Bride Enchanted (9 page)

The housekeeper looked up. “Aye,” she said. “For that, they'll do it.”

“I thought so,” he said. “That will include you and the staff, of course. Guests are more trouble than you bargained for. Now, Eve. Have you finished your guest list? How many may we expect?”

“I don't know how many to expect, because you
never know who's coming. I know Sherry will come, but my father won't. He's not much of a one for traveling, and less of a fellow for parties. He's very happy to be home in the countryside again at his own manor, and I don't think anything would budge him—except for Christmas, and then only because he could stay for a fortnight. But everyone else is curious, both relatives and friends. You were a sensation in London, Aubrey. Still, we'll be competing with parties in London at that time of year. So, I'd think about two dozen.”

“I'll only have a handful of guests, if that. My Italian family and my friends from abroad probably won't come. But I still have a few here in England.”

“They haven't been here in many a year, sir,” Mrs. Hood said repressively. “Not a guest, nor family nor friend, not since I come here,” she added. “If you'll pardon my saying so.”

“Oh, some will come, if only in disguise,” he said. “They're shy, but as curious as anyone. More so, perhaps.”

She blanched. “I've got to see to dinner, ma'am,” she said to Eve. She ducked a curtsy, and hurriedly left them.

“That's peculiar,” Eve said, looking after her. “She looks worried. Is she afraid of your friends or anyone in your family?”

“Well, you may as well know now, as later,” he said on a resigned sigh. “The local folk are superstitious. Far Isle was built on what was thought to be a fairy mound, eons ago. At any rate, for years it was thought to be a place for the gatherings of the elder folk of all kinds. The stuff legends are made of. The hill probably started out as an ancient burial barrow, or such. Then myths were laid over it. At any rate, it was considered a place of primeval magic. Often such places were made into holy sites, like martyr's holy wells, churchyards and such, in order to subdue pagan practices of worship. But the church never claimed this place. It may be why my ancestors never changed the nature of it either.

“And since it's been unoccupied for so long a stretch of time, since I was born,” he said, “I suspect the locals have some fantastic tales brewing again about Far Isle and its master. What else is there to do here in the countryside but gossip? If there's no gossip, then they make some up. Disregard it.”

“I thought fairies were good luck,” Eve said. “When I was a little girl I was told that when the lawns showed a circle of mushrooms, that meant fairies danced there in the night.”

He shook his head. “Little pretty people floating about with wands and gossamer wings? No,
in the old days, fairies were thought to be human size and cold-hearted, and they were much feared. It was said they could be cruel. Remember
A Midsummer Night's Dream
? Everyone tried to clear out of the forest by nightfall. Shakespeare and his audience thought the fairy folk were powerful creatures with great magic, but no charity, and no concern for anyone but themselves. Don't worry. We'll fill this place with human laughter, that's enough to chase all evil spirits away.”

“I thought that lured them,” Eve said.

“Ah, now I've frightened you. Want to go to London instead?”

“Never,” she said. “This is my house now. I won't let fairies or brownies or goblins or ghosts chase me away.”

“Hush,” he said, laughing. “Don't tempt fate.”

“You're just saying that so I stay close to you in the night.”

“You need fear in order to do that? Where have I failed you?”

She came into his arms, and kissed him. “You?” she said when she could speak again. “Nowhere. Never.”

“Stay close to me, Eve,” he said, holding her tight, his voice suddenly dark and serious. “Always, at all times, here, and there or anywhere. I will never let anything harm you.”

“Nor will I let anything harm you,” she said.

He laughed. “My brave Eve. Thank you. I know. That just exactly why I married you.”

And each having spoken the truth, they laughed, and walked away together, discussing the guests, and menus, and the coming house party.

S
heridan, for once, was speechless. He looked up and down and through the rooms as he paced through Far Isle with Eve, and said nothing.

“Well?” she finally said, stopping in a side parlor to look up at him.

“Well, you've landed on your feet,” he said.

