Page 42 of One of Six

"Make no plans for tomorrow.The day is dedicated to your mother," Richard says.

I tilt my head and look at him. I'm not sure what he thinks I'm going to say or do, but nothing polite comes to mind. So, I concentrate on my breakfast.

Something is going on with Evelyn too. She's not herself today and I haven't been able to get her alone. I know she's friends with Maggie Redd, so maybe Essex's mother has talked to Evelyn about me. I wouldn't blame her. But Evelyn knows me. I wince. She also knows Richard.

"I'm busy at the office today. What are you up to?" Richard raises an eyebrow.

Surprised, I say, “Violet's coming over after breakfast. We'll go for a walk. Maybe spend some time in town. I'm not sure about anything else."

Richard nods. "Violet's a good girl." He doesn't say anything more, and then he's gone without another word.

Evelyn looks into the dining room, and I smile. "He's gone."

"I know." She hovers, and I frown. "You can talk to me, Evelyn. Did Richard say anything to you?"

She shakes her head. "What's going on with you and Essex Redd?"

I pause with a slice of toast halfway to my mouth. "I'm falling in love with him," I give her my honest answer.

"Oh, Beatrice." Evelyn takes the chair next to me and holds my hand. "If you care about him, you must stop seeing him. Your father will have him for breakfast if he finds out, and we both know he will."

I watch her carefully and pull my hand away. "Maggie asked you to talk to me, didn't she?"

Evelyn drops her eyes. "She's worried about her boys."

"They're men, Evelyn." I sigh. "I don't blame her for worrying. If Richard tries anything, I will not be silent... Essex spoke to me about it last night. He's helping me with something." Tears sting my eyes as I say, "I love you, Evelyn, but for your own safety you need to start looking for a new job."

She gasps in surprise.

"You have to know it's not safe." I grab her hands. "I'm not staying here, Evelyn. I want you to find a safer job. Promise me you'll look for one."

"I promise," she whispers, tears in her eyes. Just then the doorbell rings throughout the house.

"That will be Violet... Please be careful, Evelyn."

She nods as I open the door. Violet jumps in full of energy. She has no idea where we are going. Essex had left me a message that our rides are waiting. I just hope Violet is trustworthy.

"I was surprised to get your call. But I'm glad. It's so much better than having to stay home with mom. She's busy arranging dishes and stuff on the new sideboards." She wiggles her eyebrows. "They're awesome!"

I roll my eyes. "The furniture or the men who built them?"

"Both," she giggles and gives me a wink.

I shake my head, laughing. "What time does your mom expect you home?"

"Dinner, so I guess between six and seven."

Satisfied with my decision to include her, I slip my arm through hers and walk into the kitchen.

Evelyn looks at us, so I offer, "We'll go. We'll be back before dinner."

Evelyn nods and goes back to stirring the pot on the stove. "Keep your phone with you. I'll send you a message if your dad gets back early."

"I will." We walk out the back, and I feel Evelyn watching us as we cross the lawn. I also feel Violet's curiosity. "I'm trusting you with everything I hold dear today," I say quietly. "You can't say a word to anyone. No matter what happens, Violet. You must stay strong. Can you promise me that?" We're hiding by the oak trees as I bring her to a stop and face her.

"I don't know what you're talking about, but I promise your secret is safe with me." She grabs my hand. "I promise."

I give her a quick hug and say, "Wait here for a few minutes. I have to get something." I run to my hiding place, only looking behind me twice.

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