The Perfect Suitor (Bewildering Love Series)

by Hilden, L. A.

  “Thank you.” Lady Amsley eyed Eve with curiosity. “You see, I know Paxt…I mean Lord Devonhurst very well. I admit I’m more than surprised by this news. I was under the impression that the earl never wanted to marry.”

  “The rest of London thought the same, but the earl was no match for Lady Evelyn Manning,” Cassie boasted.

  “Yes, well, I have yet to meet this Evelyn to make such a judgment.” Lady Amsley raised her nose in the air haughtily as she continued to put on her gloves.

  “Then allow me to introduce myself. I’m Lady Evelyn Manning.” Eve did a partial curtsy as she enjoyed watching the woman’s eyes widen.

  “Oh, now I am even more surprised. I am Lady Beverly a…um…close friend of your fiancés.”

  “Girls, what do you think?” Mother had collected numerous items around the shop: a square hat, some pink and blue dyed feathers, and some large white beads. She had managed to assemble all her findings together in a bizarre manner. “It would make a lovely headpiece, don’t you think?”

  Both girls looked at each other and burst into laughter. “Mother, you can’t wear that to the wedding,” Cassie stated, and then started laughing again.

  “It’s a dreadful combination.” Eve fell into laughter when she saw Lady Amsley’s horrified expression. Mother joined in the laughter.

  Apparently irritated by the family gaiety, Lady Amsley grabbed her red dress and left, sending the Stonehaven women into another round of merriment.

  “I was merely jesting.” Mother smiled, putting the stuff down on a table. “Oh well,” she said, referring to Lady Amsley’s quick departure. “Some people are entirely too temperamental. Are you girls ready? I think we’ll go to Gunther’s for an ice.”

  “Sounds delicious.” Cassie scooped up the paper and handed it to her sister.

  “Thanks.” Eve read the paragraph announcing her betrothal again, smiling as she pictured Paxton’s handsome face. “I’m ready.”

  ***

  The next day Paxton was surprised to find his mother and sister with their heads together in his study. “I thought you two were staying with Cousin Rebecca.”

  “There is too much to be done for us to be there. I need to have this house in order.” His mother flipped through menu cards, tossing the ones she liked onto a nearby chair and discarding the others on the floor.

  “And why must you bring order to this house?” Paxton was afraid to ask.

  “For your party!” his sister answered happily.

  “A party for…?” He looked around at the piles of napkins, candles, and invitations.

  “It’s for your engagement.” The countess set the stack of cards down and moved to a pile of different colored linens.

  “Mother, I don’t think Eve wants to have a party. The wedding plans have been occupying much of her time.”

  “Nonsense. Besides, she won’t have to do anything but show up.” Veronica handed a pile of invitations to Lydia. “These are addressed and ready to be sent out.”

  Lydia took the stack, winked at her brother, and left the room.

  “Paxton, as you are aware, Evelyn and I didn’t meet under the best of circumstances. I think this party will help make up for some of my rudeness upon meeting her. You’ll see. It will be great fun. I would also like to invite Evelyn and her family over for dinner tomorrow. Just a small, intimate family gathering to welcome the Stonehaven’s into our family.”

  “I’m sure dinner tomorrow will be fine, but as far as throwing an extravagant event, I’m sure a simple apology will suffice.”

  “That’s not the same, dear. This is my special way of welcoming Evelyn, and I feel it’s important for me to do this. Moreover, the invitations have already been sent out over the last two days.”

  “But I wasn’t even here. For goodness sakes, Mother, you sent out invitations before you even knew if Eve accepted my proposal?”

  “I had no doubt of her response, dear. After all, you are my son.”

  Paxton shook his head as if dazed, kissed his mother on the cheek, and left. “Try not to go to too much trouble.”

  “Nothing’s too much when it comes to my children.” She continued to go through different colored linens. “And don’t forget about dinner tomorrow evening.”

  “James, I need you in here!” his mother hollered.