“What a vulgar expression,” she said, wrinkling her nose.

“Didn't used to think so before you got so grand,” he commented. “But lord! My brother-in-law has got everything: looks, funds, and a family estate to beat all—and you,” he added sheepishly. “Missed you, Evie, I did, really.”

They hugged briefly, and then grinned at each other. Eve always wondered how her parents had produced two children so unalike. Sherry was handsome in coltish fashion; tall and lanky. Gray-eyed and with an aquiline nose, he had his sister's curls, ruthlessly cut short. But otherwise, it would
be difficult to tell they were siblings. Sheridan was also happy-go-lucky, although he had a kind heart, he never took anything too much to heart. But then, Eve thought, he was still young. As tall as he'd grown, Eve never thought of him as anything but her baby brother.

“This place is in the back of nowhere,” he commented now, “but it's a gem. Don't you get lonely, though?”

“Well, I didn't,” she said honestly. “I was on my honeymoon most of this time, you know.”

He flushed.

“And so I haven't had time to meet the local ladies yet,” she went on, to spare his blushes. “Nor have I yearned to, to tell the truth. Aubrey takes up my time, and very nicely, thank you. But now that everyone's coming to our party, I guess I do feel as though I'd forgotten what the rest of the world was like. I'm so glad you came, Sherry.”

“Wouldn't have missed it.” His brow furrowed. “You're not trying to get me leg shackled, are you? You haven't got some female ready to pounce on me, do you?”

“Sherry,” she said impatiently. “You're only nineteen. Far too young for marriage.”

“Well, that's a relief,” he said. “But sometimes newlyweds can't rest until they get the rest of the world in the same state.”

“Not me,” she said. “Anyway, I haven't yet met the woman I think deserves you.”

He laughed. “Good old Evie. I can take that two ways, can't I?”

She grinned.

“Sheridan,” Aubrey said as he came into the salon. “Greetings and welcome. I wondered where you were?”

“Lud!” Sherry said, taking his proffered hand and eyeing him. “Marriage suits you, Aubrey. You're handsomer than ever.”

“More handsome,” Eve corrected him.

“Thank you both,” Aubrey said, bowing.

Eve made a face at him.

“Say, any chance we can go riding?” he asked Aubrey. “I saw your stables. Looks like you've got some real beauties there.”

“I do, and we will, if you like,” Aubrey said. “You didn't have to pour a bucket of butter over me, I'd have asked you if you hadn't asked me.”

“Me? Flattering just so I could get a ride?” Sherrie asked. “Ha. As if flattery would move you. Bet you've heard every compliment in the book. But I'd like a go to shake off the dust of that coach ride here.”

“Good. Do you want to join us?” Aubrey asked Eve.

“I do but I can't. My old friend Lucinda and
her sister are due here soon, and I want to spend some time with them. Oh, Aubrey, this was such a good idea! We'll have such a wonderful time. I can't wait for the actual masquerade, but I also want lots of time before it so I can talk to my old friends again, and even pass an hour or two with this scapegrace here.”

“There's time for everything,” Aubrey said. “And if he wishes, this scapegrace here can stay on after the ball for as long as he likes.”

“Well, I don't know,” Sherry said. “Haven't seen what your cook can do yet.”

“Oh, wonderful!” Eve said, ignoring his jest. “But now, I have to be sure Lucinda's bedchamber is ready for her. See you both later. Have fun.” She stood on her toes and kissed Aubrey's cheek. Then she dashed away down the hall.

“She is something, isn't she?” Sherry said, watching her leave. “Not in the common way or the usual style, but something wonderful, even so. I'm glad you saw that, Aubrey. I'm glad she's so happy. She means a lot to me.”

“Anyone can see that,” Aubrey said. “Never worry about her, I'll always be sure she's content. Now, shall we ride before any more guests get here and ruin our fun?”

 

“I thought you said you weren't laying traps for me with your friends,” Sherry told Eve later that night.

