Between the Pages and Lines

Chapter 11: Maze part 2: Interruptions

-----Evelyn-----

Evelyn held her breath. Was Travis really going to kiss her? In the middle of the maze? Malorie was right this maze did have some sort of romantic magic to it. Exactly how fast did romances happen in the 1800's? Evelyn closed her eyes waiting for the kiss.

"I believe it is right up here," a voice called out on the other side of the hedge. Travis quickly backed away. Frowning Evelyn looked to the entrance to see who had interrupted them.

Whoever had interrupted their moment was certainly not going to be on any good list of Evelyn's that was to be certain. She waited to see whoever it was round the corner and was surprised to see it was Earnest.

"Lord Williams, Lady Darcy," Earnest quickly bowed to each of them as he looked around to see if anybody else was with them. "I am surprised to see you two here."

He chuckled awkwardly, his hand waving behind him. Giving Evelyn a once over his eyebrows raised in surprise at her haggard appearance. "I was certain that I was alone in my search for the center this morning."

Evelyn held her hand to her mouth to cover a snort of laughter. He was obviously trying desperately to signal to someone to stay back. She couldn't help but wonder if it was Clarisse who had followed into the maze hoping for a private moment together. Trying to distract herself she smoothed her skirts accomplishing a smear of dirt to occupy a larger portion of it rather than clear it off her attire entirely.

"Ah yes well," Travis said looking at Earnest with a sly grin. "It would seem we had similar pursuits of challenging ourselves with a maze run this morning. I happened upon my cousin here and was just about to escort her back to the gardens for a little stroll."

"A stroll about the gardens sounds like a lovely investment indeed," Earnest rubbed the back of his head as he tried to casually lean back and look behind himself. "However, I would hate to see you off so soon. It seems you and your cousin might have things to discuss. Perhaps you need to make a more presentable outfiting. I wouldn't think to interrupt your time, it really is I who should beg your leave of me. I implore you to stay. Enjoy the wonders of the pond and I'll return at another time. Truly it is of no disturbance to my schedule to do so."

"Oh we have been here long enough I should think," Travis announced.

Sending her a playful smirk he offered his arm to Evelyn. Evelyn took it a smirk beginning to form on her own lips as she watched Earnest fidget nervously.

"We had better take our leave first. We insist you stay. Enjoy the company of the fish as it were."

"I think we have been justly discovered," a soft voice called out.

"I feared as much," Earnest sighed.

Evelyn watched as a small blonde girl appeared behind Earnest looping her arm in his and smiling sheepishly at them.

"Clarisse?" Evelyn asked before she could stop herself.

"Yes?" Clarisse answered in surprise. Looking at Evelyn with wide eyes. Scrunching her eyes as if trying to place where they might have met before. "Have we been introduced before this moment? I fear I can't seem to place your face. I am usually exceptional in this endeavour. Please endeavour to explain to me how you felt it appropriate to address me in such a formal manner."

"Uh," Evelyn shook her head trying to think of some excuse as to why she would know her name. "No, I just heard a lot about you. Earnest speaks very highly of you."

Evelyn cringed when she saw Clarisse's eyes widen and turn to Earnest. Her mouth pursed in a frowned pout that would have looked childish on Evelyn but only served to look mature and graceful on Clarisse. Even in her disappointed confusion she was a goddess statue of a woman. Shaking her head Evelyn focused on the conversation.