Page 17 of The Odyssean Duke

“Indeed,” Lady Brookshire said. “You look quite well.”

Evelina cast a quick glance at her mother, noting with pleasure that the observation was true. Her mother had looked so pale and worn during the last days of her marriage, while the solicitors argued tirelessly with one another. After the divorce had settled, Evelina’s mother had seemed to regain her vitality. A new brightness came to her green eyes, and she had resembled something of her old self. She had begun dressing in bright colors, scarlets and greens and golds.

“Bath did marvelous things for my health,” Evelina’s mother said.

In truth, Evelina suspected that her mother’sdivorcehad done more for her health than the spas, but she doubted any of them were so brazen as to say that in polite company.

“And the Duchess of Hawthorne,” Lady Brookshire said, turning her attention to Theodora. “Congratulations on your marriage, Your Grace.”

Theodora smiled. “Thank you.”

Theodora had been wed to Alexander, the Duke of Hawthorne, for a little over a year. Alexander was a good man by all accounts. He was generous and quick-witted, and most importantly, he loved Theodora. And she loved him. Evelina smiled at the dreamy look that crossed her face whenever she spoke of her husband.

“And Lady Thornwall.”

Evelina smiled. “We were pleased to receive your invitation, my lady. Your garden is simply lovely.”

“Thank you,” Lady Brookshire said. “I do take great pride in my roses. Please, enjoy yourselves.”

“Thank you,” Evelina’s mother said.

The three continued along the path. Evelina noted with a wince that some of the conversations died at their approach. Others quieted to whispers so low that Evelina could not discern the individual words.

“There is Alexander,” said Theodora.

Theodora dropped their mother’s arm and hurried to Alexander. He and Lady Rosalind stood beside one another, deep in conversation with three ladies. Hearing Theodora’s cry, Alexander turned his head. He grinned broadly.

“My beautiful wife,” Alexander said.

“My charming husband,” Theodora said.

“We were just discussing your club, Evelina,” Alexander said.

Evelina glanced at the three ladies, who politely excused themselves with murmured farewells and curtsies. “If you were trying to gather members for the Corset Chronicles, I fear you have failed,” Evelina said. “Once glance at me, and the ladies have fled.”

She had the terrible fear those ladies might be speaking ill of her mother. While men were often unkind to women, Evelina knew that ladies were also capable of great cruelty. It was not entirely their fault. For most women, marriage was their only chance to live happy, secure lives, and any little thing might ruin a lady’s prospects.

“I suppose that is for the best,” Alexander said, winking. “I believe you would have found them too dull for your tastes. I know well the manner of company that you prefer to keep.”

“They were good conversationalists,” said Lady Rosalind.

“Hardly,” Alexander said. “But I—well?—”

Theodora shook her head. “You are hopeless, my dearest!” she exclaimed, placing a comforting hand on Lady Rosalind’s sleeve. “If you wish to converse among the ton, you will find myguidance far more useful than his. We shall approach the matter like scientists!”

Lady Rosalind’s eyes widened, as if she was a little alarmed by the prospect. If Theodora noticed her sister-in-law’s reaction, she chose to ignore it. The pair strode along the path and toward the pavilion. Alexander shook his head, smiling wryly after his wife. “You have been abandoned, Your Grace,” Evelina teased.

“So it seems,” Alexander said, laughing. “I am becoming rather accustomed to chasing after her.”

“You had best hurry,” Evelina said. “She is getting away from you.”

“So she is,” Alexander said, bowing deeply. “Ladies.”

Alexander quickened his pace, easily overtaking Theodora and Lady Rosalind. A little fluttering sensation spread through Evelina’s chest. Her sister was so very happy with this man, and he was so undeniably perfect for her. If anyone in the world was capable of making someone believe in love, it was the two of them.

“I am so proud of you both,” Evelina’s mother said.

Evelina blinked and glanced at her formidable mother. Like Evelina and Theodora, their mother had thick, auburn hair. Age had left hers threaded with strands of white.