The Midwife and the Marquess

Chapter 15: Honey

Evan couldn't remember the last time he'd so badly wanted to go to bed. Since his youth he'd struggled with sleepless nights; his mind seemed to grow more active as the evening drew on, and by midnight he would be wide awake and at his most productive. Most nights he sat in his study, jotting down whatever musical inspiration came to his mind, or tweaking what scribbles he'd previously made into something somewhat comprehensible for Garrett to build upon.

Tonight, however, was a different matter. There was a woman in his bed; and not just any woman, but Maria Ross.

How Fate loves to play her twisted games, he thought wryly as he shuffled his playing cards around in his hand.

That was, if she had gone to his rooms, and not simply run out of the house the moment he'd turned his back on her. From the way Mr. Tardy had deliberately avoided eye contact with him at dinner, Evan had the feeling she hadn't run away.

So, he studiously played the card game they'd set up in the main parlor room after supper. Everyone was weary from traveling, so they'd kept tonight's entertainment to a minimum. Eileen Harcourt, Laura's fellow debutante, was playing the pianoforte— a pretty piece she must have perfected for such an occasion— while the rest of the guests had scattered themselves about the room. Laura stood next to her friend, dutifully turning the note sheets and sporadically gave an appraising look around the room. Winifred's husband, Richard Delroy, lounged on the settee with Winifred's companion, Miss Jennings, her spectacles glinted in the candlelight as she read from the book in her hands, her words loud enough for only Delroy to hear. Across from them sat Mr. and Mrs. Henry Ashdown, the vicar and his wife, who'd taken over Evan's father's position when the marquessate was suddenly and unexpectedly passed on to his father. Diana and Thorne had spent most of the day with the party, but had retired some hours before, on account of the baby. Evan sat at a small, square card table along with Eileen's mother, the widow Mrs. Harcourt, Winifred and their great aunt Adelaide, who, Evan suspected, was the only person truly invested in their game. She made her winning play, obviously satisfied.

There was a small applause as Miss Harcourt's piece came to an end. Her mother remarked on her fine playing and Laura gave her an encouraging smile. When Miss Harcourt looked about the room, he nodded to her in appreciation, as was customary of a host. She colored and looked quickly down at her hands in her lap. He grimaced at this, but was distracted by Winifred standing from the table.

"Richard," Winifred began, "I am tired and wish to go to bed."

Delroy looked up from the book Miss Jennings had tilted towards him, "Yes, of course." He stood and took Winifred's arm, Miss Jennings following after them. Rounds of "goodnight" were spoken and most of the party dispersed, retiring to their rooms.

Laura stayed behind. She turned about the room, a somber look on her face. "Penny for your thoughts, sister?" Evan inquired, taking her arm in his.

"It went well, didn't it?"

"Yes; it was a successful first day."

She sighed, the heavy breath unraveling from her chest. Then she smiled, her worried look replaced with one as bright as the sun itself. "I am glad."

They left the parlor together; Evan escorting her to her room. She kissed his cheek and bade him rest well, upon which Evan did not know how to respond. He quite doubted he would get very much rest tonight.

***

Maria awoke to the feeling of fingers playing in her hair and the soft whisper of breathing. Her eyes jolted open in surprise before she relaxed, remembering where and with whom she was with. The fingers stopped for a moment, then continued their gentle circular motion. She looked up and saw the outline of a pale, sharp face in the dim haze of the witching hour. He lay on his side, his head propped up on one elbow, his other arm wrapped around her shoulder, his hand lost in her loose hair. His crystal eyes shone with an inner light, bright in the darkness.