The Lyon's Laird: The Lyon's Den

by Hildie McQueen

  “They begin at ten and are normally done by noon.” He studied her. “Should I tell her to expect you?”

  “No, no, please don’t. I wish to surprise her.” Prudence hurried back out without a backward glance.

  Chapter Eight

  The evening of the ball arrived, and Evangeline had run out of excuses not to attend. Now, she found herself in a carriage headed to what she was sure would be another unpleasant event.

  The ride to the ball was surreal. Evangeline didn’t speak as she absorbed the fact that she was in a carriage with Camren and his friend, Gideon, being chaperoned by Martha.

  Usually, she would ride with her parents and quickly find a quiet corner upon arriving at the ball without escort. Tonight, her entrance was not to be anything like before.

  As a betrothed couple, especially being Camren was titled, it was expected they’d enter together. This was to be their first social appearance and Evangeline’s stomach was in knots. The last thing she wished for was to limp into a room on the arm of London’s talk of the town.

  She slid a look to Camren who spoke with Gideon of an earlier business meeting. Sensing her perusal, he looked to her. “I hear your aunt and uncle expect important families to be in attendance. I hope you do not mind that Gideon and I plan to make acquaintances that could assist our business.”

  “Of course not. That is what most men do at these functions.” She gave him a reassuring smile. “The women come to show off for each other and the men to make connections.”

  Gideon nodded. “As much as I dislike social functions, it is the best place for business talks.”

  Evangeline let out a sigh. “Personally, I am not fond of them, either. I prefer to sit and watch the goings-on. What about you, Camren?”

  Lifting and lowering his left shoulder, his lips curved. “I’ve always liked social functions in Scotland. The gatherings always provide plenty of entertainment. Gay music and cheerful conversations are enjoyable in my opinion.” What he described was utterly different than a ball at her aunt and uncle’s home.

  Too soon, the carriage pulled up to the Monroe estate. Evangeline did her best to calm her thudding heart, but it was difficult. Every eye would be on her and Camren. The whispers and commentary, however dreadful, would eventually reach her ears. How would Camren deal with the horrible side of London society? He was, in all probability, not used to it. In Scotland, rules were much more relaxed and although she was sure there was still gossip, society was not as rigid. Women had more freedoms in Scotland and were not encumbered by such stringent rules.

  When the carriage came to a stop, a footman opened the door and stood back, holding the door open. First, Gideon stepped out, followed by Camren who assisted her down. Martha would remain with the carriage and be taken to a secondary location where the servants would hold a gathering of their own while waiting to be called to return to their homes with their employers.

  Evangeline turned and looked back to Martha who gave her a warm reassuring smile. “Enjoy yourself, Miss.”

  Doing her best to maintain a pleasant expression, she placed her hand in the crook of Camren’s arm and walked beside him up the steps and into the ballroom.

  The ballroom glowed and music wafted from the open doorways out to the darkening evening. The voices of those already gathered ebbed and flowed almost in a rhythmic pattern. Each wave of sound hit Evangeline like a punch to her stomach.

  She pulled back and Camren stopped. “What is wrong? Am I walking too fast?”

  “No. I’m sorry. It’s just that I’m a bit nervous about walking inside. Everyone will talk.”

  “They will,” he replied matter-of-factly. “What they say or do has little to do with us. People are who they are and those easily influenced by others, we should pity.”

  His logic made sense. “You are correct, but it doesn’t help me feel any more at ease.”

  “Let us be brave.” He continued forth until they arrived just inside the doorway. The butler announced their names, and many heads swiveled in their direction. Evangeline walked beside Camren, head held high, gaze forward. Admittedly, she walked on her right toes to keep from limping.

  Her uncle, aunt and Prudence were lined up to greet them. Camren spoke for Evangeline and Gideon when greeting the trio. As usual, her uncle, Lord Monroe, was pale and without expression, his cold eyes moving from Camren to her. “Nice to see you in attendance, dear niece.” He pressed a light kiss to her jaw, which always surprised her. He’d always been kind and seemed to have a soft spot for her.

