you must be relieved, Eva.”
“Yes, I am happy for him and yes, I miss him but I have…”
“Daniel,” Claire filled the gap when Eva hesitated.
Blushing, she nodded.
“Oh, look! Is that toffee? I have always wanted to try it.” Eva cried as they passed another stall.
“You haven’t tried toffee?” Claire’s face was a picture of horror as she dragged her closer.
“No.” Eva eyed the small squares of confection eagerly.
“Sacrilege!” Claire signaled to the lady who was running the stall that they would take several pieces.
After handing several pieces of toffee to Molly and the two footmen, Eva and Claire continued to wander with their mouths full of the delicious sweet. Claire studied knitted shawls while Eva, still chewing her toffee, stood a little to one side. She smiled to several passersby and then a noise drew her eyes behind the tent to where three young men seemed to be handling something, throwing it backwards and forwards between them, and when she heard a yelp, she knew it was an animal of some kind.