CHAPTER SEVEN
Footsteps echoed behind her, steady and purposeful. Evie quickened her pace, skirts brushing the corridor, but the sound followed without hesitation.
"Lady Evie," James Fairfax called, his voice low and warm, stopping her in place.
She turned, forcing a polite, neutral expression. "Lord James."
He studied her for a moment, a playful glint in his eyes. "Someone's been unkind to a face as lovely as yours."
Evie's hand tightened on her skirts. "It's nothing, really."
"Nothing doesn't leave tears in a woman's eyes," he said, his voice a soft murmur.
She forced a small smile. "You're kind, but I doubt you came to be my confidant."
"Maybe I did," he said, a faint curve to his lips. "Or perhaps I simply couldn't bear the thought of you hiding in corridors on such a beautiful evening."
He produced a folded handkerchief and offered it. She hesitated, then took it, aware of the whispers it might start.
"Whatever's happened," he continued softly, his eyes lingering on hers, "Don't let anyone convince you otherwise."
Evie said nothing, her throat tight.
James tilted his head, his gaze intense. "Walk with me? A little stroll might do you some good."
She shook her head lightly. "I—no, I really should…"
But he stepped closer, his voice a low persuasion. "No. You need this. I insist."
Reluctantly, she allowed herself to follow him into the garden. The evening air was cool, carrying the scent of earth and lavender. Lanterns dotted the pathways, casting soft pools of light on the gravel.
They walked side by side, slowly, letting the quiet settle around them. Evie kept her gaze ahead, focusing on the path.
After a few moments, James bent toward a nearby flower bed, plucked a small blossom, and, with a lingering touch, tucked it into the side of her hair. "Much better."
Evie stiffened slightly, a blush rising on her cheeks. "Thank you," she murmured, and he nodded, his eyes holding hers for a moment longer than necessary. They continued walking.
The silence stretched, comfortable but charged with a subtle tension. Then James spoke quietly, without turning his head.
"Whatever happened," he continued softly, "you're doing… remarkably well. For someone so new to all this… to our world. Most would crumble under the pressure, but you… you carry yourself perfectly. Even when it's hard." He gestured lightly, indicating the corridors, the gardens, the entire stately setting.
Evie froze at the compliment, a warmth spreading in her chest.
She let out a quiet breath. "Honestly… this whole contract is…"
Her words caught mid-air.
James glanced at her, eyebrows lifted, a teasing smile playing on his lips. "You were saying?"
She blinked, cheeks warming, and forced a controlled smile. "I… nothing. I really must get ready for dinner. Thanks for the walk. It was lovely."
She started to step ahead, but he fell in step beside her, taking her hand and gently pressing a kiss to her knuckles.
"Well then, I will eagerly await dinner, Lady Evie."
Evie forced a little smile. "See you at dinner then."
She returned to the house in near silence, the lingering warmth of his touch sending a shiver down her spine.
Once she reached her room, she leaned heavily against the door, her breath coming in short, rapid gasps. A whirlwind of emotions swirled within her , disbelief, excitement, and a healthy dose of panic. She pressed her hand to her racing heart, trying to regain her composure. One more word, one more moment, and her secret,her delicate, precarious secret might have slipped out. She closed her eyes, a nervous laugh escaping her lips as she imagined the scandal that would ensue if anyone discovered the truth. The weight of her deception settled heavily upon her, even as a flicker of anticipation danced within her soul.