Read Online Today's Embrace by Linda Lee Chaikin - Free Book Online Page B

come from? An emerging streak of willfulness could not be from Grace’s sister Junia, whom Evy thought back then was her mother, but from the beautiful, willful Katie, of course.
    Still, she wished Aunt Grace were here now. She could go to her and feel her motherly arms around her, sharing the joy and excitement of the news of carrying her and Rogan’s baby. It would strengthen her to face the onslaught that was sure to come.
    â€œEvy? Are you ill?”
    Evy turned swiftly to face the peering eyes of Mildred, the shopkeeper.
    â€œOh, I’m fine, Mildred. I … I was looking for some buttons … These are nice, I’ll take them, please.”
    The old woman hurried to write up the bill as Evy dug into her coin purse to pay for the buttons.
    â€œAnd how is Mr. Rogan?” Mildred asked curiously.
    â€œHe’s doing well. Thank you for asking,” Evy said as she handed Mildred a few coins.
    â€œI’m so glad to hear that. I was worried.”
    Evy looked up from her coin purse to meet the kindly but curious eyes staring at her. “Oh?” Evy asked carefully.
    â€œYou see, I saw him just a short time ago as I was returning from the house. I took luncheon today with Hiram. Mr. Rogan was running and nearly collided with me.”
    â€œOh, I am sorry!”
    â€œNo, no, dear, quite all right. He was profoundly apologetic. Said he must catch the train to London.”
    â€œOh?”
    â€œHe looked very angry—not about me, of course.”
    â€œNo, of course not …”
    â€œHe had the scowl of Scrooge, he did. Well, here’s your buttons, Evy.”
    â€œUm, yes, thank you. Good day, Mildred.”
    Evy left the haberdashery. He’d gone to London. No doubt this was related to the talk in the library with Sir Lyle. He would have left her a note, but she was sure he would be back for dinner.
    Evy drew her brows together as she walked to where her mare was tied in the shade of the big oak tree.
Mildred seems dreadfully curious about Rogan … making much of his anger, and probably now wondering why I didn’t know that my own husband has just caught the train for London
.
    Evy untied her mare and mounted, then rode slowly toward the winding road up the hill to Rookswood. She was deep in her spiritual wrestlings and did not hear the horse-drawn coach coming behind her until Mr. Bixby slowed down and maneuvered to one side of the tree-lined roadway. Lady Elosia leaned her head through the open window. Her large fancy black hat flapped untidily in the wind.
    â€œThere you are, dear girl!” her deep voice boomed. “Get down, do. Bixby!”
    â€œYes, madam.”
    â€œTie Evy’s mare to the back of the coach. Hurry, girl. It looks like rain.”
    Evy glanced up at the sky. Ominous dark clouds were streaming in from the north. She was in no mood to endure the criticism of Rogan’s aunt. Still, there appeared no easy way out of the dilemma, as she rightfully respected Rogan’s family.
I may be Mrs. Chantry, the future mistress of Rookswood, but to Lady Elosia I’ll always be little Evy Varley from the vicarage
.
    Evy climbed down from the saddle, handing the reins to Mr. Bixby,the dignified elderly man who carried himself with the bearing of a general. She lowered her voice. “You’ve just come from the village, Mr.
    Bixby?”
    â€œYes, miss—madam. Lady Elosia feared she was coming down with the autumn grippe and went to see Dr. Tisdale for tonic waters and bitters.”
    Dr. Tisdale
. Evy’s heart lurched. She glanced over at Lady Elosia, who was still looking out the coach window with a pale powdered face.
    â€œShe saw the doctor before or after she met Mrs. Tisdale, do you know?”
    Was she mistaken, or was there a show of sympathy in his eyes?
    â€œIt was afterward, madam.”
    This was the worst possible thing to happen. She couldn’t explain the truth to Elosia