Part 22 (2/2)
She nodded. ”Guilty conscience, no doubt.”
”What do you mean?” He narrowed his eyes. ”What do you know?”
”All sorts of things I would wager you don't.”
”And what might those be?”
”Well, let me think. Hmmm.” She tapped her chin with her forefinger. ”For one thing, I know Mother tried to pay a call on Evelyn today.”
”Oh?”
”Imagine her surprise to discover your wife was no longer living in your house.”
”She is overseeing the refurbishment of a house she owns. It is convenient for her to stay there while she does so.”
”Where exactly is this house?”
”Mayfair.”
”And your house?”
He gritted his teeth. ”Mayfair.”
”My, that is convenient,” she said. ”I also know Mother did indeed pay a call on your wife.”
His stomach twisted. ”Did she?”
”She most certainly did. Which is how I know exactly why you and Evelyn are arriving separately.”
”Who else knows?”
She cast him a pointed look.
He winced. ”Everyone?”
”Everyone who has already arrived. And as only Evelyn and Hugh have still not appeared, I would say yes, everyone in the family, with the exception of Hugh, of course, knows you and your wife are no longer residing together.”
He groaned.
”Dare I ask what you did?”
”Why do you think I did something?”
She raised a brow.
”Doesn't Mother know?”
”Quite remarkably, she says she didn't ask.” Diana shrugged. ”I don't know what has gotten into her. She said it was no one's concern but yours and your wife's.”
”Our mother said that?” He narrowed his eyes in suspicion. ”Are you sure this is our mother?”
”She does look like our mother. But it's not at all like her.” She shook her head. ”Still, you shouldn't question it, just be grateful.”
”I am.” He breathed a sigh of relief. Although, as there wasn't a single member of his family who didn't let curiosity overcome good judgment, this reticence on his mother's part would no doubt be short-lived.
Across the foyer, a footman opened the door and laughter could be heard a scant moment before Hugh and Evie appeared.
”I had no idea being a barrister could be quite so humorous.” Evie's lips curved with amus.e.m.e.nt.
”It's relatively staid for the most part and usually extremely serious.” Hugh chuckled. ”But you would be surprised at the sorts of things people come to me with.” He caught sight of his brother and grinned. ”I was just regaling your wife with tales of my dull profession.”
”Not so dull apparently,” Diana said.
”Admittedly, it does provide some moments of amus.e.m.e.nt.” Hugh stepped to his sister's side and kissed her cheek. ”I was afraid I was going to be late, but I met Evelyn outside as she arrived.” He handed his coat to the footman, then turned to help Evie with her wrap.
”My apologies, Diana. Are we late?” Evie asked.
”Not at all.” Diana smiled. ”I have learned long ago with this family, while I may say dinner is at eight, I don't plan on seating everyone for at least a half an hour after that. Oh dear.” Her brows pulled together in mock concern. ”Now you know my secret.”
”What secret?” Evie's eyes widened innocently. ”I didn't hear a thing. And I certainly didn't hear a brilliant idea that I fully intend to make use of myself.”
Diana laughed.
Hugh glanced from Adrian to Evie and back. ”I must say I was surprised when Evelyn arrived without you. Is there something-”
”Adrian had some sort of political thing to deal with,” Diana said smoothly. ”As he didn't know when he might be finished, he and Evelyn agreed to meet here. Now then ...” She took Hugh's arm and steered him toward the parlor. ”Everyone else is in the parlor and I'm sure Adrian and Evelyn need a moment to themselves before joining the rest of the family.”
”Of course.” Hugh cast Adrian a curious look, then turned his attention back to his sister. ”Tell me what is on the menu this evening. I do hope you are serving that wonderful ...” The parlor doors closed behind them.
”I was wondering if you would be here tonight,” Evie said coolly.
”Miss a family dinner? I am not so foolish.” He shook his head. ”Diana and or my mother and probably all the females in this family would track me down and berate me without mercy for failing in my responsibilities as head of this a.s.sembly. Besides ...” He grinned. ”It was on the schedule.”
”Yes, it was,” she said firmly. ”I am most appreciative that you did not ignore it.”
”Never.” He took her hand and raised it to his lips. ”You look breathtaking tonight.” She was wearing a peach-colored confection, which made her dark eyes even darker. He had always loved that dress and yet he'd probably never told her. What a fool he was.
”Thank you.”
”Did you know that gown is a favorite of mine?”
”I had no idea. But if I had ...” Her eyes twinkled with amus.e.m.e.nt. ”I wouldn't have so much as considered wearing something else.” She pulled her hand from his and studied him. ”You look dreadful.” Her brows drew together. ”Are you ill?”
”I'm somewhat tired.” His gaze met hers. ”I find it is difficult to sleep without my wife by my side.”
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