Chapter Text
Two chambermaids tied on their starched aprons in the pale dawn light.
“Morning, Astrid,” the young blonde maid mumbled, stifling a yawn.
“Morning, Maeve,” Astrid said quietly. Suddenly she perked up and looked down the hallway toward the servants’ quarters, making sure no one was within earshot. “Say, have you heard?”
“Heard what?” Maeve’s eyes widened.
“Lady Lea has invited a private guest to her ball,” Astrid whispered. “A man.”
“Ooh!” Maeve clapped quietly. “But who is he?”
“Must be a beau, if I had to guess.”
“But no one knows who he is?”
“That’s just the thing,” Astrid said as she pulled two brooms from the closet and handed one to her friend. “It’s a big secret, isn’t it?”
***
Master Even Bech Næsheim sneezed softly in the warm, steepled attic of Cherrywood House. He was on a search, hunched among the motes of dust suspended in the beams of sunlight filtering through the small, high window. His housekeeper Mrs. Groff had offered to fetch his old traveling trunk, but at her rather advanced age he’d prefer to keep her off the steep attic ladder.
Having located his quarry, he pulled the trunk from its place in the corner as a pleasantly surprising thrill of adventure ran up his spine at the prospect of traveling. Having a bit of an escape seemed an alluring means to lighten his lately somber mood. He couldn’t remember the last time he’d been much excited about anything.
He carefully opened the trunk’s lid, resulting in a resounding creak in the echoey chamber. Mrs. Groff would pack for him if he asked, but he’d like to do it himself. That satisfaction he felt when cracking open his trunk harkened back to his younger, less worrisome days. When he’d set off on what he was certain would be a grand and life changing adventure.
“Life changing,” he muttered to himself, thinking back to the disastrous trip and the life-altering implications of everything that had happened in Italy. A faint smell of dust and mold reached his nose just as Sonja’s voice echoed from the bottom of the ladder.
“What’s this I hear of a journey?” she called up. She was back from town early.
He cleared his throat. “Ah, yes. I was going to tell you at dinner,” he shouted as he began dragging the trunk toward the hatch door. “Elias has asked me along for a trip to Dorset.”
She watched as he wrestled the dusty trunk down the ladder, a hand on her hip, one brow arched.
“Is this really the proper time to go off gallivanting with your friends, Even?” She looked expectant, as if he owed her some kind of explanation.
“I don’t see why not.” He folded the ladder up into the ceiling and the attic door closed with a thump. “I thought it might cheer me up.” He left the trunk in the hall and wandered past her, down the stairs, into the dark wood living room.
She followed close behind, her shoes clicking on the staircase. “I don’t like you going off where I can’t keep an eye on you.”
Even sat on the edge of his favorite armchair. “Sonja, please. We have talked about this. Many times,” he sighed.
“Please, just...will you promise you’ll take care of yourself while you’re away?” He understood her concern, though that did not make it feel any less stifling. “I don’t want you throwing caution to the wind. If something goes wrong—”
“Elias will be there,” he interrupted, expecting this reaction. “I won’t be gone long. Just a jaunt to Greenbriar for a few weeks. It’s nothing, really.”
“I could go with you?” she asked hopefully, and Even felt himself deflate.
“I think Elias would like this to be just us boys this time.” He watched her from the corner of his eye. “You understand. And you have your trip to your parents’ planned, I wouldn’t want to disrupt that.”
“This could really throw you off balance, Even,” she said, crossing her arms. “You know what could happen.”
Even sighed wearily. “I’m a grown man, I can handle myself.”
“And what if you can’t? Can Elias handle you?”
Even closed his eyes and took a calming breath. She was worried, that’s why she was being so snippy. Making her feel bad was the last thing he wanted to do. Meeting her eyes, seeing the concern there, he reached out and her expression softened as she grasped his fingers. He pulled her closer, and she perched herself on his knee.
