Evelyn's Promise (A More Perfect Union Series Book 4) Read online

  "My apologies." Benjamin lifted his shoulders and let them fall back into place. "Emily's brothers, Ethan, Luke, and Bill."

  Evelyn bobbed her head, one brow raised as she laid a hand on the tabletop. "They have King Midas' touch. Everything they try, even if it appears it will fail, turns into a profitable endeavor."

  Nathaniel contemplated Evelyn, awed by her animated features, her elegant hand laying so close to his, as well as her allusion to the ancient king. Midas had been able to turn anything into gold by a simple touch. Unfortunately, his talent applied to his food as well, which must have made eating problematic. Evelyn's fingers rested inches from where he held his mug, tempting in their undeniable attraction. He shouldn't indulge in his desire, but the temptation proved more powerful than his will. He released his grip, moving his hand toward hers. Would she permit him to clasp her hand?

  Closer, ever closer his fingers moved toward hers, until she glanced at him and lowered her hand into her lap. Denying him the delight of making contact. He inclined his head in brief acknowledgement of her opinion of his action. He swallowed a gulp of ale, determined to assume an aloof and disinterested demeanor.

  "I look forward to making their acquaintance." Nathaniel gripped his mug with both hands, ensuring he couldn't indulge his whims.

  "I understand Luke is thinking of starting a stable from a pair of my father's horses." Amy made circles with one finger on the tablecloth. "They've chosen well, I believe."

  "What is their aim?" Benjamin asked. "A racing stable or something else?"

  "Yes, racing. He's chosen a proven blooded stallion and a refined mare to begin a new line." Amy folded her hands together in her lap. "I'm sure he'll bring his brothers into the endeavor over time."

  "He'll need money to build a new stable, so they'll be looking for employment as well." Benjamin glanced at Frank and then to Nathaniel.

  "So it's a good thing I took your offer when I did." Nathaniel grinned in Frank's direction. "With so few opportunities in town, I mean."

  A fiddler struck up a tune in the far corner of the tavern, his bow moving quickly in the glow from the lamps placed around the walls. The jig soon had several couples up and dancing to the lively music. Spectators clapped along to the beat as the couples formed circles.

  "What offer?" Evelyn regarded him with raised brows.

  Frank slapped Nathaniel on the back. "He's going to take over setting the type for the press."

  "So you will be staying in town for a while." Evelyn nodded to herself and sipped her wine.

  What was she thinking behind her shuttered expression? Did she approve his choice? Nathaniel couldn't tell. Why should it matter whether she approved or not? He didn't want to seek the answer to his own question. "For six months as things stand now."

  "What then?" Amy leaned forward to pluck a roasted pecan from the bowl in the center of the table.

  Nathaniel shrugged, reaching for a nut as well. "I don't know yet. But by the passage of six months, I intend to have a plan for my future."

  "I'd expect you could establish a path forward by then without fail." Evelyn sipped her wine, her gaze drifting over the group.

  "In fact, I have the glimmerings of one in mind already." Nathaniel aimed a smile in her direction. His heart raced as a sudden idea entered his thoughts. "Perhaps you'd help me sort out my options?"

  She inclined her head with a smile. "I'd be honored to assist any way I can if it shall hasten you on your way."

  He guffawed, attracting the attention of the tavern's patrons. Swiping tears from his eyes, he shook his head. "My dear Lyn, you have no idea how much I enjoy your wit."

  She quirked a brow and lifted her chin. "It is my pleasure to help you succeed in your quest."

  Benjamin slapped a hand to the table and laughed. "You two make such a charming couple, especially with your jesting of each other."

  "Who is joking?" Evelyn shot a look at Benjamin with a lift of one brow and laughter in her eyes.

  Amy chuckled as she placed a hand to her chest. "You're slaying me. Stop so I can breathe."

  Nathaniel glanced from one to another and then finally considered Evelyn's mirthful countenance for several seconds. He'd gladly take her up on the offer of assistance in order to enjoy her company and convince her to enjoy his. All while maintaining his distance, of course. "Your help will indeed be appreciated, likely more than you can fathom."

