Page 105 of Impeccable
The butler narrowed his eyes even more, so they were barely more than slits. It seemed clear he was not in agreement. He frowned at Evie. “If anyone else were asking, I’d say no.”
“As you should.” Evie preceded Gregory into the entry hall. “We’ll just wait in Lucien’s study. Please tell him we need to be quick.”
This made the butler’s brows practically fly off his forehead. He closed the door and took himself off.
“I hate leaving Papa in the coach,” Evie said.
“It’s best for Ash.” Gregory laughed. “He was not looking forward to being left alone again. Besides, I don’t think Henri minded.”
“He didn’t, did he?” she murmured, her eyes glowing with a warmth and happiness that he hoped would always be there.
Once they were in Lucien’s study, Gregory took one of the chairs while Evie paced. She glanced at Gregory, her brow puckered. “Perhaps we shouldn’t have come.”
“Lucien should know what his father did.”
She paused in the middle of the room. “I agree, but we could have waited until we returned.”
“That will be several weeks from now. It’s best if we do it today.”
Nodding, she resumed her pacing for a few more minutes before abandoning the endeavor and sitting near Gregory. “Do you think it’s possible the duke decided to step in after your father died because he was inspired by Lucien’s kindness?”
“I couldn’t say. Their relationship seems rather contentious.” On the short ride from Evesham House, Gregory had told her about the visit he’d paid to Lucien the other day when his father had interrupted. He had not, however, told her what the duke had said about her.
“Yes.” She exhaled. “I doubt it’s that, but it would have been nice for Lucien.”
Gregory touched her hand. “I think it’s still nice for Lucien.”
“What’s nice for me?” Lucien strolled into the study wearing a banyan, his hair unkempt and his jaw shadowed.
“We’re sorry to intrude at such an early hour,” Evie said.
“And yet, here you are.” Lucien smiled blandly as he flopped into his favorite chair. “You have good news?”
“I think so,” Evie said, a smile teasing her mouth. “The most amazing thing has happened. My father is alive.”
Lucien bolted upright. “What?”
“He was in a prison in France and was recently released. A group of men here in England help people like him—those who are seeking family here.”
“After all this time… How did he manage to find you?”
Evie scooted forward to the edge of her chair. “That’s the most astonishing part. This group of men actually included Gregory’s father until he died.” She glanced toward Gregory. “Someone else stepped into his place, and he arranged for my father to meet me this morning. Lucien, it was your father.”
Lucien stared at her in silence. Eventually, his eyes narrowed, and he gripped the arms of his chair. His jaw tightened, and he pressed his lips together.
“Isn’t this marvelous?” Evie asked. “I confess I was shocked. I still am, really. We wanted you to know straightaway.”
“That sanctimonious ass!” Lucien vaulted from the chair and stalked to the fireplace. He braced his hand on the mantel and looked into the fire. “How dare he?”
Evie looked to Gregory, who wasn’t entirely certain how to react. “How dare he…help?” Gregory asked.
Lucien pushed away from the mantel and whipped around, his features taut and angry. “How dare he take me to task for helping others. Then he goes and doesthis.”
“Perhaps you inspired him,” Evie suggested, repeating what she’d told Gregory in a hopeful tone.
Snorting, Lucien sent her a sarcastic glower. “You know that isn’t likely.”
“What other reason could there be?” Gregory asked.