“You have nothing to worry about with me. I feel perfectly fine. Elias knows me, and can see signs if something begins to…change.” Even had grown skilled at detecting his own shifts in mood, usually sensing when there were possible signs of trouble. Nonetheless it set his mind at ease knowing Elias had been with him through several very trying episodes. Elias understood, more than Sonja gave him credit for. She thought him less responsible than Even knew him to be.
“And Elias will be on his best behavior, he’s trying to impress.” He offered a small smile as he twined his fingers through hers.
“You know I worry,” she said quietly. She brought her hand to the nape of Even’s neck and gently squeezed.
“I’ve been feeling so low for so long,” he said. A well worn topic for them. “I thought this could be good for me. A change of scenery. Meet a few new people.”
Even hadn’t been feeling like himself for ages. This past year hadn’t been the familiar gloom he felt after coming down from one of his highs, but rather a lingering malaise that would not leave him. He felt empty. Restless. Aimless. Useless.
Just…less.
“If it’s the talk of beginning to plan the wedding again, we can always—”
“That’s not what this is,” he said with quiet determination. He hoped she believed him, though a pang of guilty dread ran through his heart.
Sonja knew him inside and out. Even used to consider this a pillar of their long betrothal, that the woman who would someday become his wife could read him like a book. They’d spent many long and harmonious afternoons lazing in the summer sunshine in their youth, vocalizing every passing thought in their minds. Their years together had given both Sonja and Even a profound understanding of one another that Even had always assumed would lead to a perfect marriage between them, when the day finally came.
But slowly an undercurrent of resentment had crept into their relationship. These days, Sonja acted as if she knew Even better than he knew himself, which grated on him. Meanwhile, year after year had passed while they waited for the best time to wed. It was, he thought for the thousandth time, his fault, of course. His recurring episodes had interrupted plans countless times by now. And Sonja, ever the patient and loving fiance, quietly assured their friends and family that the impending nuptials were only just around the corner.
Sonja took very good care of Even, he knew that. But her patience came at a price, which was the constant monitoring of Even’s habits and choices. Lately, more often than not, he felt as if he was suffocating. She was always looking for signs that he was on the brink of madness once again, always waiting to point out how his carelessness would inevitably lead to disaster.
Even knew it was his fault that they hadn’t married when they were 22 as originally intended. Just as he knew it was his fault that their lives had been at a standstill for the five long and trying years since.
She loved him, she cared for him, she put her entire life on hold for him. So why did Even immediately feel relief at the prospect of leaving Sonja behind?
***
Elias Bakkoush was often away from Aylworth for business these days, but he was sympathetic to Even’s recent and prolonged unhappiness, as his closest friend and confidant. So when he galloped unannounced into Cherrywood’s courtyard this morning to propose a trip, Even felt as if some plan to cheer him up was being enacted, though Elias claimed his assistance was needed.
“Even, my dear friend,” Elias cried happily as he smoothly dismounted from his black steed and clapped a gloved hand into Even’s.
Even smiled and pulled him into an embrace, patting the dust from his jacket. “And to what do I owe this pleasure?”
“I come with a proposition. What would you say to a short foray to Greenbriar for a week of luxury and leisure?” Elias tilted his head conspiratorially toward Even.
“Interesting. And what, pray, have you gotten yourself into this time?”
A slow smile spread across Elias’ face.
“Elias,” Even sang, mildly suspicious.
Elias waggled his brows.
“Let me guess. A fair maiden, I presume?” Even smirked as Elias began to nod.
“So fair! Even, my brother, this girl makes all other girls who came before her pale in comparison.”
“I recognize this tune, haven’t I heard it before?”
“Perhaps, perhaps. But this time is different. I’m...” Elias was speechless for a beat too long. “I can’t stop thinking about her.”
Even was charmed by Elias’ ardor. “Different how?”
“Last winter I ran into an old acquaintance in Devon, at a ball held by a mutual friend. You remember the Valtersens?”
“Of course,” Even replied, his curiosity piqued.
Elias grew up several days’ journey south, in the county of Dorset. He hailed from Greenbriar, a coastal town which serviced a very large and stately house called Briarcliff Manor. For years Elias had regaled Even with stories of the house and its inhabitants, the impressive Lord Valtersen, Duke of Dorset, and his wife, Lady Valtersen. Elias’ father had served as a doctor to the family, and the Bakkoushes were considered family friends.
