Excerpt:
Evangeline felt sorry for Melody in a small way, her mother as well. They had no defense, no antidote to counter the forceful emotions stirred in them. She counted herself lucky to have been spared their burden.
In good time Melody and their mother returned, tea arriving directly afterward, and while glad to see them she couldn't deny sorrow over her lost solitude.
“Oh, they both are such handsome men, Melody. And wealthy enough, too.”
“Mr. Lane is, by far, more handsome with his light hair and eyes,” Melody admired openly.
They really are too silly! Infatuated girls, you'd think!
“What say you, Evangeline?” Melody challenged brightly. “Which gentleman do you prefer?”
Pursing her lips, Evangeline took a deep breath.
Of all the fiddle-faddle! Preferring gentlemen!
“I don't prefer either of them, nor any other for that matter.”
But as usual, Providence gave her no quarter, choosing the moment of her sister's question to spring said gentlemen into the sitting room. All eyes landed upon her, her father grinning in a most amused way. Evangeline flushed, a deep burn rising under her skin. Thomas Masterson made his greetings, and as the others conversed around the tea cart he neared, taking her hand and bringing it to his lips.
“I'd take you at your word, Miss Grey, but your pretty blush suggests perhaps you do harbor a preference.” His eyes simmered, locked intently on hers.
Oh! What did he mean by saying that?
She found herself squirming under that gaze of his – and appalled – stilled immediately. Gathering herself, she answered. “Never confuse indifference with deceit, Mr. Masterson.”
Still, he did not look away, surprising her.