  Paxton felt sorry for the butler as he hurried past to do the soon-to-be dowager countess’s bidding.

  ***

  It was a warm spring day, the descending sun shining brightly. Evelyn carried her parasol slanted to the side to protect her face from the brilliant light. Her other arm was linked with Paxton’s as they strolled happily through Hyde Park.

  “So the planning is going well?” Paxton asked as he nodded at an approaching couple and Eve said hello.

  “Yes, my mother and sister have been very instrumental in making sure everything is just right.” They greeted another passing couple.

  “Speaking of mothers. I’m afraid mine has been busy with some planning of her own.”

  “How so?” Eve asked as he led them to a vacant bench along the trail. A tall Elm shaded the bench, so Eve retracted her parasol and sat down.

  “She wants to make up for the horrible way she treated you. She has decided to throw us an engagement party. I know this means you’ll have to have another gown made, which means more shopping when you have already been doing so much of it lately. And I know, as the guest of honor, you’ll be sought after all night, which is exhausting. I tried to explain to my mother how busy you are with the wedding, but she can be a very persistent woman. If you are completely against the idea, I will have cancellation notices sent out immediately.”

  “Don’t be silly. I’m honored by your mother’s gesture. I do very much want her to like me.”

  “There is one more thing.”

  “And what is that?” she questioned happily as she adjusted her skirts.

  “She wants to have your family over for dinner tomorrow evening.”

  “I’m sure they will be delighted. Just let me know what time. When is the engagement party?”

  “This Saturday,” he said with a crooked face.

  “Oh my, that is soon, but I don’t foresee a problem. I believe I already have the perfect dress to wear.”

  “Eve, you didn’t perchance find time to speak to Lord Bakersfield about our engagement, did you?” Paxton moved to his feet to stand in front of her.

  “No. Why do you ask?”

  Paxton looked back over his shoulder. “Because here he comes.” He helped Eve to her feet.

  “Would you mind if I speak to him privately?”

  “He doesn’t look happy. I think I should stay.”

  “I would be ever so grateful if you would be a sweetheart and go over there and buy me one of those sticky buns from the vendor.” She indicated a vendor across the park.

  “You mean the vendor way over there?” He pointed across the park teasingly.

  “Yes.” She slapped his chest and advised with humor in her tone, “And walk slowly.”

  “Very well, my sweet.” He kissed her cheek, looked at Bakersfield who was rapidly approaching, and walked away.

  “Lady Evelyn.” Brandon bowed stiffly when he at last stood before her.

  “Lord Bakersfield, it is lovely to see you. I have wanted to speak with you.”

  “Perhaps you wished to enlighten me as to your upcoming nuptials?”

  Eve could hear the hurt in his voice. “Yes. I wanted to apologize for not telling you before it was printed in the papers. I was out of town, and with things happening so quickly…”

  “I was forgotten,” he stated.

  “No, no, not forgotten. I didn’t have time, which is why I’m glad you’re here. I hope we can still be friends. I
enjoyed the times we spent together. Maybe we can still go riding once in a while.”

  “I suspect Lord Devonhurst will not want to share his fine countess. I wish you the best of luck, Lady Evelyn. I, for one, know you are going to need it.” Brandon bowed formally and stomped away.

  Eve watched his retreating form in surprise. She hadn’t meant to hurt him. She jumped as Paxton came up behind her and placed a comforting hand on her shoulder.

  “I’m guessing that didn’t go well?” When Eve shook her head, he said, “It’s no wonder. He lost the most wonderful, caring, giving, loving, beautiful…”

  “Hush, that’s enough.” She turned around and hugged him.

  “You know he is never going to recover.”

  “I said hush.” She lightly pinched his side.

  Paxton held her with one arm and held a sticky bun in his other hand. He smiled above her head. “I’m the happiest man alive.”

  “And I’m the happiest woman.”

  “There is one thing that will make you happier.” Paxton grinned at her mischievously.

  “I do not think so, my lord, at least nothing that can be done here in the park.”