The eldest child in the family, a son named Isak for whom Elias held some disdain, had been permitted to attend school and play with the children from town, despite his high rank. The younger Valtersen, a girl named Lea, had been small when Elias had left for university, where he’d met Even soon after.
“My fair maiden is none other than Lady Lea Valtersen, whom I had not seen since she was a girl.”
Even’s brows shot up. “Really? So the parents are—”
“Yes, the Lord and Lady died some years ago, and their titles passed to their children.”
“So how did you reconnect with the Lady, then?”
“Quite by surprise. I was in Devon for work last December and was invited along to a ball thrown by a very wealthy client. I saw her from across the room, and she was the most beautiful creature. Golden hair, sea-green eyes. She is gorgeous.” Elias let out a quick laugh, glancing up at the sky, as if remembering her beauty. “I did not recognize her.”
“Must have been a shock.”
He smiled and nodded. “I made sure we were introduced, and she remembered me right away. What a happy reunion that was.”
“What is she like?”
“She is a woman of many talents. Intelligent, warm, musically gifted, and charitable too. She is so full of good humor! Her laugh is...as effervescent as the champagne we were sipping.”
“Who are you and what have you done with my friend Elias?” Even chuckled and grimaced at Elias’ uncharacteristically flowery description of this young woman that had enraptured him. “A Lady.” Even’s eyes widened. “Impressive.”
“Lea,” he said with a breathy sigh, as if her name alone was the most beautiful sound he had ever heard. “We’ve been corresponding regularly since then. When I travel home to visit my parents she meets me in town. We’ve spent quite a lot of time together,” he said, suppressing an almost bashful smile.
“When you aim, you aim high, sir.” Even clasped his shoulder. “I’m not sure I’ve ever seen you this starry-eyed over a woman before, are you feeling alright?”
Elias placed his hands over his heart, leaning back against the ivy-covered stone wall of the courtyard. “I’m in love, Even.”
Even grinned. Elias had fallen for plenty of girls, but he’d never used the word love. This was a surprise.
“I’m thrilled for you!” Even held his arms out wide and Elias fell into his embrace with a laugh. “So what is the reason for this trip, then?”
“There is a piece I have yet to explain,” Elias said, stepping back.
“Go on.” It did not surprise him that there were complications. There often were, with Elias.
“Lea and I have discussed marriage…” he said quietly, tipping his chin down, waiting for Even’s reaction.
Even shoved him playfully. “Elias! How have you not mentioned this until now?”
“I wanted to be sure!” He laughed, pushing Even back. “I didn’t want to get your hopes up.”
“Marriage! I never thought I’d see the day.”
“She’s incredible. I haven’t a doubt that I want to spend the rest of my life with her.”
“So what’s the problem? Is there a problem?”
“Her older brother.” Elias’ smile faded, crossing his arms. “You remember Isak, I’m sure?”
Yes, Even had heard many tales of Isak, the little lordling who couldn’t take a joke. A bookish sort of killjoy a few years younger than Elias who had a tendency to ruin the other boys’ fun. Over time they’d butted heads enough that by the time Elias left for university, he and Isak were barely friends.
“Unfortunately between our old childhood squabbles and whatever my dear sister Sana has told him about my exploits over the years, it would seem the Duke does not hold me in very high regard.”
“Ah.” Even grimaced. “He and Sana are friends?”
“Yes, very much so.” Elias rolled his eyes. He loved his sister, but he’d had some wild oats to sow when he left home, and Sana had never approved of his life choices.
There was a time when much of what Elias got up to could be considered ill-favored, but in the past several years he’d built himself a completely reputable business. He was a well-respected businessman now, a go-between for wealthy merchants and clients on the market for high end goods. Not precisely a match for one as high in rank as a Lady, but it sounded like that was not an issue for her.
“So tell me, why are we going to Greenbriar? What can I do to help?” Even was intrigued.