  As per usual, her aunt and Prudence only had eyes for Camren and Gideon. They fawned over the men as if they were royalty, pretending to talk of private conversations they’d held.

  “Darling, you look beautiful,” Lady Monroe said and then ruined her greeting with the next statement. “If you become overly tired of standing, there are chairs against the walls.” Her aunt pointed across the room even though a group of chairs were right beside them.

  It was hard not to glare, but Evangeline managed a slight smile. “Your caring for my well-being is lovely, dear aunt. I am fine to stand.”

  Prudence gave her a wan smile. “Where are Uncle Forest and Aunt Olivia? I am shocked they’d allow you in a carriage alone with a man.”

  “We had a chaperone,” Camren replied. “I would not take liberties with my betrothed.”

  Put in her place, Prudence’s face fell, but she recovered quickly. “Of course, you would not,” she replied, pinning Camren with an innocent look and emphasizing the word “you”.

  Evangeline could have cried in relief when Rose, Harriett and Ramona approached to greet her.

  The women were introduced to Camren and Gideon and, quickly, along with Camren and Gideon, they made their way to the opposite side of the ballroom.

  They remained for a while, Evangeline’s parents joining them soon after. A footman brought chairs, no doubt sent by her aunt or cousin just to prove a point. Camren and Gideon excused themselves and went with her father to be introduced to some business acquaintances.

  Rose met Evangeline’s gaze. “What is he like? Does he take your breath away?”

  She had to smile at her friend’s cheerful disposition. It was nice to be treated normally. “He is a bit on the stern side, but quite nice.”

  “His friend, Gideon, is quite handsome, isn’t he? I wonder who will be throwing daughters in his face.”

  Their mothers whispered to each other, their eyes darting toward the other side of the ballroom.

  Rose grimaced. “Ever since your mother decided you should be married off, mine is beginning to plot against me, as well.”

  “I wish you luck,” Evangeline replied. “I am still trying to figure out how to get out of my current predicament. I do not wish to leave London married to a man who was tricked into marrying me.”

  A servant neared with a tray of lukewarm punch and they each took a glass. It would only become hotter in the room when more people arrived, so it was best to drink something.

  “Oh, no. He’s here,” Rose said, her eyes darting to the entrance.

  Avery Hamilton entered, accompanied by another gentleman who Evangeline recognized as his good friend. Automatically, every eye moved from him to her and then back. Evangeline pretended not to notice but was sure her face pinkened. Would the gossips ever let what happened go?

  Unlike her, Avery did not seem at all bothered by the attention. He was welcomed by the hosts and was warmly greeted by Prudence who made a show of laughing overly loud at something he said.

  Evangeline clenched her back teeth in annoyance. “Why do I have to be related to her?”

  “And why do we come here every year?” Rose added.

  Being that they were related to the hosts, it would be considered a social affront for her family not to attend. She and her parents had bravely faced people just a year after her fall from grace at the Monroe ball and now, three years later, it was clear nothing was forgotten.

  Admittedly
, her aunt and uncle had never changed the manner in which they treated her. Her uncle was as warm as he could be when seeing her and her aunt would point out obvious things, not thinking how the words sounded. Prudence, however, took delight in reminding her of what had happened in different, cunning ways.

  The music began and couples lined up and began familiar dances. Evangeline couldn’t help but smile as she watched the flow of the wide skirts and movements of the gentlemen’s feet as they went through the paces. Everyone was dressed beautifully, the colors making the dance look even more lovely.

  She stood with Rose to watch the dancers. Camren joined them. His presence gave her a constant sense of security and protection. No one dared to look at her in a judgmental manner with the imposing Scotsman at her side.

  “Would you like to dance?” he asked when the next song began.

  She shook her head. “I feel self-conscious, so I prefer not to.”

