Free The Rebel Heir by Elizabeth Michels Page B

afternoon only to lose that favor by the evening. The memory of that summer had even led Evangeline to betray her own sister last year.
    She couldn’t survive her mother’s wrath again. She would simply have to be perfect. Reaching such an ideal meant staying well away from Lord Crosby and acting just as her mother instructed her to act. If being unblemished in every detail of life kept her safe, then that was what she would do.
    â€œThis family barely recovered from that ordeal,” her mother continued.
    â€œI know, Mother.” Evangeline dipped her chin in apology. “I won’t disappoint you again.”
    â€œI should hope not!” Her mother’s brows threatened to touch her hairline. “You almost destroyed us all. Imagine living without funding for society events.”
    Evangeline remained silent. She’d learned long ago to not interrupt when her mother wished to relive that terrible summer. It had been an awful idea she’d had that day, one that she’d regretted ever since… Not that her remorse mattered. She’d only thought of being rid of Great-Aunt Mildred for the remainder of the summer. The woman had been awful to everyone around, but mostly Sue and her… Not that her justifications mattered either. The only thing that mattered was her great-aunt’s withdrawal of her support for quite some time before her father had sorted things out. Evangeline had been a silly girl then and had acted without thought, something she couldn’t afford to do today.
    Her mother made it clear on every available occasion that Evangeline would never be forgiven for that infraction against the family, and if she set one toe out of line again, she would no longer be welcome in their home. Evangeline lived within that harsh reality, but this year she would find a husband. Perhaps she wouldn’t be able to put a toe out of line with him either, but at least she could maintain a clean record with him. It would be a fresh beginning.
    Last night had been a mistake. In truth, every encounter with Lord Crosby had been a mistake. She would steer clear of that man from now on. She must. Unlike last year, he could take his false name, thieving ways, and questionable intentions and leave town without a backward glance. She would be here not giving him a further thought.
    Some other gentleman—like her mother’s choice, Lord Winfield—was where her focus would remain. Other gentlemen weren’t cloaked in mystery. Mystery was for the horrid novels Isabelle liked to read, not for Evangeline. She liked fact—straightforward, proper fact. And Lord Crosby was anything but straightforward. Which was why she wouldn’t be thinking of him ever again—beginning now.
    â€œThe blue gown for tonight, I believe,” her mother mused as the parlor door opened.
    The third new maid in the last week brought in the tea. She wouldn’t last long, based on the cheerful look on her face. Clearly she hadn’t been warned about the lady of the house. Life in this home wasn’t for the faint of heart.
    â€œTea, my ladies.” She practically sang her words.
    Evangeline tensed at the storm she sensed brewing even as she fought to contain a smile. It was a welcome breath of air to see a smile within these walls.
    â€œWhat is your name?” her mother asked as she eyed the now-blushing young maid.
    â€œJane. Today is my first day, and I greatly look forward to working in such a prestigious home.”
    â€œThat much is true,” her mother stated.
    Flattery. Perhaps this maid would survive the week.
    â€œI included some biscuits and cakes with your tea. The kitchen is filled with their delicious scent. Your cook has truly outdone herself. I thought you might enjoy them.”
    Or perhaps this maid wouldn’t survive the hour. Cakes and biscuits? Her mother couldn’t abide large amounts of food, let alone sweets.
    Evangeline turned her most gracious