The hunt was a success. Afterwards, they dined and everyone wanted to hear about Eva. Ben did most of the talking.
“I overheard my sister jest with Eric about all the young women who will be mourning his marriage, but I must tell you, the world of men has been dealt a severe loss by losing young Eva to Eric.”
“Eric you must bring her tomorrow.” Anne pleaded.
He promised he would.
Eva woke early. She rose and ran to the window when she heard his horse carrying him away from her for the entire day. She was too late, he was already riding down the lane. She had decided she would visit with Nora today. She broke her fast, and headed out to greet her new friend. She knocked since no one was about, then caught sight of a very handsome young man walking her way from around the side of the cottage. He had a head full of curly golden blond hair and grayish-green eyes oddly similar to Eric’s, but encircled in the blondest of lashes.
“May I help you?” He walked up extremely close to her, he was flirting.
“I am looking for Nora.”
“She is out gathering herbs in the wood, you may wait for her here, or I can take you to her.”
He picked up a strand of her hair and wrapped it around his finger. She took a step back from him. I would appreciate it if you would take me to her. He offered his arm. She reluctantly took it.
“May I ask your name?” he inquired.
“Eva, Eva Butler.” He paused.
“You are Mr. Butler’s new wife.”
“I am.”
“I heard you were the most beautiful creature walking the earth; I thought it an exaggeration, but I see I was mistaken.”
An exaggeration to say the least.” She scoffed.
He started walking again. Then he let out a big chuckle.
“What is so amusing?”
Eric could not even lower his standards in marrying for money.
“You refer to his reputation with women.” Eva asked.
“He is known for cavorting with the most beautiful women whereever he goes. I should not be telling you this though.” They walked on. Soon Nora came into view. She smiled as soon as she saw them.
“I see you have met my brother.”
“Well, he has not told me his name.”
He took her hand and brought it to his mouth. “Forgive me, I am David.”
Eva sensed his attraction to her. At any other time in her life she would have been attracted to him as well. Now, Eric was all consuming in her mind, heart and body. Nora seemed to notice David’s infatuation as well.
“Thank you for escorting her, she will be safe with me.” He recognized his sister’s censure.
“It was a pleasure to meet you Mrs. Butler.”
“Eva, please, and likewise.”
She stayed with Nora the entire day. Near sundown Nora invited her to stay for dinner. Nora’s father was a wonderful man who seemed to be genuinely happy Eric had returned to Lexington Hall.
“Finally, young Eric is in his rightful place. I hope you, Mrs. Butler will not be a stranger. You are always welcome here.”
“You are very kind.”
It was nearly dark when she readied to leave. Mr. Law insisted David see her home.
She took his arm once they were outside and they began walking toward Lexington. Eva spoke first. “It is so beautiful here at night. I love to see the stars.”
David was quiet.
“You are not as fond of my husband as your father is are you?”
“No, I am not.”
“Did something happen between the two of you. Not between the two of us, but between Eric and a young tenants daughter I happened to love.”
“Do you mean to say he compromised the girl? He smiled at her.
“No, I cannot accuse him of such, but his attentions turned her eye from me and then he was gone.”
“The girl?”
“She was sent away to family in London not long after and married off. Eric could have had any woman he wanted, and did, but he still… You do not want to hear all of this. It was ages ago.”
“Not so long ago that you do not still hold it against him.” Eva chided.
He chuckled, “You wound me.”
“Eric and I have many wedges between us.”
Eva decided she liked him. He deserved a woman to love him alone… She would have to see what she could do. As they started across the front lawn a figure came into sight on the lane. It was Eric. It was too dark now to see his face, but she saw his body stiffen at the site of her with David.
