“Just a friendly chat between ladies,” Sophia bit out, plastering a fake smile on her face. George looked at all three of us, settling on my face the longest. I never shifted my gaze off Sophia.
“I don’t know about the friendly part,” George said. “I believe I came just in time.”
“If you’ll excuse me, Your Grace, I have”—Sophia looked at me—“plans to attend to.” She curtsied to George and left the group. I knew this wasn’t going to be over; she would seek me out again.
“Wonderful to see you again, Lady Evelyn,” George greeted, turning his attention to us and placing a kiss on her hand. She answered, but I didn’t hear her. I was spiraling down from a whirlwind of rage, adrenaline and, worst of all, jealousy.
“Ava,” George said softly. I focused on him; he was looking at me with concern in his eyes. To hell with his worry. I was irritated and tired of all this. I almost wished Papa hadn’t told me about Plan B, for it was all I could think about, and knowing that I had an alternative made me want it. “Let’s go into one of the parlors.”
“No,” I replied flatly. I extended my fingers and closed them into fists, trying to stretch the pain out.
“Eve, my dear, do you mind grabbing Ava’s shawl from her room, and please grab yours too. You will both be visiting an old friend today.”
Eve did as she was asked—well, told—and left us alone.
George looked down at me and raked his hands through his hair. “What the hell just happened?”
“Your brother’s fiancée decided she wanted to test me. She lost.”
“Quit talking like that,” George bit out. “You know she isn’t his fiancée. How many times do I need to tell you that?” I sighed heavily, rubbing my knuckles, and he raised a brow. “You hit her, didn’t you?”
“Sure did.”
He pressed his lips together. “Ava, you can’t go around hitting people.”
I nodded. “I know, I’m sorry. I just…I didn’t realize I had until after I hit her.”
“Do you need ice for your hand?”
I shook my head. “No, I’m all right. Just stings a little.”
He handed me a white envelope. “Isabella has asked for me to invite you to see her. She came home this morning.” I took the letter and read the short note. “He won’t be there.”
Bless his heart for knowing me so well.
“Good.”
George inched toward me. “How is your father?”
I gave him a small grin. “Better now. Thank you for sending the doctor.”
“I’m honestly surprised you came back.” He shoved his hands in his pockets. “I was starting to worry that, after a week, you’d fight me again.”
I smirked. “And that would have been so much fun.”
“I’m ready,” Eve announced, approaching us, holding two shawls.
“I’m going to come see you later,” George advised. “I want to hear about your trip and father.”
Nodding, I linked my arm with Eve’s, making our way down the hallway.
I knew what he wanted to speak about.
And it sure wasn’t Papa or my damn trip.
∞∞∞
“You’ve become more beautiful over the years,” Isabella greeted in the lavish emerald green sitting room. It was paired with golden-colored carpet and curtains, showing that Edward spared no expense for his old mistress. The sofa we sat on was lined in matching deep cream leather, more plush than others I’d sat on. “Now, I know half the reason why my son went on his four-day journey to see you.”
I cringed inwardly at his mention; the anger still hadn’t worn off yet that he didn’t come back to my home. I ignored the comment.
“You haven’t aged a day, Isabella.” Her raven black hair had a few gray strays, but it didn’t take away from anything. She was still curvy and exotic, with oval green eyes, a perfectly straight nose, and olive-colored skin.
“Always so sweet. I hope you don’t mind, I brought Arunan spirits. We don’t drink a lot of coffee or tea, unless we are ill.”
A strong drink was perfect.
“I’m all in,” I chimed. Isabella smiled, standing from her seat and walking to the corner of the room. A large glass cabinet of bottles lined the inside of it.
Eve placed a hand on my knee. “A, are you all right?” she whispered, worry lacing her voice.
I patted her hand. “I’m fine. I promise.”
“You’re sure?”
“Positive.” I flexed my fingers for good measure. “Hand just hurts a little.”
Isabella came back with two glasses and handed them off. After grabbing her own, she sat across from us.
“Hara should be joining us shortly. She wanted to see her father today.” Isabella took a sip of her cheer. “I’d ask you what you’ve been up to but I’m afraid I already know.” She laughed. “I was glad to hear that you never lost your spirit. It broke our hearts when we couldn’t write to you.”
I managed a smile. “Think nothing of it. I know now it was forbidden.”
It didn’t seem to comfort her in the least, and she frowned. “I just thank Femme Fatale that you are well. My mind couldn’t handle the thought of you being hurt, but Garr’s men kept him well-informed, so that was a comfort. I knew that if I couldn’t write, at least I could be looking from the outside in.”
I gave her a small smile. “Tell me how you’ve been. I heard you went back home while I was at the orphanage.”
“I did,” Isabella replied. “Aruna is celebrating their independence anniversary, so I went to see all my friends and relatives. I’d love to bring you both.”
“Oh, that would be marvelous!” Eve exclaimed, straightening in her seat.
“I must warn you both, we dress a lot differently than here. The only reason I wear this drape”—she looked down at her ruby red gown made of silk—“is to not draw any more unwanted attention. We wear cottons and satin, and our dresses are more…suggestive, I guess would be how Tellivan ladies would describe it.”
“How so?” Eve asked quickly, leaning forward, eyes wide.
“Well…the sleeves, for instance. We don’t have them normally, and if we do, they are slid down to the shoulders.”
Eve’s jaw dropped. “So, your shoulders are completely bare?”
Isabella chuckled lightly. “Yes, love, we are more of a carefree people. The temperature is warmer there, and women are treated like treasures, not a means for stability and power.”
“It sounds wonderful,” Eve chimed, smiling at me, and I grinned in response. It did sound marvelous. A means of adventure, and distance from my chaotic nature as of late.
“Hara is having a party here tonight, in her honor. I would love for you both to attend. Let your hair down, literally. Arunan ladies like to keep their hair flowing and free.”
Eve clapped her hands in delight and looked at me. “We don’t have anything planned tonight, do we?”
I really just wanted to read in my room tonight and continue to do so, until I was free to leave with no danger, but I didn’t want to let her down. Eve’s face exuded excitement, and I couldn’t wipe that away.
“We’d love to come,” I chimed in, trying to sound enthusiastic and motivated to attend.
“Wonderful!” Isabella beamed with a smile. “I’ll have some dresses brought in. We’ll have them fitted and—oh. That is, if you ladies want to dress up in Arunan clothes. You really don’t ha—”
“We’d love to!” Eve interrupted.
“Then let us finish our drinks, and we’ll get a seamstress to fit you ladies and dress your hair properly. You both are in for a delight.”
∞∞∞
Delight was an understatement. Streams of purple, blue, and green silk cascaded from the ceiling, matching the tablecloths covered with mountains of various fruits and cheeses. Hundreds of candles glinted in the space, making it romantic and whimsical. Music lofted through the air, the beat and sounds so different.