“Lea has planned a grand ball.” Elias smiled. “And we are invited.”
“And…?”
“And I’d like you to join me. You understand people, Even. I think perhaps you can help me find a way to win Isak over. If I walk into that house on my own I fear he’ll send me away, if he dislikes me as much as Lea claims.”
“And you expect me to, what? Convince Lord Valtersen that his sister can run off and marry a scoundrel?”
“A scoundrel?! You wound me!” Elias replied, mock shock in his voice.
“You know what I mean.”
“I think you can help me, brother.” Elias laid a hand on Even’s arm and squeezed. “These are going to be very precarious times. I could use a good man by my side to help navigate these murky waters.”
Even swayed side to side, unsure of himself.
“By all accounts the Duke is a difficult man.”
“You’re really selling this,” Even said with a chuckle.
“Everyone loves you, Even. You just have that way about you. If you join me, you can help me figure out a way to butter him up, make a good impression. Isak thinks he knows me, but he doesn’t, not anymore. It’s been years. I would not ask if it wasn’t so serious, but Even - I love this girl. I want to marry her. I can’t let an old childhood rivalry ruin a chance at our future together.”
Even’s heart swelled. He had never seen Elias so passionate. He was teetering on a yes, and Elias knew it.
“Plus, wouldn’t it be nice to get out of the house for a while? When was the last time you went anywhere?”
Even blew out a big breath. “You really put too much faith in my likability. But honestly, a bit of time away sounds like something I could really use.”
“Are you feeling…” Elias’ eyes asked a question that Even understood.
“No.” He shook his head. “It’s nothing serious. Just been feeling a bit caged. It would feel good to spread my wings a little.” He nodded to himself. “Yes, alright. I’ll go. Sounds grand.”
Elias smiled and grabbed Even’s shoulder. “Pack your bags. We leave on Tuesday.”
***
After three leisurely, but rather dull days of travel, Even and Elias pulled into the tidy cobblestone lanes of Greenbriar. The high street’s trees were blooming in the late spring sunshine. It was a bit too early to check into their lodging, a welcoming inn called The Lucky Pig. Elias had some friends to visit and letters to post, but Even had something else planned. He asked the carriage driver to take him a little ways further to the grounds of Briarcliff, which were quite famous in their own right, so he could have a wander and stretch his legs.
As the carriage bumped its way around the bend of the long dirt drive that led to the estate, a quiet gasp escaped Even’s lips. The house, if one could even call this a house, was as large as some of the castles he had visited in his travels around Europe. Even from this distance he could see how imposing it was, situated on a dramatic seaside cliff, which fell away to the east.
The structure itself was glorious, a warm, buttery yellow sandstone that glowed in the late afternoon sun. Crenellations ran along the top of the majestic façade, capped by spindly turrets. The house’s many windows glinted in the light, and he could see inhabitants, or more likely the help, scurrying to and fro, most likely readying the house for the big event tomorrow.
The carriage came to a halt before the main entrance. Even hopped out, and after having thanked his driver, strode off in what Elias had told him was the direction of the gardens. Walking past rows of perfectly manicured cypress trees, he caught the scent of the sea, its salty tang stirring memories of his travels. He had always loved the ocean, its seemingly infinite depths always making him feel pleasantly insignificant.
He continued his musings as he followed the path away from the drive, taking long, unhurried strides. He wanted to fully appreciate this place in all its splendor. As he turned a corner he saw a large, rectangular reflecting pool. Its surface was as smooth as glass, save for the enormous fountain adorning its center, its mist forming rainbows in the sunlight. Even’s eyes followed the plume of water up into the vibrant blue sky as a few fluffy clouds drifted by. He took a deep breath and closed his eyes, the sunshine warming his face, and smiled contentedly.
Past the pool he entered a garden path, tall hedges along either side, the ground paved with large, flat stones. The leaves were dark and glossy, dotted with white flowers. He watched the leaves bend in the breeze, the branches rustling. He liked it here. It was peaceful.
