Free Midsummer Eve at Rookery End by Elizabeth Hanbury Page A

hissed Mrs Leighton. “Lord Shaftesbury, if word of this assignation gets out, my daughter’s reputation will be ruined. You must rectify the situation in the only way possible – by marrying Eve.”
    “But Mama, that is not fair! She will be a marchioness—” began Lydia, until Mrs Leighton waved her impatiently to silence.
    Still looking amused, the Marquess said, “Madam, having had the pleasure of conversing with Miss Leighton, I must—”
    “Shaftesbury!”
    Conversation came to a halt as Lady Draycott’s furious cry rent the night air.
    “Where have you been? I declare I am chilled to the bone! Having arranged to meet me in the Greek temple, it is shameful behaviour on your part to keep me waiting, my lord!” Bristling with indignation, Celeste Draycott marched over, giving the Leightons a dismissive glance.
    Eve watched her mother, whose change in expression was so sudden as to be comical. Her mouth had fallen open in disbelief and her eyes had nearly started out of her head following Lady Draycott’s appearance. She could no longer hope to claim the Marquess intended to meet Eve when he had clearly arranged to meet Lady Draycott instead.
    “My apologies, Lady Draycott, but, as you see, I had completely forg— That is, something occurred to keep me from our appointment,” he said. “Allow me to take my leave of these ladies and I will explain everything.”
    He bowed to Mrs Leighton and Lydia before turning to Eve.
    He kissed her hand and then gave her a wry little glance, saying sadly, “I suspect that your opinion of me has changed now, my dear.”
    Eve shook her head. “No, sir,” she said with quiet authority. “And it never will. I still think you the best of men.”
    Affronted, Mrs Leighton stared at Lord Shaftesbury and Lady Draycott. “Well! It seems there is nothing more to be said. I wish you good evening, sir! We are returning to the more convivial company in the ballroom.” She pursed her lips in disapproval, put up a hand to straighten her turban and strode off, urging Lydia to hurry.
    Drawing the cloak about her, Eve turned to follow. Then she paused and looked over her shoulder at the Marquess. Lady Draycott was already threading her arm through his, but he was watching Eve.
    Unsure how to respond, she gave a wistful half-smile before walking back to the house.

-4-
     
     
     
     
    “What a disastrous evening,” wailed Mrs Leighton, as their carriage rumbled slowly down the driveway and away from Rookery End. “The Earl of Halstead failed to come up to scratch and propose to Lydia, and you let a Marquess slip through your grasp, Eve!”
    “Mama, I have told you three times – there was never the slightest danger of the Marquess proposing,” explained Eve wearily. “He did not arrange to meet me. He did me a great service, for which I will always be grateful.”
    “However you came to be with him by the lake, you should have made the most of the opportunity!”
    “I will not coerce a man into marriage.”
    “You are a deal too nice in your requirements, my girl,” snapped Mrs Leighton. “Don’t blame me if you end up an old maid!”
    “Well, I am glad he did not offer for Eve,” said Lydia. “How embarrassing if she had secured a marquess when I could not catch a mere earl. Besides, Shaftesbury is a notorious rake – I might be able to manage a man like that, but Eve could not.”
    “I would not wish to manage him, only to love him,” said Eve, staring out of the carriage window. “Despite his reputation, he seemed lonely.”
    Lydia tittered and rolled her eyes. “Nonsense, Eve! A rake cannot be lonely and they rarely change their ways. They have no heart.”
    “No, I suppose not,” murmured Eve.
    While her mother and sister began discussing the next move in their quest to find Lydia a rich and titled husband, Eve contemplated her future.
    As soon as she had found a suitable post, she would pack her bags. Life would not be easy from now on, but what other