  “I understand,” he replied.

  “Do you like to dance?” Evangeline asked, trying to picture him moving about a dance floor.

  His lips curved just a bit. “Not particularly. My mother taught us to dance and ensured we could move about the dance floor without stepping on anyone’s toes. But my brothers and I would prefer to do a jig to this.” He motioned to the dance floor as the couples began a waltz.

  Evangeline giggled. “I can only imagine how distressful it was for your poor mother.”

  Rose tried to figure out what to do with her punch. It was annoying to hold the empty cup and no one coming to collect it. With Camren and Evangeline next to her, she felt like a frumpy chaperone. Although she would like to dance, most of the men present were being ushered to the younger, unmarried women in the room.

  She understood and wondered, once again, why she’d not accepted any of the suitors who’d come calling years earlier. Instead, like a ninny, she’d held out hope for one man. And now said man danced with his wife, whom he’d already fathered two children with.

  A sigh escaped and she turned her attention in a different direction only to have her gaze fall upon Gideon. Lady Winters and her two daughters surrounded him. The women’s fans moved as fast as their lips, each placing a hand on his forearm when speaking.

  His Adam’s apple bobbed, and he leaned back just a bit. Every time he took a slight step backward, the trio of women moved with him.

  Rose felt bad for him. If he was not used to London society, it would be a hard season for the poor man. She was not sure what possessed her, but she placed her cup on a table and walked directly to the group. She smiled politely at the women.

  “I am so very sorry to interrupt. But I do believe Mister Sutherland owes me this dance.”

  Lady Winters’ eyes bulged. “Rose, one should wait for the gentleman to come to you.”

  “If he can, but he was detained,” Rose snapped and placed her hand in the crook of Gideon’s arm. “The song would have been over before he’d make it to where I was.”

  Lady Winters gasped and looked to her daughters who seemed in a trance and continued to bat their lashes at Gideon.

  “I don’t know if I should thank you or warn you,” Gideon said as they walked away. “I am not much of a dancer.”

  “Neither am I,” Rose replied. “I prefer to play music than dance to it.”

  On the dance floor, they managed a waltz. It was not the best dance, but both worked hard not to stumble or step on one another’s feet. Rose failed more than Gideon. When it was over, he guided her back to where Evangeline and Camren were standing.

  “That was rather painful to watch,” Evangeline told her with a giggle. “What possessed you to dance?”

  “She saved my life,” Gideon interjected before Rose could reply. “In payment, I danced with her. I never dance.”

  “That is true,” Camren said with a surprised expression. “He detests it. I hope he apologized for your feet,” he added.

  Rose giggled. “I believe we both failed in that.”

  When Gideon moved closer, Rose’s stomach clenched. She’d been so intent on dancing correctly that she’d not considered she’d just danced with a very handsome man who made her feel things considered long dormant.

  “Thank you for the dance.” His green eyes twinkled. “This is the first time a woman has save me from peril. I am forever in your debt.”

  Doing her best to temper the butterflies in her stomach, she gave him what she hoped was a bland look. “You are my best friend’s betrothed’s friend. It is the least I could do.”

  Everywhere Evangeline looked, people whispered and watched her. When her uncle approached, she was somewhat glad for the interruption. As much as she was glad for Camren’s presence, the constant perusal of the people in the room was tiring.

  “There is someone I’d like to introduce you to,” her uncle said and both Camren and Gideon went to where a group of older gentlemen were gathered.

  Evangeline nudged Rose. “What possessed you to do it? It was rather comical to see two people who can’t dance try to.”

  “Imagine being the one dancing,” Rose replied with a shake of her head. “I felt bad for him. Seeing he was surrounded by Mrs. Winters and her two awkward daughters, I rescued him only to put him in peril of losing a toe.”

  They chuckled lightly. “I will go get punch,” Rose said, leaving her alone.

  Evangeline took several steps closer to open doors to get fresh air. Outside, the balcony was empty. Once Rose returned, they would go out.