As he turned a corner down a narrower path, admiring a pretty arch that stretched across the lane, Even heard voices approaching. Most likely other visitors, or guests to the ball like him. Hearing their tone as they came nearer, he wondered if they might be having an argument. Not wishing to intrude, he walked down this side path, only to find it was a dead end. Perhaps he could go back the way he’d come - but too late. A man and woman were already so close he had no choice but to duck beside the stone arch and hope he was not discovered. The sound of their footsteps abruptly stopped as he heard the man’s exasperated groan.
“If you do not insist on forcing me to try then I cannot disappoint you, it is that simple.” His tone was cool, but there was a hint of irritation there.
“You haven’t even met him yet, you’re jumping to conclusions!” she cried, her voice high. “This is exactly what happened last time, and you yourself said you could have handled that better in hindsight.”
“I do wish you would stop trying to meddle,” he said in a bored voice.
“You promised!” retorted the female voice, the tone a bit petulant.
A moment of silence, then the man gasped as if he had been smacked.
“Don’t you dare,” threatened the man, his voice low and slowly enunciating each syllable. Even grew slightly worried. Was this a lover’s spat? Or were they...flirting? It was bad enough that he was eavesdropping, but if this became serious he would have to intervene. Or God forbid if it’s some kind of amorous tryst he would have to at least make himself known before things went too far.
A beat went by, and another, then a choked noise. “Don’t think for one moment that will work on me,” the man said quietly.
Now was the time to act. Ever so slowly, Even leaned forward a few inches to see what was happening. He could see the lady in profile, or was she merely a girl? She stood facing the man, whom he could not see, not with a look of defiance as Even had expected, but with huge doe eyes, round and beckoning, eyebrows raised, bottom lip pouting. She looked absolutely, pathetically adorable.
She was petite, dressed in a pale green cotton dress, capped sleeves gathered in ruches upon her slim shoulders, which were slightly hunched to complete this puppy dog expression. Her long blonde hair hung in waves down her back beneath her bonnet, and Even could see her hands clasped behind her, idly twirling the end of one curl.
“Stop that,” said the man, now with a hint of pleading in his voice. Even was more confused than ever. The girl simply stood her ground, bottom lip protruding even more, as the man grumbled in frustration. Even, feeling very slightly bolder now that he had yet to be discovered, leaned forward another few inches, until he could finally see the man in question.
He was quite tall, and slim, standing very straight, his pale yellow hair catching the sunlight. His sharp jaw was clenched. His eyes were impassioned, brows lowered in irritation, hands fisted tightly at his sides.
He was beautiful. Even’s eyes widened as he felt a wave of tingling, which started at the base of his spine, wash through his body. He felt stuck to the spot.
He stared for a long moment, then snapping himself out of this daze, realized that he was witnessing a standoff.
“Bah!” The man crossed his arms. “Fine. You win,” he finally proclaimed with a groan, giving an almighty roll of his eyes as the girl’s pout turned into a sly grin. “I am not amused, Birdie. How dare you,” he concluded with a haughty sniff.
“You are powerless against it. And it’s for your own good.” The girl stepped forward, placing a hand on the man’s bare forearm, his sleeves rolled to his elbows. “Just keep an open mind, that is all I ask.” She patted him two times in a business-like manner, and the man scoffed, but Even thought maybe that was for show. They seemed to be enjoying this game of back and forth.
“I reserve every right to back out of this whenever I so please,” he asserted.
“Yes, yes, you’ve made yourself abundantly clear,” she sang, patting him once more before turning her back to Even and beginning to walk away. “But do try and not judge too harshly before you’ve had a chance to properly get to know him this time, alright?”
As they wandered away, Even’s eyes drank in all that he could see of the man before he lost sight of him. His long legs, slim waist in the cropped vest, unruly curls brushing his high collar. His hands were clasped tightly behind his back as he walked, broad shoulders held back.
Who was he? Who was the girl to him, and why does she hold such sway over him? They did not seem to be romantically involved. Birdie, was it? Who was the girl referring to, perhaps a suitor she fancied?
