Total pages in book: 114
Estimated words: 107756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 107756 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 539(@200wpm)___ 431(@250wpm)___ 359(@300wpm)
“You believe I was able to look beyond you? You nearly gave my heart a shock.”
I tried not to laugh. “Now you are dramatic.”
“Yes, very, but I am amazed to find that there is something about you that I did not know already.” He smirked, bringing his horse beside me. “I am tempted to encourage this, for I wish to see how fast you go on clear land.”
“Are you challenging me to a race, sir? That is most inappropriate.”
“I am merely trying to catch a runaway sheep!” He laughed and then looked me over. “Or are you a caged bird? I must make a list of all your analogies. Though I wonder why they are always animals.”
Because animals, like women, could be owned by men. Just then, I heard a rustle through the bushes. Evander heard it as well.
“Who is there?” he called out.
There was no response. A moment later, she revealed herself.
“Marcella?” I gasped, staring down at the dirt-covered, terrified, and shaking young girl as she picked herself up off the ground. “Are you all right?”
Evander hopped off his horse to help her, but she held out her hands to stop him.
“I am fine!” she said, quickly dusting herself off, but she kept her eyes down. “Merely startled and lost my footing is all.”
“What are you doing—”
“Marcella!” the booming sound of his voice echoed through the trees with such force and rage that birds scattered.
Fitzwilliam.
Immediately, Evander’s fist clenched as Fitzwilliam walked over to Marcella, his eyes wide and crazed.
“Are you all right, my dear?” he asked, brushing the leaves off her hair gently. She seemed to tremble slightly.
“What are you doing on my land?” Evander snapped.
“You’re mistaken, Duke. You and your wife have just crossed over to my property. Ponsonby is mine now,” Fitzwilliam shot back, lifting his chin proudly.
It was hard to know without a map where Everely House ended and the estate of Ponsonby began, but that had never been an issue before. At least, not to my knowledge. The owners—well, former owners—of that estate had been a relatively old and unbothered couple.
“You have bought Ponsonby from the Allen family?” Evander flexed his fist.
“Yes. Am I supposed to seek your permission before purchasing land?” Fitzwilliam mocked, his head tilted.
I looked again at Marcella, who stood silently.
“Marcella?” I leaned forward on my horse. “Are you sure you are well?”
She seemed to be stuck in thought, but even so, the manner of his grip on her was worrying. She winced for a brief moment before glancing up at me with a smile. “I am fine.”
I did not believe that. There was a smile on her face, but her eyes looked like she was begging me for something.
“Yes, she’s perfectly fine, though clumsy at times. I tell her she must be careful in these forests. There is quite a deep river up ahead by the rocks. It’s very dangerous, my dear,” Fitzwilliam said, brushing the side of her head.
I glanced at Fitzwilliam, who smiled at me. “I do hope you both shall still attend my ball this evening, Mr. Topwells.”
“Of course, Your Grace, it is my honor, though I must admit I was surprised to receive an invitation after my last interaction with the duke.” He shifted his gaze to Evander, who was already back on his horse.
“Of course you are invited, Mr. Topwells, as your wife and I have formed quite an attachment. Marcella, should you need anything of me, do not hesitate to call on me.”
“Of course, Your Grace,” she said softly. That was not her usual tone of voice, either.
I wished to understand what was wrong. But she seemed ill-suited to explain, if the grip Fitzwilliam had on her arm was any indication.
Something was not right.
I sought to move closer, but Evander’s horse blocked my path. “We must head back, as there is still much to prepare,” he said with all humor and joy removed from his voice.
What was I to say? “Right.” I looked once more at Marcella. “See you both tonight.”
“Yes, you shall,” Fitzwilliam replied. They stood there as Evander turned his horse around.
I followed but glanced back once more at the pair. Fitzwilliam was still giving me a chilling smile.
“Aphrodite,” Evander called, and I refocused. It was only when we were a good distance away that he turned to me angrily. “Let me restate how deeply I desire for him not to be there.”
“That would defeat the purpose,” I replied. “I thought I explained.”
“You did, but then I saw him and remembered how little I trust him.”
“We must get through the night at least. Did you notice anything wrong with Marcella?” I asked.
“Marcella?” he said her name as though he did not recall her even being there.
“Never mind.” I would speak to her later that evening, for I was sure something was not right.
Evander
She had banished me.