Chapter 33

The house was rid of Evangeline Mirabeau long before breakfast was even set. Someone had seen to her early departure, and the rest of the house was none the wiser as to who it was. It would seem that, having played her role, she had wisely chosen to leave lest she still be around when Blankenship's men arrived. The relief among the lords was tangible. Breakfast became a cheery affair, and despite Emily's plans to depart, she took advantage of these last few hours with her friends. For they were just that. She'd miss Ashton mothering over the others. She'd miss Lucien's attempts to hide behind his newspaper while teasing the others. She wouldn't get to fish or hunt with Cedric, nor listen to Charles's outlandish tales.

And Godric She would miss life with him, but she had no choice.

"Toast, Emily?" Charles offered a plate of toast as it came her way, breaking through her dark thoughts.

"Why, thank you, Charles," she said.

"You're welcome." The earl winked, and when she fetched a slic