  Chapter 3

  After supper at McCrady's, Nathaniel elected to walk back to the Abernathy town home. His friends had protested, of course, but he'd held firm. After all, if he permitted himself to be confined so close to the woman, his will would break down and he'd do or say something they would both regret. With every move, utterance, and most definitely her smile, he'd been drawn to her like a moth attracted by the heat and light of a candle flame. What would she feel like when he touched her? He huffed. He would not touch her. That path led to his ultimate destruction. No, far better for him to keep his own company, let his desires for her cool with each stride along the dirt and sand street on a cold winter evening. Evelyn, Emily, and Amy had finally climbed into the open carriage with Benjamin and Frank for the drive back to their respective houses.

  The windows of the houses he passed glowed with the soft flickering light of candles. Smoke drifted up from the chimneys to mix in the darkening sky. Stars sparkled above, their silent observation comforting and familiar. He pondered the people inside, wondering about their lives and their hopes. Each must have some path they expected to walk in life. But what obstacles would they face and how well might they meet the challenges? How would he?

  He'd become maudlin and shook his head, chuckling at his wayward imaginings. Evelyn would never fall into such musings and probably would not approve of him doing so either. He tripped on a tree root, regaining his balance through a series of stumbles and hops, arms outstretched to either side. When he came to a halt, he laughed at himself. So much for his serious thoughts.

  He resumed his stroll, hands clasped behind his back. An elderly couple made their way toward him, arms intertwined as they walked side by side. Her dark bonnet and long cloak shielded her from the wintery night, a smile on her weathered face. Her escort likewise had dressed to face the cold air of their evening amble, a tricorne hat pulled down over his gray hair. Would he ever again have a wife, one to grow old with and cherish? Nathaniel had once hoped to do so with his deceased wife, but what now? He tipped his hat as they caught up to him and then passed.

  Evelyn's pretty smile and restrained laugh came to his mind. As much as he enjoyed her company, he did not fathom where his future might take him. Would it be wrong to wish to explore whether he might have a future with Evelyn? Given his attraction to her, every aspect of the woman, wouldn't he be doing himself a disservice to not find out?

  His steps died as the realization struck. Other residents passed by him, on their way to their homes for the night. Still, he stood in one place, blinking as his thoughts spun. Perhaps he had found his future without knowing it had slapped him on the forehead. Wiggling into his heart with the ease of a worm in mud. An idea worth considering as a minimum. Humming, he continued at a trot in the direction of his lodgings, eager to discover the truth.

  A house slave admitted him into the home with a brief exchange of pleasantries, resplendent in the Abernathy livery. Chatter echoed down the main hall from the parlor, where the family had apparently gathered for an after dinner beverage. Evelyn's laughter had him hurrying toward the sound. A few strides from the open door, he slowed to a halt.

  Torn between an urgent longing and an iron will, he concentrated on dragging in a deep breath and easing it out over several beatings of his heart. He needed to contemplate his next move. Needed to consider what his heart desired from all angles before he embarked on attempting to engage in any type of romantic relationship with the woman chuckling on the other side of the wall where he stood in a quandary.

  He spun on his heel and went to the library at
the other end of the passage, where a cot had been set up for his use. Lucille Abernathy had apologized for the temporary bed, explaining they only had two rooms dedicated for sleeping. One she and Richard occupied, and the other Evelyn and her son occupied. So they had set aside the library to serve the purpose. He closed the door to the room, and perused the contents.

  Floor to ceiling bookcases were spaced along three of the four walls, each packed with books with titles on their rigid spines. Between the cases on the outside wall, two windows overlooked the dormant garden on the outside of the house. His cot, complete with a sweet hay stuffed pillow and a warm blanket, waited for its occupant. A round table stood at one side, a pitcher of water and an urn centered on top. A small bowl held a piece of soap, while a folded towel waited for his nightly ablutions. Nearby, a crackling fire, with wisps of red and yellow flame popping and snapping in the brick firebox, sent sparks drifting up the chimney. The fourth wall served as a frame for a collection of comfortable chairs and a cherry wood table in the center. A pleasant space in which to while away time reading from the many fascinating tomes, not that he expected to have time to read all of them. Or even many.