He couldn’t remember ever having felt such a pull toward another person in all his life. There had been men and women he had met over the years that he felt charmed by, attracted to, enough to make him sometimes even question his devotion to Sonja. But this - what an intense and curious experience.
He spent the rest of his tour of the grounds pleasantly distracted, hoping he might see the man at the ball tomorrow night, if only to see if he felt that same draw once more.
***
Later that evening, after hitching a ride back to town, Even found himself in a corner of The Lucky Pig’s pub. He was tucked into a worn leather armchair beside the hearth, a fire crackling in the grate. He could feel his cheeks glowing from the brisk ride back from Briarcliff as the pastel dusk had fallen.
After eating a delicious savory meat pie with a buttery crust for dinner, Even sat back in his chair with a stein of ale, feeling warm, and sated, and more at peace with himself than he had in a long time. His worn sketchbook lay on his crossed knee, and he began to sketch the man from the garden, who hadn’t left his mind.
He sketched him sidelong, as he’d seen him. Beginning with his legs, he drew that upright posture, his squared shoulders. Wavy curls, upturned nose. He wondered what his name was. He very much hoped to see him again. If he spotted him by some small miracle tomorrow, would he have the courage to approach him?
He thought of Sonja guiltily, knowing he shouldn’t be entertaining such thoughts. But this intrigue he felt was too enticing to ignore, considering how dreary he'd been feeling at home.
The door to the pub swung open quickly as if it had been kicked, bell chiming loudly overhead. A man with prominent eyebrows and a wild mess of dark curls leaned into the doorway, carrying several cumbersome crates. He strode across the pub and banged them noisily one by one on the top of the lacquered wooden bar. The redheaded innkeeper came out from the kitchen, both hands on her hips.
“Save the pieces, will you?” she exclaimed, scoffing as she grabbed one of the crates and leaned to kiss him over the bar. “Don’t take your frustrations out on my beautiful bar, please?” She turned and began grabbing dusty bottles of wine from a rack, lining them up on the top of the bar.
“He is being such a grouch,” the man said, placing the bottles neatly into a crate. “If he hates having parties so much he should stop throwing them.”
“You know this ball was not his idea,” she said. “Everyone knows this was the Lady’s doing.”
“The house is in absolute chaos.” He smiled wearily as he laid his head on the bar’s surface, eyes closing. “I heard him shouting at Eskild over napkins earlier. Napkins!” She gave him a sympathetic look, leaned against the bar, and gently cupped his face in her hand. “He needs to relax,” he went on, stifling a yawn. “He’s being particularly awful this time.”
Even chuckled to himself as he listened to this chatter about the infamous Lord Valtersen. A man who got to live in such a ridiculously beautiful place should be a little less uptight and angry, shouldn’t he? Some people were impossible to please.
The man popped his head up from the table with a mischievous look on his face. “His sister thinks he’s about to get swept off his feet, can you imagine?” His thick brows waggled.
“Don’t—” she interrupted, her hand flying to cover his smile. She laughed as he tried to break free from her grip. “...talk that way about your dear employer, my love. What if word got back to him that you were gossiping about him all over town? Besides, you know how he gets. It’s as if the house is being invaded.”
“He hates balls, and no wonder. A crowd of strangers gossiping, dancing, and making small talk? And he’s been walking around in a huff since last week over the whole situation with...”
A particularly loud snap of the fire dimmed his words, and Even couldn’t make out what he had said, as several more people entered the inn’s pub, doorbell chiming. Elias entered last, smiling widely at the couple.
“Eva! Jonas!” He greeted them warmly, holding out his arms.
The innkeeper’s partner, who must be Jonas, embraced him with a pat on the back. “It’s been a long time!”
“Welcome back!” Eva said happily, coming from around the bar and squeezing him.
“I trust you’ve met my traveling companion…” Elias’ eyes met Even’s just as he closed his sketchbook and walked over to the bar.
“Even.” He reached out to shake Jonas’ hand, struck by his calm gray eyes. “Nice to meet you.” Jonas smiled and nodded, his handshake strong and calloused.