  He chuckled. “We’ll come back to that later.” He brought his other hand around so she could see the sticky bun. “This is what I had in mind, for now, anyway.”

  Eve blushed at her wicked thoughts, then snatched the sweet roll, ripped off a piece, and plopped it in her mouth. Then she licked the sugary topping from her fingers. “Would you like some?”

  “Watching you eat is pleasurable enough.”

  Eve laughed at the funny expression he made. “Tell me some more about my new home.” She sat down on the bench and continued to eat the sweet roll.

  “Picture acres upon acres of rolling meadows banked by acres upon acres of forest. In a field of wildflowers sits the Devonhurst estate. It’s not a castle, but it’s large enough to be considered one. It was built in the 1700s by my grandfather, who mysteriously came into a great deal of money. My father claimed Grandfather’s wealth was obtained by legitimate means, but he sounded very skeptical when he told me so.

  “Anyway, the house is rectangular in shape and constructed with dark red bricks. Numerous tall smoke stacks stick out from the black slate roof. I’d say there are at least a hundred windows. I was told my grandfather hated to feel closed in and so had windows put on almost every exterior wall where there was space. Cleaning all the windows happens to be the housekeeper’s biggest complaint. The job takes the staff days to finish.”

  “How many rooms are there?”

  “There are thirty bedrooms, but I think the total number of rooms is somewhere around fifty. It’s hard to say really. I usually stick to my wing of the house.”

  “Your wing?” Eve asked, aghast.

  “Yes. There are three floors, five if you include the cellar and the attic. The cellar is used for storage. The main floor holds the dining hall, parlor, various sitting rooms, my study, a library, a hearth room, and some bedrooms for the elderly or anyone who has trouble with stairs. The kitchen is also located on the main floor, but it is down a long hallway so that it is nearly separate from the living area, and various rooms branch off from that hall for storage and such. The second floor is comprised of mostly guest chambers, including Lydia’s and my mother’s rooms. Most importantly, our chambers are on this floor. We have a suite of rooms consisting of our bedroom, which has a large sitting area and a few dressing rooms. Then there’s our private study, a nursery, a playroom, and some extra rooms for more children I presume. The third floor is for the servants. I haven’t been up there since I was a little boy. Above that is the attic, another place for storage that I never visit. I don’t think I left anything out.”

  “I think that is plenty,” Eve said in awe. “It sounds magnificent and beautiful. I can’t wait to see it. A nursery, you said?”

  “Yes, I did.” He leaned over to kiss her cheek.

  “One we can fill soon?” she asked, unable to hide her excitement at the thought of children.

  “As soon as possible.”

  “I wish we could leave now,” Eve said wistfully.

  “Then let’s go.” Paxton stood, but she pulled him back down to sit.

  “We can’t go yet. What about the wedding plans, my dress, and your mother’s party? I’ll have to be patient and so will you.”

  “I’ll try to be patient for you.” He ran his finger down her cheek. “I can’t wait to have you all to myself. I find myself shamelessly wishing the wedding was over and all the guests were already returned to their homes.”

  Eve laughed. “It sounds to me like it won’t be too hard for us to become lost together at your house.”

  “It’s our house, and you’re right. Come. I should see you home.” He stood holding out his hand for her.

  The sun moved to the horizon and so Eve no longer needed her parasol. She picked it up and looped it around her wrist. “I hate to leave.”

  “Me too. Maybe you can sneak me into your room,” Paxton said, and by the look on his face she could tell his suggestion was only half in jest.

  “I don’t think that is a good idea, especially with my mother coming in and out of my chambers to discuss wedding preparations. We will have to wait to see each other at tomorrow’s dinner. What is your mother serving?” She stepped up into the gig with Paxton’s help.

  “I didn’t ask, but knowing my mother, something extravagant. She never does anything in half measures.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  It was late afternoon before the Stonehaven women returned to the town house after running wedding errands all day. Hamilton, the butler, met them in the entranceway and was collecting their bonnets and gloves. “Lady Evelyn, there is a gift for you on the side table.” He indicated the location with a nod of his head.