  He removed his cloak, and draped it over one of the chairs. He took his time preparing for bed, thoughts whirling and spinning in his mind. One lingered for several breaths, and he tried it on much like a nightshirt. Slipping into it and tugging it in place, wrapping himself in the possibility. He smiled to himself when he realized it suited, as though made for him by an expert tailor.

  Chapter 4

  Bolts and swatches of sumptuous fabrics tempted Evelyn's touch. Her aunt's upstairs parlor teemed with women discussing the merits and uses of each. Several tables had been brought in and topped with the array of choices. She'd not had a new gown in several years, between the constraints of her miserly husband and the ravages of the war. But now, mayhap she'd indulge in the luxury of a beautiful dress. Anticipation thrilled through her, making her hands tremble with eagerness.

  Across the room, a debate escalated in volume as to which laces and ribbons to purchase and from where. Some argued for ordering them from Philadelphia or New York, others from distant countries. Evelyn preferred to buy from American merchants, but the latest fashions could only be obtained from overseas countries. How long would it take for American fashions to overtake those from France and England? She indulged in a short laugh. Probably not in her lifetime.

  Amy strolled up and stopped beside her, reaching out to finger an azure silk with silver threads woven through at intervals. "Gorgeous, isn't it?"

  "Dare I dream of a gown in such a sumptuous color?" Evelyn sidled away from the table burdened with bolts of cloth.

  "Of course. Mother ordered these from France and China months ago in anticipation of needing to freshen our dresses." Amy tugged Evelyn closer to the table and handed her the bolt of fabric in question. "You'll be beautiful wearing this."

  Evelyn hugged the cloth close to her chest and studied her sister's beaming visage. "I do love it. Perhaps with a lemon yellow skirt? What do you think?"

  Amy squeezed Evelyn's shoulders. "I think no matter what you wear, you'll please Nathaniel."

  Startled, Evelyn gaped at her. "What do you mean?"

  Had she given the man the wrong impression? She didn't want to mislead him, to cause him to think he had any possibility of succeeding in his pursuit. She'd grown accustomed to hiding her truth, as well as the strength of will she managed to contain in order to survive a brutal marriage. Since death had freed her from the marriage contract, she'd begun to permit herself to be strong for her son and herself. The relief at no longer having to subdue her responses to ameliorate a volatile situation made her realize how oppressed she'd been. Never again.

  Amy chuckled. "I have eyes, my dear. He's besotted, acting as though he'd like nothing more than to observe your every movement."

  "You're mistaken, surely." But was she? Nathaniel had seemed to be looking at her each time she glanced at him the day before at McCrady's. She'd thought he was merely being considerate, but Amy's revelation made her rethink her supposition. "He's only recently arrived in town."

  "Love at first sight does not take long." Amy folded her arms and continued to smile at Evelyn. She canted her head. "Do you like him?"

  "He's a polite gentleman." Evelyn didn't want to love any one. Not yet. But if she were to change her mind, she could envision falling for someone like Nathaniel. "I'm not interested. It's too soon, and I have to support my son."

  Amy frowned. "Marrying would help in that regard."

  "I know, but I want time to find the right man." Evelyn sighed and squared her shoulders, shifting the bolt of cloth to angle across her body. In truth, if her inappropriate and undesired reaction to him meant anything, her body seemed to think she may have already found him, but the timing proved sorely inconvenient. "In the meanspace, I think I have struck upon a prospect of providing for myself and my son without needing a husband."

  "How do you plan to do that?" Amy's raised brows signaled her curiosity.

  Dare she speak aloud her idea? "What if I rebuild the manor house but add on several dedicated rooms for a boarding school?"

  Amy took a step back, and peered at Evelyn. "That's brilliant. You'd make an excellent teacher."

  Evelyn grinned as she rocked side to side. Her sister's enthusiasm bolstered her confidence in the spontaneous idea. "I've spent years reading all of the books in Walter's library. Everything from history to government to famous artists."

  Behind Amy, Emily strode into the room and hurried over to where Evelyn and Amy stood chatting. She seemed frazzled and out of breath, but a happy demeanor suggested despite her appearance, she'd been having a fine day.