“Mmm?” Eve said. They were slowly pacing along the paths in the back garden, after dinner. It was late. The other guests who had arrived were variously preparing for bed, still gossiping in the salon, or playing billiards with their host. Eve's duties were done and she was sharing some time with her brother. The night was so dark, the stars so far, and the moon such a sliver that it was hard for her to even see her brother at her side. Her own gown looked like a pink aura floating around her. Sherry, in customary black evening dress, was a shadow by her side.

“Your friend Lucinda's sister fluttered her eyelashes so much at me during dinner that I thought she might actually leave the table, rise up, and fly,” Sherry said.

“I had to have her here, Sherry. There must be even numbers at the table, and you're a bachelor. And Grace is lovely.

“Never said no,” he protested. “She's a pretty little thing, and a charmer too. But I don't want to marry yet. And she's the kind you have to marry. And that Turner woman! Has she run through all the married males in London by now, that she
even considers me? As if I would! I don't mind being considered a rake, in fact, might do me a world of good, come to think of it. But an adulterer? I think not. At least,” he said conscientiously, “not for the likes of her.”

“I didn't notice.”

“You don't notice anyone but your Aubrey.”

She turned to look at him. “You think I'm neglecting you?”

“No, you're true blue, Evie. You
are
happy here, with him, and all?” he asked.

“Yes, and yes, here and with him, and all.”

“You'd tell me if you weren't?”

“First thing,” she promised. “Why? Is there anything you find amiss?”

He patted her hand where it lay on his arm. “With Aubrey? Nothing. Except he's so damned good-looking makes a fellow feel like a goblin next to him. But I have to say he don't seem to notice, though he must. He's a prime one, and no mistake.”

They walked on in silence. They'd already discussed their father's state of health, and the latest London gossip, all of which was, they agreed, much the same as it had been when Eve had left. Now they walked in a comfortable silence. Until Sherry shivered.

“Lord!” he suddenly said, “But it's night out here.”

Eve gave him a quizzical smile. “It
is
night. What did you have to drink this evening?”

“That's not what I mean,” he said, raising his shoulders as though to deflect a blow. “It's darker than most nights. The stars are always closer in the countryside, but here, everything is. I don't know. It's hard to say. Your new home is a smashing place, everyone's all envy. But it's mysterious. It's almost as if you turn a corner, you can get lost forever, inside or out. Especially outside. Or something like that. Ah, I'm no good at words. Don't you feel it?”

“You think we're
haunted?”
she asked, laughing.

“No. I've been to haunted houses, castles and such. Good fun. Ghosts don't bother you much. They just go sailing around, rattling things, wanting to be noticed. Here, it's like someone's watching you all the time. Let's go back.”

“You?” She stopped and stared at him. “My baby brother is still afraid of the dark?”

“Not afraid, Evie. Just that the back of my neck prickles. Not a good sign. How many times have you been out here by yourself in the night?”

“Never,” she said. “I'm always with Aubrey.”

“Well, see?” he asked.

“No,” she said. “But we'll go back right now. I want you comfortable. What are you going to wear to the costume party on All Hallow's Eve?” she asked, to change the subject.

“Don't know yet. There are a few days to go, right? I brought some things along, but they don't seem to suit. Aubrey said there are heaps of old clothes and costumes in the attics here. I'll look them over. I fancy togging myself out and looking, well, splendid.”

“Good,” she said, linking arms with him. “So do I.”

She parted with him in the hall, looked in on the last lingering guests, gave them a good night, and went up to her bedchamber. She'd sent her maid to bed hours before; the girl was overworked with all the company. Even though they'd gotten extra help from the village, few village maidens could play ladies' maid to Eve's guests. And even those guests that had brought their own maids with them always wanted more personal service.

Some lamps in the bedchamber had been left lit, lending a rosy glow to the darkness. Eve took off her gown and shift, and then stood staring into the looking glass.

