“I would be honored,” Tamsin said. “It was lovely seeing you again.”
“Good day!” Evangeline called out as she hustled to the front of the store where Tibby was sitting, reading a gothic novel. Evangeline stopped and stared.
Damn. Tibby. She wanted to act on her plan immediately, but Tibby would never let her do something rash. Something like go to Henry Killam’s house alone, for instance.
Evangeline smiled. She was standing right in front of Tibby, who hadn’t even noticed her, she was so engrossed. “Tibby, I’m ready to go.”
Her maid jerked her face up with a gasp and lunged to her feet. “Oh, my lady, I didn’t even see you there!”
“Yes, you seemed quite riveted.”
“I am,” Tibby said with a smile. “But if you are ready to depart…”
She moved to set the book aside, but Evangeline stepped up and took it instead. “The Mysteries of Udolpho by Radcliffe. It is all the rage, isn’t it?”
Tibby nodded. “And for good reason, for I am already captivated.”
“Then we shall buy a copy,” Evangeline said, “so that we may both read it and discuss it later.”
Tibby smiled, but there was no shock on her face at the offer. Evangeline often bought books that she shared with her maid, since she knew Tibby adored a good story as much as she did. That today she offered this kindness for her own purposes…well…what was the harm?
“Mr. Mattigan?” she called out, lifting the book toward him. “Ann Radcliffe’s The Mysteries of Udolpho.”
Mattigan grinned as he opened a book before him and made a notation. “I shall add it to your account, my lady. Very nice to see you again. And a happiest of Christmastide to you!”
“And to you, good sir,” Evangeline said as they exited the shop into the sharp cold of the winter afternoon. She handed over the book to Tibby as they entered the carriage for the short drive back to her father’s home.
“You don’t wish to read it first?” Tibby asked, her gaze flitting greedily to the embossed cover.
“You have already begun and I find myself a little tired,” Evangeline said, laying the frame of her lies with a false yawn. “I think I shall lie down for a bit when I get home. And you can take a few hours to lose yourself in a Gothic castle with a wicked villain and strife galore.”
Tibby laughed. “It is as if you already read it.”
“Just because I can guess the path does not mean I won’t enjoy every moment when you’ve finished and are dying to talk to me about it.” Evangeline’s smile was not pretended, for she did love this part of her relationship with her maid. Many would have judged it, but she cared for Tibby. Which was why lying made her stomach hurt just a bit. She ignored it as they stopped on the drive.
“Come,” Tibby said as Evangeline was helped from the carriage and her maid followed. “I will get your settled for your nap.”
Evangeline followed obediently and fought the urge to let a wide smile cause Tibby any concern. When one controlled everything around oneself, it was easier to unwind the binds that kept her in place. And in a very short time, that meant she could pursue the next part of her plan.
Seduction.
Half an hour later, Evangeline had snuck down the back stairs and was back in the carriage, her driver at the door with a concerned expression. “You want to go to Mr. Killam’s unattended, my lady?”
She pursed her lips. “Certainly not, Wilkes. My father is meeting me there, so I will not be alone. You needn’t worry yourself.”
Relief swept over his face, and that twinge of guilt that had been troubling her since she set this plan in motion ratcheted all the higher. What was a little deceit for the greater good? Were this plan to play out as she wished it to do, no one would be hurt. In fact, many would be helped. And if for some reason she was discovered, she would certainly take all the blame for her own actions.
It was a victimless crime she committed.
Wilkes closed her in and they rode along for the short turn around the park to where Henry’s house stood alongside a dozen others with the same façade. As she stepped out, her stomach clenched. What if he was not at home? She had heard from several gossips that Henry had not been going to the Society of London Astronomical Studies hall for a few days, probably to keep his father’s rage at bay.
But if he wasn’t there, it would prove her words to Wilkes a lie, and that could cause trouble. She could always walk home across the park if Henry wasn’t in residence. No one would be the wiser.
“Thank you, Wilkes,” she said as the footman helped her down. “You may go home. I’ll send for you if my father cannot escort me.”
He still looked uncertain, but the driver tipped his hat and off the carriage went, leaving Evangeline alone on the stair to Henry’s house. Her hands shook a little at her sides and she squeezed them into tight fists. What was wrong with her? There was nothing to be so worked up about. What she was about to do was a tactic, nothing more.
She pushed her shoulders back and made her way to the door. With a few deep breaths, she calmed herself, then raised her hand to the knocker and tapped three times. For a moment, she considered fleeing. Just racing into the park behind her and back to her house, where she could pretend she had not been so foolish. But before she could, she heard movement in the foyer. Whatever the prudence of her actions, they were done now. There was no escape.
She was going to do this, one way or another.
Chapter 8
Henry lifted his head from the line of figures before him and met Donovan McGilvery’s bright eyes. “Was that my door?”
“I believe so,” McGilvery said. “Were you expecting someone?”
Henry got to his feet and let out a long breath. “No. I certainly hope it is not my father. I’ve been avoiding the society in order to thwart his spies, but he will cause a scene if he discovers I’m here working on equations with you.”
“Ah.” McGilvery nodded slowly. “It’s beastly, I’m sorry. Why don’t you answer the door? I’ll put away our mess and be ready to bolt out the back just in case.”
Henry shook his head as the rapping of the door came again. His servants were out for the day. “Yes, yes,” he called as he exited the room. “I’m sorry!”
McGilvery muttered something comforting, but Henry didn’t fully comprehend it as he smoothed his waistcoat and made for the front door. He had no time to roll his shirt sleeves down or put on a coat to make himself presentable, so he prayed it was not his father as he threw open the door to the intruder.
He blinked at the shock of the visitor’s identity. “E-Evangeline?” he said, then fought for propriety. “Lady Evangeline.”
“Right on both accounts,” she said with a small smile. “I-I did not realize you buttled as well as searched the skies for new planets. A man of many talents, indeed.”
Her tone was laced with friendly teasing, but her gaze had flitted from his face and now settled on his bare forearms. She stared for a moment, then jerked her gaze back up to his. It was now slightly foggy and she blinked like she was trying to clear her mind.