  “You look lovely this evening.” Avery’s voice fell over her like ice water.

  This could not be happening. Since the unfortunate event, he’d never dared to speak to her again, especially not in public. With every thud of her heart, she scanned the room for Rose or her mother.

  Rose was being held back by an older woman and her mother was nowhere to be seen. In a desperate attempt to get away from prying eyes, she rushed out to the balcony.

  “Get away from me. I do not wish to speak to you. What are you thinking?” Every statement she spoke in a desperate hushed tone made her angrier.

  “I would not have come to speak to you. However, your cousin said you had something important to tell me.”

  Of course, Prudence would find a way to attempt to ruin her engagement.

  “Prudence is only out to cause me problems. I have nothing to say to you, Avery.”

  His eyes roamed over her body. “You are ravishing, as always. I have thought about our times together often and must admit to missing you.”

  “Please go. Your words are ridiculous.”

  He nodded, looking down. “I owe you so many apologies.”

  “They are not accepted, go away.”

  Avery let out a long sigh. “This Scotsman is a lucky man. I am sure he has enjoyed your adventurous nature.”

  “Leave.” Evangeline turned away, her breath coming in short gasps. She would make excuses and leave immediately. She hoped no one saw her and Avery step out there and was spreading the news to those gathered. She didn’t look to see if he left but kept her sights directly out to the gardens. Admittedly, she didn’t see anything past the misting of her eyes.

  “I wasn’t sure where to find you.” Camren had appeared while she was looking away. Could the evening get any worse?

  She turned to his cold, assessing gaze that moved from her lips to her throat. Did he actually think she’d been out there kissing another man? Evangeline pressed her lips together and curled her fingers into fists.

  “I came out to get fresh air. Rose was supposed to bring me punch.” She looked up at him.

  He slid a glance toward the ballroom. “Did you invite him to join you to gather the air?”

  “No, I did not.”

  Once again, he looked to where Avery had gone. “He seemed rather fervent about something.”

  “If you wish to know if I kissed him or plan to meet with him in the garden later for a tryst or perhaps escape in a carriage, just ask me.” Fury rose and she f
ought not to shove Camren aside and run away. Instead, she stood stock still, her body trembling with rage.

  In that moment, she wanted Camren to soften and reassure her. Instead, he turned on his heel and walked away.

  It was like a slap to the face. Her heart splintered into pieces and she slumped onto the railing.

  “Darling, are you all right?” Her mother rushed out. “I just saw Camren and he said you were out here.”

  She met her mother’s worried gaze. “I’m angry. Nothing is wrong. I do wish to go home as I’m sure people will begin to talk soon.”

  “What happened?”

  “Avery was just out here. Prudence set it up.”

  Her mother’s face hardened. “Enough is enough. I am going to speak to her and my sister about this constant need of hers to upset you.”

  Just then, a scream was followed by a collective gasp. There were loud murmurings as she and her mother hurried to the doorway to see what had happened.

  In the center of the room, a woman lay sprawled while another, dressed in rather dower clothing, stood over her with a furious glare. “I have warned you more than once,” the woman screamed. “Stay away from my husband, you harlot.”

  The woman on the floor, was young, the daughter of a prominent banker. The other was not a guest.

  A couple of men came and took the interloper away, while the young socialite’s parents and another lady picked the girl from the floor and hurried her out.

  “The poor dear,” her mother said, shaking her head. She looked to Evangeline. “I do not think you will be the center of conversation.”

  Evangeline searched the ballroom and met Camren’s gaze. He looked away, obviously still displeased with whatever idea he’d formed in his head.

  “Perhaps it’s all for the best. The wedding should be called off, Mother. Camren walked out and saw me with Avery. He is, of course, thinking the worst.”

  “I will speak to him, as well,” her mother said. “However, I do agree. It’s best we leave. Tomorrow, I have much to do.”

  Chapter Nine