Page 104 of Impeccable
“We are honored to help,” the duke said gruffly.
Evie looked to Gregory. “Before you arrived, the duke explained that he works with a group of gentlemen who help Frenchmen find their missing families here in England. He has been filling a space following the death of another member—your father. Did you know anything about that?”
Gregory’s eyes widened briefly. “A little. I believe he mentioned it once, but I didn’t even think of it when you told me of your family.”
“Why would you?” Evie asked. “We thought my father was dead.”
Gregory turned to the duke. “You asked Lucien her father’s name the other day. You somehow made the connection between this man and her. I don’t mind telling you how shocked I am to hear you would do this. Pleasantly so, but still shocked.”
“I don’t have to explain myself to you,” Evesham said with considerable hauteur.
“No, you do not. Whatever your reasons, I am most grateful. You should tell Lucien about this.”
The duke wrinkled his nose briefly, which told Evie all she needed to know—he didn’t want Lucien to hear of it. “I suppose you will.”
“You couldn’t stop me,” Gregory vowed, and Evie had never loved him more. “One of these days, the two of you are going to have to show each other the best of yourselves.”
The duke turned his attention to Evie’s father. “I’ll have your things taken out to Lord Gregory’s coach, which I presume is outside.”
“It is,” Gregory said. “Thank you. This is the best wedding gift we could have received.”
“You’re truly getting married?” the duke asked.
“Yes.” Gregory offered his hand to the duke. “I trust we have your support?”
Evesham glanced at Evie, then back to Gregory. He emitted a low growl—a sound Lucien sometimes made—and shook Gregory’s hand. Then he took himself off.
“I see he’s conflicted about supporting me,” Evie said.
“Why is that?” her father asked.
Evie’s heart clenched. “I have so much to tell you, Papa. Not all of it is good, I’m afraid. I hope you will still look at me with love when Heloise and I have told you about our lives.”
“Of course I will, ma fille. I could never love you any less. You and your sister are my heart. I only wish your mother were here to see how you’ve grown. You are the fulfillment of the dreams we had together.”
Evie was going to cry again, but she suspected she was going to be a watering pot for some time. Between Gregory’s love and discovering her father was alive, she was beyond grateful.
She took her father’s arm and started toward the door. Gregory moved to walk just behind them. “Papa, I can’t wait for you to see Heloise and meet her husband, Alfred. He is so kind and clever. You will also meet their son, Henry.”
“I have a grandson?” Now tears fell from his eyes.
Gregory thrust a handkerchief into his hand.
“You do.” Evie squeezed his arm as they continued on. “You also have a grand-dog, whom you will meet in the coach.”
“A grand-dog?” He sounded perplexed.
Evie laughed. At the top of the stairs, she turned her head to look at Gregory. “Will you mind if we make a quick stop before we leave town?”
“I think we must.”
She nodded. There needed to be a conversation with Lucien, and it couldn’t wait.
Chapter21
Reynolds, Lucien’s fearsome butler, narrowed his eyes slightly at Gregory and Evie. “His lordship has not yet risen.”
“I realize it’s early,” Evie said, giving him a smile that should have made him want to do anything she asked. “However, we are on our way out of town, and we have urgent information for Lord Lucien. He won’t mind that you wake him.”
