Page 43 of Notorious

Parker ignored the foolish question and inclined his head.

“I will see her—where is she?”

“I put her in the first-floor receiving room to wait, ma’am.”

She tossed her napkin onto her almost untouched plate and stood. “I’m finished with dinner.”

Eva was waiting in the tiny parlor, examining a watercolor of a horse that hung beside the room’s only window. And she was wearing breeches, a claw hammer coat, a caped driving coat, a mangled neckcloth, and the smallest—and grubbiest—pair of top boots Drusilla had ever seen.

“Eva! Why are you dressed that way? What if somebody should see? I can’t—”

Her friend’s unusual blue-violet eyes flashed. “Gabe went out, didn’t he?”

Drusilla flushed. How mortifying. Was there some sort of town crier who went about London communicating such information? Hear ye, hear ye! Gabriel Marlington leaves his wife alone on their wedding night!

“Yes, he went to his club for dinner. How did you know?”

Eva scowled and ignored her question. “Have you two had a row?”

“No.”

“Then why is he behaving like a nocky boy and leaving you to dine alone on your wedding night?”

This was not a conversation Drusilla wanted to have. “Where do you learn such words, Eva? I can’t imagine—”

“Oh don’t, Dru. Just—” She flapped a hand in wordless irritation. “Just don’t.”

Drusilla sighed, too tired to argue. Instead she strode toward the bellpull. “Fine, Eva, I won’t. Now, why don’t you remove your hat and cloak and take a seat. I shall ring for some—”

“I know when and where the duel will be held.”

Drusilla froze, her hand outstretched but not quite reaching the pull. “What?”

“I found out an hour ago.”

“But how?”

“Drake—he’s Gabe’s valet, you know—came by to see Ellie, one of the parlor maids.” Eva gave her a quick, searching look. “That is how I knew Gabe had gone out for the evening.”

Ah yes, the silent network of servants who lived among them.

“Anyhow, Drake and Ellie are walking out together.” Eva paused, her brow wrinkling. “He is at least fifteen years older than she and so stodgy and boring. I can’t understand what Ellie sees in stuffy old Drake, can you?”

Drusilla gave up on the idea of tea and took a seat beside Eva. “Will you please finish what you were saying?”

“Oh yes—the duel. Well, I was down by the kitchen when—”

“Oh, Eva. You know you should not be eavesdropping.” Her friend had gotten into trouble more than once at school for lurking and listening. It was such an unappealing habit, not to mention Eva had heard unpleasant things about herself more than once. But who was she to lecture her friend on behavior after the letter she had received earlier?

Not that Eva appeared to mind the gentle scolding. Instead of being contrite she laughed. “Gabe calls it Evasdropping.” Her lip trembled and her beautiful face seemed to collapse in on itself. She grabbed Drusilla’s arm with small hands sheathed in York tan gloves. “I am so frightened for him, Dru. I know he’s done this before—but that was different because I didn’t learn about it until after.”

Drusilla knew exactly what she meant.

“I believe he’s more skilled than Visel, but mistakes and accidents do happen and . . .” She swallowed a sob. “Lord, I’m just so afraid for him.”

So was Drusilla, but she didn’t think admitting to her fear would help matters. She opened her mouth to soothe her friend, but Eva was not finished.

“I can’t stand the thought of him being there alone.”