Not A Moment Too Soon
Chapter 8
They sat around the enormous maple dinner table without saying nearly a word to each other. Howard glanced over at Evelyn as if noticing her for the first time. She had a beautiful profile: small delicate nose, full pert lips. He felt a stirring in his britches just looking at her. Never before had a woman taken over his senses as Evey was doing to him.
"More biscuits Howard?" Alexander asked, offering a plateful of biscuits to him.
He grabbed one and bit into it. His eyes still focused solely on Evelyn.
"She's quite lovely, isn't she?" Alexander whispered low enough for only Howard to hear.
"Who?"
Alexander looked at him, a smirk on his face, "You know very well who. Lady Evelyn. I've been meaning to ask you, is she spoken for?"
Howard answered quickly, "Yes. I mean, no...not really."
His friend was amused, "Well which is it? Yes or No?"
"Why do you ask? You're not thinking of courting her are you?" Howard asked curiously, a jealous tone to his voice.
"I was considering it. Is there some reason why I shouldn't?" Alexander chided, he could tell that Howard liked her. It was as plain as the nose on his face.
"Do whatever you like." He huffed.
"Perhaps I will." He replied, adding "Unless you have eyes for her. If this is so, I will step aside."
Howard looked shocked, "What makes you think that?"
His friend chuckled in amusement, "I would have to be blind not to see that you are interested in her. I've noticed the way you look at her."
"My goodness you're mad! I don't look at her in any particular way. Let alone her ladyship has taken a strong disliking to me. It would be pointless even if I was interested."Howard explained. That ought to shut him up, he thought to himself.
Alexander held up his hands in defeat, "Alright good friend, calm yourself. I was merely making an observation. Now let's eat, shall we?"
"That's what I've been trying to do." Howard mumbled, nibbling on a chicken leg. How ridiculous a notion! Me interested in her? Ha! He thought to himself. He glanced down toward the other end of the table where Evey was sitting. She looked up from her meal and smiled at him. He felt his heart weaken. Alexander couldn't be right, could he?
****************
"Are you sure you have to leave so soon, my friend?" Howard asked Alexander as he was climbing atop his horse. Dawn was breaking, and Alexander's visit was coming to an end.
"I'm afraid so. There are many English maids awaiting my return to London. I musn't keep them waiting." Alexander grinned. "Take care of that fiesty chit, Howard."
"How many times do I have to tell you Alex, I am not interested in that woman!" He yelled.
Alexander laughed heartily, "Oh no, you have no interest in her at all. Then why do you get so riled at the very mention of it?"
"Because I have a mind of my own, I don't need you placing diluted thoughts into my head."
"Same old Howard, it's good to see you haven't changed. Well, I'm off. Do tell her Ladyship I said goodbye won't you?" He chuckled, spurring his horse into a gallop.
"Why you..." Howard started, but it was too late. His friend was gone.
next