“Even, these are Jonas and Eva, old friends of mine.” Elias perched a hand on Even’s shoulder. “This is my best friend. I finally got him to come home with me for a visit.”
“Oh, welcome! You should have said earlier!” Eva offered a quick hug and a smile, her eyes scanning his face with a smirk. “You’ve been hiding this handsome friend from us for how long, Elias?” She laughed and Even blushed.
“I was just enjoying the food and the fire.” Even gestured to the hearth and smiled.
“We’re actually in town for the ball.” Elias grimaced at Jonas, who laughed as his brows shot up.
“You’re kidding,” he chuckled. “That’s a surprise.”
“Yes, well…I’ve got some secret business to attend to,” Elias said with a wink, making them all laugh.
Eva smirked. “Same old Elias. Best try and blend into the background, perhaps.”
“He hasn’t seen me in ages,” Elias said hopefully. “Maybe his distaste for me has diminished…?” He trailed off, his voice going up.
Jonas’ eyes widened and he looked away with a tight smile. “Ahh…”
“No matter.” Elias took a breath and rolled his shoulders back. “We are grown men now. People change. If he’s too shortsighted to see that, then so be it.” Eva and Jonas both nodded sympathetically.
“Right, I need to get these bottles back to the house before Eskild kills me.” Jonas smiled at Even. “I’m actually Briarcliff’s head groundskeeper, but I’ve somehow been roped into party duty.” He rolled his eyes and nodded at Elias. “We’ll catch up soon, yes?” Jonas hoisted a crate off the bar and disappeared through the front door.
“This is cozy,” Elias said as he and Even returned to the hearth, wiggling down into a pair of matching armchairs. “What were you drawing?” he asked, eyes on the sketchbook in Even’s hand.
“Just doodling,” Even said, deciding spontaneously that he would not mention the Garden Man to Elias. He wouldn’t even know what to say.
“Sounds like your Lady was right about her brother. He sounds a real treat,” Even said quietly, eyes on Eva and Jonas, who were back to loading bottles and chatting with one another.
Elias hung his close cropped head and covered his ears with his hands. “I’ve also been hearing some things around town. It is making me even more uneasy than I already was.” He looked up at Even imploringly. “You’ll help me figure this out, I know you will. You’re good at people. Even difficult ones.”
“Thank you for the vote of confidence,” Even said as he smiled and took a sip from his stein. “Your happiness is important to me.” He placed a hand on his heart. “I will do whatever is in my power to help you win over this monstrous ogre.”
Elias bowed, palms pressed together.
“Are you ready for tomorrow, then?”
“Not particularly,” Elias admitted, shaking his head. “I am looking forward to seeing Lea again of course, but in this manner it is rather nerve wracking. Her brother aside, she is using this ball as an excuse to invite me into her home, but how many other suitors will be there to try and garner her attention?” Elias tipped his head back and let out a long sigh. “I just...I need this to go well.”
Even reached forward and placed a hand on Elias’ knee. “We will figure it out,” he said with a small smile, squeezing. “If it is love, you will find a way.”
“It is.” Elias smiled and patted Even’s hand once before it fell away. This was certainly a new, more vulnerable side to Elias, and Even was touched he’d chosen him to help. He’d do whatever he could. He owed him that much and more, after everything Elias had helped Even with over the years.
Not only that; it felt good to feel useful again.
The doorbell chimed and a new visitor arrived, a woman curiously dressed in long and gauzy layers, in shades of purple and green. She had a colorful scarf tied around the top of her head, her hair hanging in two long braids. She called out hellos to some of the patrons, and Even watched as she exchanged some friendly words with Eva, who seemed to know her. But once the woman turned and headed straight to where he sat, Eva smiled widely and mouthed, “Sorry!” at him just as the woman rounded on him.
“Good evening, fine sirs,” she said theatrically, her voice trilling up and down as she spoke. “Can I interest either of you in a reading this evening?”
“A reading?” Elias asked, brow cocked.
“Your future!” Her eyes, which were heavily lined in black, went wide. Her heavy gold earrings glinted in the firelight. “Fancy a palm reading?”