  "There you are." Emily sidled up to join their conversation with a long sigh. "Young Mr. Elfe continues to vex me with his lack of understanding of my intent. I'm beginning to think he is working for my father to prevent me from opening my shop."

  "Uncle Joshua isn't very supportive of your desire to run a business, is he?" Amy shook her head slowly. "At least Frank doesn't mind. And he continues to publish your essays."

  Emily shuffled through the bolts of fabric. "Frank's most definitely on my side in this debate."

  "I'm glad to hear your husband supports your endeavors." Evelyn laid the blue silk among the others on the table. "By the way, your last essay proved highly controversial at our dinner table."

  "Which one? The need for education for every child?" Emily fingered a gold taffeta with reverence. "Or the one suggesting that men should be more involved in their children's lives?"

  Evelyn shook her head, glancing at Amy before focusing on Emily. "Let's see, I think it was 'Reasons for Women to Speak Their Minds.'"

  Amy chortled and clapped her hands twice. "Father nearly had an apoplexy."

  The three women laughed together, finally subduing their merriment after the other women all turned to stare at them.

  "What were you speaking about when I walked up?" Emily tilted her head and regarded Evelyn, turning away from the tempting silks and brocades. "You seemed pretty intense."

  "Guess what my sister has decided to do." Amy fairly hopped in her eagerness. "Evelyn is going to open a boarding school."

  Emily turned shocked eyes to regard Evelyn. "Where? In town?"

  Evelyn lifted the blue silk again to hold in front of her stomach, reluctant to risk another woman choosing it before she laid claim. Having only minutes ago chosen to start a school, the details evaded her. She hesitated to collect her scattered thoughts. "I'll rebuild my estate. I already own the property, and there is plenty of space to enlarge the building to include room for, say, ten girls."

  Emily hugged Evelyn, squashing the cloth between them. "I love your idea. If I can assist in any way, please let me know."

  "I suppose the first step is to sketch out a design for the house." Evelyn let her gaze drift over the gathering of women bedecked in a variety of colorful gowns. Being with her fri
ends and family again filled her heart with pleasure. But her future surely lay in the country on the property she'd come to think of as her real home. In spite of the unsettling memories of Walter, she'd make the attempt to turn the place into a fine abode. She and Jim would hopefully be happy there. "Then I'll need to find men to build the house."

  "Oh! My brothers might be able to help with the construction." Emily ran her fingers over a bolt of brocade. "They said they were looking for something to do to earn a bit of money for their next joint venture."

  "Do you think they'd be interested in building a manor house, though?" Evelyn peered at Emily, hope surging in her breast. Now that she'd struck upon a viable course of action, she saw no need to delay making her vision a reality. "I can pay them a little bit, but I don't have much myself."

  "Perhaps we can barter part of the costs," Amy suggested.

  Evelyn, once again shocked into silence, gazed upon her sister for several moments. Had she heard correctly? "We?"

  "You don't think you're going into this venture alone, do you?" Amy chuckled and refolded her arms. "I want to help, too."

  Evelyn dropped the bolt of cloth onto the table and hugged first her sister and then her cousin. Stepping back, she grinned at them both. "Well, what are we waiting for?"

  Chapter 5

  Rays of sunlight shafted onto the oriental carpet in the sitting room. Evelyn held a sketch book on her lap, a pencil poised above the drawing of the house she worked to design. The mingled sound of birds singing, men shouting, and conveyances rumbling past the house floated through the partially open window. Enough of a gap to help her breathe more easily. A day like any other, and yet an urgency compelled Evelyn's focus on her personal mission. Studying the picture, she pondered what was lacking.

  The shape and size of the building pleased her: two stories with tall rectangular windows flanking the front door. The vision of the interior came into her mind, with rooms designated for music and dining below as well as several bedrooms on the upper floor. She'd add a stone or brick kitchen out the back door to reduce the chance of fire destroying the house again. Doodling, she drew in some bushes and flowers, then erased them as she'd done an imperfect job. She pondered the page for several seconds before she knew what she'd forgotten.