  Eve looked to see a large bouquet of flowers. “Oh, they are lovely!”

  “Who are they from?” Cassie questioned, coming up to smell one of the roses.

  “My wonderful fiancé, of course.” Eve smiled proudly.

  Cassie started sifting through the flowers. “Here’s the card.” She handed the card to Eve. “What does it say?”

  “It says: I miss you.” Eve grinned as she looked at the colorful blooms.

  “You’re only away from each other for one day and already he misses you. How romantic.”

  “He’s the most thoughtful man in the world.” Eve took the flowers up to her room and Cassie followed her.

  “Don’t dawdle, girls. We need to leave for Lady Veronica’s dinner soon.” Mother sailed past them to peek in the study in search of Father.

  ***

  The Stonehaven family stood on the front stoop of the Devonhurst town house. Father raised the golden doorknocker and let it fall back against the heavy wooden door.

  James, the butler Eve had shoved aside a few weeks ago, opened the door and greeted them with kind words and a smile as he took their cloaks and gloves. He stopped in front of Eve. “My lady, I humbly apologize for my ignorance as to who you were last time you visited.” The butler was red faced and staring at the ground.

  Eve felt sorry for him. “You were doing your job, sir, and I’m sorry for making your duties difficult. I had no right to force my way into your employer’s home.”

  “I am the one at fault, my lady. Had I believed you were who you said, well… if you wish for me to resign from my post, I understand.”

  Eve smiled to ease the man’s suffering. He was completely distraught. “James, is it?”

  “Yes, my lady.”

  “I would like it very much if you remained with us. Let us forget about our initial meeting and start over, shall we?” She handed him her cloak.

  “Lord Devonhurst is right, madam. You are a kind and forgiving lady
. I will not let you regret the decision you made today.” He bowed formally. “The earl and his family await your presence in the parlor.” His arms were loaded with cloaks and he motioned with his head in the direction they should proceed. “I will show you.”

  “No need. We’ll find it, thank you.” Eve smiled at him reassuringly and then led the way.

  As they walked down the hall toward the voices, Cassie came up next to her. “I don’t recall you mentioning anything about a butler.”

  “Yes, well, with good reason. It was an ugly scene. In my desperation, I forced my way into the house. James was trying to do his job by refusing me entrance. Let it suffice to say, I achieved my goal. At this moment, I wish I wouldn’t have done it.”

  “Why? You needed help.”

  Eve didn’t respond to Cassie’s inquiry because they had entered the parlor and everyone started talking at once. Introductions and well-wishes for the bride and groom fairly vibrated through the room.

  Lady Devonhurst had decided to invite her niece Rebecca and her husband William, the Duke and Duchess of Arlington. Lydia was also in attendance, along with Cole, who stood next to Lydia.

  Rebecca hurried to Eve’s side, closing her in a warm embrace. “William and I are so happy for you.”

  “Thank you, Your Grace.” Eve curtsied when Rebecca released her.

  “Oh, don’t be so formal. We’re going to be family,” Rebecca insisted.

  “I never thought I’d see the day when Devonhurst would agree to step in front of an altar. Well done, my dear,” the duke said.

  “It wasn’t easy,” Eve replied teasingly.

  “Quite untrue,” said Paxton. “I have been putty in your beautiful hands since we met.” He put an arm around her waist.

  “That’s true. I for one was surprised at how pliable he became.” Cole grinned devilishly, then kissed Eve’s cheek after he bowed. “I wish you both all the best.”

  “I couldn’t be happier.” Lydia hugged Eve and then her brother.

  “Me either.” Veronica walked up to the happy couple after greeting Charles and Madeline. “Lady Evelyn, you are a vision of loveliness, and my son’s face lit up when you entered the room. We are honored that you are going to be part of our family.” Paxton’s mother pulled her into her perfumed embrace and then kissed both her cheeks.