She studied herself dispassionately. Nice breasts, she thought, but small. Firm, though, and they titled upward. She put a hand on the curve that
defined her trim waist. Not much use for that, these days, she thought sadly, what with fashion's decreeing gowns that tied under the breasts. She could have a waist round as a carriage wheel and no one would know. Her stomach was flat…well, slightly rounded, only that. Her hips were in proportion to her breasts. Nicely defined, but nothing extraordinary, in her opinion. She sighed.

Aubrey entered the room and came toward her at once, smiling. She didn't shrink or try to cover her nakedness. He'd taught her not to be ashamed. Anyway, he did it for her; he stood behind her and put his hands over her breasts, cupping them. She shivered. His moved his hands to her shoulders, and frowned.

“You're tense. You look troubled. Why?” he asked, watching her reflection in the mirror.

She saw him in the glass in front of her, where he stood behind her, glowing like a candle in the dim room. Again she wondered at his masculine beauty. Somehow, seeing his reflection made him seem even less real, even more perfect, even slightly dreamlike. And yet she knew how very much flesh and blood he was. He was her husband, she knew him well, and still again, found herself wishing she knew him better, wondering if two people ever could be as close as one except in the act of love.

He gently kneaded her shoulders. “What is it, Eve?” he asked when she didn't answer at once.

She shook herself from her reverie. “I don't know,” she said, with a shrug.

“Something anyone said? Tell me who. I'll turf them out this minute.”

“Don't you dare. Actually, I suppose it was Sherry, and he didn't mean anything by it. We were walking outside and talking just now, but he was so uneasy we had to come in. He said that though the house was wonderful, he couldn't like the night here. He said he felt as though he was being watched.”

Aubrey's hands stopped for a moment. Then he went on gently kneading her shoulders. “Did he, though?” he said. “Curious. I think he had either too much wine at dinner, or too many longing glances from Miss Morris, Miss Pennick, and probably Lady Turner too. Poor fellow must be feeling hunted, if not haunted. I'll go riding with him tomorrow and find out what's troubling him. It's likely that he saw something he didn't like by day and didn't consciously take note of it, and it came back to bother him in the night. But by then he didn't know what it was.”

She tilted her head back. “You have an answer for everything.”

He bent and kissed her shoulder, lightly. “Except one thing.”

She tilted an eyebrow.

“Will you make love to me now?”

“You knew the answer to that too,” she said, turning to put her arms around him and kiss him fully.

“Tonight,” he said, as he picked her up in his arms, “let's try to make you forget tonight.”

She laughed into the hollow of his neck as he carried her to their bed.

Within minutes she had forgotten the night, and the day, and herself. All she could feel was exquisite pleasure and infinite joy she always found in her husband's embrace. She could see his splendor even with her eyes closed, but she seldom closed them, because she wanted to look at him forever, or at least, until rapture at last gave way to sleep.

 

Eve yawned, stretched, put out a hand, and found her husband gone. She opened her eyes to find the sun well up. So he was with his guests, riding or showing them the grounds. She'd slept late, but didn't worry. Her female guests were from London, they'd sleep longer. She rose and went to the window. Another glorious day, as though autumn itself was in league with her and her plans.

Betty helped her select a pretty blue gown sprigged with green, and Eve went down the stairs.

Eve heard strange female voices and cocked her head. The men were either out riding or still sleeping. No one was stirring except for all the hired help, who were busily preparing the great house for another day. But these women spoke in rough accents. She realized they were the workers hired from the village, and they were chattering as they did their chores in the dining parlor. She paused to listen to them.

“Well, I says it's a good way to earn the extra coin,” an unfamiliar voice was saying. “Imagine getting money just for polishing up bits of old silver.”

“It's better than slopping a hog, I'd say,” another agreed. “And a rare old chance to see the place. I heared of it since I was born, but never seen the like, inside. A room for everything, just like my Gran said.”

“Good way to see some real ladies too,” another said excitedly.