Page 24 of Impeccable
“How could he?” Evie smoothed her hands over her lap. “He proposed an affair because I made it clear I’m not interested in marriage. He would have liked to court me, actually.”
“Oh, Evie,” Heloise whispered, her tone tinged with sadness. “He seems lovely. Why wouldn’t you want him to court you?”
A burst of fury rushed through Evie. “I am not you, and you need to stop thinking I want the same things. I do not want a husband or children or what you think of as security. I have that now—a home, employment, and standing.”
“You’d have a home and perhaps even greater standing as the wife of Lord Gregory,” Heloise said evenly.
Evie stood and paced away from the fireplace. The spike of anger had dwindled—she was often quick to emotion and nearly as quick to let it go. When she turned, she fixed a cool stare on her sister. “I forgot the most important thing I possess: independence. My life is entirely my own, and that’s precisely how I prefer it.”
Heloise exhaled and also got to her feet. “I do understand. I suppose I worry. Don’t bother telling me not to. As your older sister, that is my responsibility.”
“I wouldn’t.” Evie knew Heloise would always be concerned for her. She’d fought so hard against Evie following her into the sex trade. Her plan was to provide for them both so that Evie could find a respectable occupation and hopefully a respectable husband.
“I appreciate that you’ve always looked out for me,” Evie said quietly. “But we’re different.”
Heloise walked slowly toward her. “I know. I wish Nadine hadn’t died.”
“She was old. And sick.” Evie had cared for her, the woman who’d been the only parent to them after their mother had died, ill and heartbroken more than a decade earlier, a few years after they’d escaped from France. Nadine had been their mother’s maid. Skilled with a needle, she’d worked as a seamstress to provide for them, including paying for reading and writing lessons, continuing what their mother had started before she’d died.
“You still sound so dispassionate,” Heloise said sadly. “I know how much losing her hurt you. It hurt me too.”
“You were gone.” Evie didn’t blame her. When Nadine had died, Heloise had already been working a year in a fashionable brothel frequented by Society gentlemen. Soon after that, she was settled in her first arrangement with a protector. Draped in lush gowns and sparkling jewels, she’d enjoyed extravagant food and slept in a large, comfortable bed. She was elegant and happy, basking in a life of ease they’d never known. Perhaps not ease—Heloise had paid a rather high price. Evie had been willing, no eager, to do the same. She looked at her sister without remorse. “I wanted what you had, not what you wanted for me.”
“I know.” A faint smile teased Heloise’s lips. “And here we are.”
“Both of us happy,” Evie said. “I amtrulyhappy. I love my position at the Phoenix Club, and I have so many wonderful friends—plus you and Alfred. And Henry.”
“Now you have Lord Gregory.” Heloise arched a brow, which never failed to make her look enigmatically attractive. It was no wonder she’d found such success as a courtesan. “And a dog.”
“I don’t ‘have’ him,” Evie said. But she could. At least temporarily.
“You want him. He’s offered himself to you. The only thing in your way is you.” Heloise stood before her, hands clasped at her waist. “I can find a vacant cottage for you on the estate in which to meet. We’ll spruce it up so it’s comfortable.”
“You would do that?” Of course she would. Evie shook her head. “Forget I asked that. You are the very best sister.”
“You’re going to say yes? I hope you do. When have you ever taken a man to your bed simply because you wanted to?”
“Never.” With that one word, Evie made her decision. “I will be clear that this will be a limited affair—just so long as we are here for the holidays.”
Heloise cocked her head, her eyes warm with care. “What if you don’t want it to end?”
“It must end.” She shook out her shoulders, glad to have made the decision. A thrilling anticipation raced through her. “I’m taking a trip to the village with him tomorrow. When do you think you can find a cottage?”
“I’ll speak with Alfred about it before bed. I won’t tell him the purpose, and he won’t ask.”
Evie took her sister’s hands. “Thank you. I love you.”
“I love you too.” Heloise embraced her tightly. When they broke apart, she said, “This will be a marvelous time for you. I like Lord Gregory very much. I can’t believe he’s a virgin. I confess I’d like to hear what happens.” She giggled softly and pressed her fingertips to her mouth.
Evie laughed too. As sisters, they shared a great many things. “It will certainly be a first for me.” She was equal parts excited and nervous. Not just because of him, but because this was new territory for her too. It would be a revelation for them both.
Chapter6
The mid-December afternoon was surprisingly sunny. It was also very cold, so Gregory had picked Evie up in a coach instead of the gig. They sat together on the forward-facing seat. At the moment, Ash was standing on Evie’s lap with his front paws braced against the window while he looked out at the passing scenery.
“I think he’d rather be in the gig,” Evie observed with a smile.
Gregory’s breath caught. Did she know how incredibly captivating she was? Even during a mundane conversation about a dog? He looked fondly at Ash. “Only until the breeze picks up and he begins to shiver.”
