Page 81 of The Best-Kept Secrets
“Then, what is? Because I’m so very confused by you, Duke.”
“My family hurts everyone who wanders into their sphere, and I was already seeing that impact you.” He released a breath. “I wasand amtrying to save you from it, and distance is likely the best way.”
“Did it never cross your mind to talk with me about what was worrying you?” she asked. “Or, at the very least, tell mewhy you were abandoning me after having promised that you wouldn’t? You just walked away when I needed you, and you didn’t even tell me why.”
Duke’s eyes dropped. “I went about this entirely wrong, didn’t I? In trying to prevent pain, I instead caused it. I am sorry, Eve. I truly am.”
He was sorry for the rejections he’d dealt her the past few days, but he didn’t say he no longer considered the closeness that had grown between them or the kiss they’d shared “a mistake.” She hadsomeof those elusive answers she’d been longing for. In time, she hoped to have all of them, but she felt certain now was not the time to push for more admissions from him.
“Are you still willing to go in with me when I talk to your aunt?” she asked.
“Of course.” His response was fervent and sincere.
Her nervousness began to ebb. “How well do you know Mme Fortier? I think she could also be helpful in this matter, but I cannot say if she would be willing or simply inconvenienced.”
He met Eve’s eyes once more. “I can ask my aunt.”
“I would appreciate it,” Eve said.
“Thank you.”
She hadn’t expected that. “Thank you?”
“For still having a little faith in me,” he said. “It’s more than I deserve.”
She did have faith in him. But she also felt uncertain. Asking his aunt for a moment of her time and helping Eve know how to approach the coming conversation would be legitimately helpful. It was also a comparatively safe thing to trust Duke with.
Duke opened the sitting room door, and they stepped inside. Heavens, she was nervous. If these ladies helped her, and she hoped they would, her future away from home, away from Society, away from the Huntresses would be that much more real.
“Please forgive the interruption,” Duke said. He looked to his aunt. “May I speak with you for a moment?”
“Of course.” Mrs. Greenberry stood and walked with her nephew a bit aside. They began whispering.
Eve stood awkwardly as she waited.
Mater didn’t allow it to last long. “How is your sister feeling, Miss O’Doyle?”
“She is sleeping,” Eve said. “And feverish again, unfortunately. Dr. Wilstead has chosen not to return to Epsom. She is more unwell than any of us would like her to be.”
“My son Corbin had rheumatic fever when he was twelve years old,” Mater said. “It worried me so deeply.”
Mother would be worried, too, when she learned of Nia’s illness.
“Corbin has endured no lasting effects.” Mater spoke firmly and comfortingly. “Rheumatic fever is a frightening illness but not a hopeless one.”
Eve nodded, grateful for the encouragement, especially as it had been offered without dismissal of the reality of the illness or belittling her worries.
“S’il vous plaît,” Mme Fortier said, “tell us if we can do anything for you or your sister.”
“I will, thank you.”
Duke and Mrs. Greenberry returned to the group.
He moved to Eve’s side and spoke quietly. “My aunt says she would trust these ladies with her life, that people have, in fact, done just that. And she says she hopes you will allow them to help you in whatever way they are able.”
That should have lifted some of the weight from Eve’s mind, but her thoughts remained distressed. “I’m grateful that they’re willing to be of assistance, but I wish I didn’t need them to, not in this way.”
“Would it help if I stayed?” Duke offered.
