say. Worse, I come from Ireland, that God-forsaken land where only the lowliest of savages dwell.”
“Now, now, I have no wish to insult you.”
“I am sure you don’t, yet I don’t hear you denying what I just said.”
“The facts remain,” the Marquess stated firmly. “My son will soon inherit a vast estate. Surely you can see he must have a wife of impeccable breeding, not to mention unimpeachable propriety.”
She asked incredulously, “Are you implying there’s something wrong with my propriety?”
“I have heard the rumors.”
“About... Montague?” His nod caused her to fling out her hands in simple despair. “I did not, in any way, cause the death of your son, but you won’t believe that, will you?”
He squeezed his eyes shut a moment. She could see this horrid scene was as difficult for him as it was for her. In a deadly calm voice he said, “I wish you no harm, Miss O’Fallon, but the fact remains you are not... of our element. Please, I beg of you, do not marry Thomas.”
She stood, stunned and sickened, her pride telling her there was only one course she could follow. “You have won, sir. Rest assured, I shall not marry your son.”
* * *
Thomas was surprised to see Evleen coming down the staircase. There was only one reason for her to be upstairs—she had been talking to his father. He felt a flicker of apprehension which turned to consternation when he saw her stricken face. He asked quickly, “What is wrong, Evleen?”
“Nothing’s wrong.”
“Of course there’s something wrong. Come, let us talk. I think the library is empty.”
“No.” Eyes cold and proud, she backed away. “We’ll be having no need to talk, not now, not ever.”
He was thunderstruck. “But see here—”
“It won’t work, Thomas.” She laughed bitterly. “Funny, isn’t it? My mother wanted me to find a rich, titled Englishman. Well, now you are one, and much too good for a poor Irish peasant girl like me. Goodbye, Lord Thomas... oh, no, excuse me, it’s Lord Eddington now, isn’t it? Saints preserve us, you’re a future Marquess. Pardon me if I don’t curtsey, but I’m Irish so I don’t know how.”
“You’re being ridiculous.” He reached out to her. “Please, we need to talk.”
“I have nothing more to say.” The gaze she leveled on him was full of anger, despair, and pride. “I am going home to Ireland, the sooner the better.” She turned and hastened away.
Thomas watched wordlessly, knowing to go after her now would be sheer folly while she was in her current mood. Papa. Thomas could guess what the Marquess had said to her, but he needed to know exactly what transpired. Driven by urgency, he sprang up the stairway but came to an abrupt halt at the top. He must calm himself before he faced his father. Otherwise, God knew what might happen when he discovered what cruel words the Marquess had employed to offend and enrage the only woman in this world he had ever loved.
* * *
Home to Ireland!
The words rang in Evleen’s head as she slipped from Northfield Hall without so much as a goodbye, and on foot hastened the short distance to Aldershire Manor. Despite all the grief of these past few days—Montague’s death, the lies that were told, and now this last horrible insult from the Marquess—her heart lifted at the thought she was going home.
Patrick would stay, of course. She had done her best to change his arrogant attitude, and hoped she had. How she would miss him! Still, he was better off with his grandfather than he’d ever be in County Clare.
She would leave tomorrow, quietly, with as little fanfare as possible. As for Thomas, she hoped he understood she was going home, that nothing could stop her and that she never would return to England.
When she arrived at Aldershire Manor, she was met by Pierce, the elderly butler, who asked if he could speak to her alone.
“It’s the young master, Miss. You asked me to tell you if there were any further problems. Boys will be boys, and I hate to complain, but we’ve had another incident where he’s treated one of the servants abominably. If it were only me, I would not say a word, but when he yells at a young footman who was only trying to please, it’s quite out of line.”
“Thank you, Pierce. You needn’t say another word. The matter will be taken care of.”
That settled it. She would not return alone to Ireland. She would take Patrick with