“How much?” Even asked with a smile, as Elias shot him a disbelieving look.
“Five shillings,” she sang, her brows going high. “For a glimpse into your future!” Then quickly and in a normal voice said, “Quite a bargain if you ask me.”
“Why not?” Even chuckled, appreciating her dedication.
“Seriously?” Elias asked skeptically, eyeing the strange woman as she came to sit on the table between them, facing Even with a swish of her dress, her bracelets jingling as she moved.
“What?” Even shrugged. “I’m on holiday.”
Elias shook his head with a smirk, his eyes on her back. He pulled a face at Even, who laughed as she held out her hand for payment. Even fished his coin purse from his coat pocket and handed her five bob, which she pocketed with a smile.
Though she appeared to be rather peculiar, she seemed warm and kind as well. Even leaned forward in his chair, eager to hear what she’d say. He was an open minded sort of chap. He knew it was almost definitely an act, but what if there was something to it? He could play along and help her out, besides.
She reached forward and pulled Even’s left hand into her lap, running her thumbs across his palm.
“Such lovely, large hands you have.” She looked up at him and winked, making Even giggle as he watched Elias roll his eyes behind her back. She examined his hand seriously, her eyes sweeping this way and that as she traced the lines in his palm with her fingers. She pulled his hand closer to her eyes and nodded to herself, then turned his hand over gently and rubbed a thumb over the center of his hand before turning it back over again as she murmured, “Mmm hmm.”
She was very thorough and quiet, the drama of her greeting seemingly over now. Elias peeked over her shoulder after she hadn’t said anything in some time, and finally she raised her head and met Even’s eyes.
“I see the number two in you,” she said softly, a line between her brows, tilting her head curiously. “Two halves.” She pointed to a line that ran down the center of his palm vertically. “I see both great joy and great sadness…in extremes…two sides of the same coin…as different as black and white.”
Goosebumps raised on Even’s arms and legs, the room suddenly feeling much quieter around them. He glimpsed Elias behind her and his eyes had gone wide.
“The number two…” she murmured to herself.
Even looked down at his palm with his brow furrowed, though he said nothing. Her grip tightened.
“You see this here?” She ran her finger along a deep line in his palm, which began above his thumb, then branched in the center of his hand. “This is your love line. This is very deep, and strong. A romantic?” she asked, her painted lips curling into a smile.
Even nodded, agog. Elias was on his feet behind the woman, watching with an open mouth.
“How can you—”
“You are fated to have two great loves,” she interrupted, her eyes bright. “This first branch is shorter than the second, you see?” She traced the line to where it forked, following it to where it ended in the center of his palm. Then she went back to the fork and traced the second branch, which swooped downward and ran down off his hand. “This means the second will last the rest of your life.”
“Don’t tell Sonja,” Elias muttered under his breath, making Even’s head pop up in alarm. He felt his cheeks growing hot. Surely this was a load of drivel.
“You are a man divided,” she said, releasing his hand, her face softening. “Two sides, two lives, a before and an after.” She regarded him for a long moment, and Even began to feel uncomfortable under her gaze.
“You will also soon lose some money,” she said as she stood, straightening her many layers. “Careful with that.” She pointed at his purse, still on his lap. “Not everyone is as trustworthy as me.” She winked, then turned to Elias.
“How about you, handsome?” She gave Elias a mysterious little smile, watching him squirm.
“No, thank you,” he said, looking at her as if she had two heads.
“Your loss,” she said matter-of-factly and curtsied to Even, then wandered off to another set of patrons on the other side of the pub. He heard her greet them in a ghostly tone.
Even sat dazed for a moment, feeling confused. Upset. He looked at his palm as if he’d never seen it before.
“Don’t let her get to you, Even!” Elias leaned forward and shook his knee. “She’s obviously full of it.”
“But that was…strange, right? Almost…uncanny?”
“Only if you choose to believe in it.” Elias was watching her across the pub. “Seems like she could say that to anyone and anyone could find meaning in it.”
“I suppose…” Even looked at his hand again, tracing his thumb along the love line. Two great loves? He’d only ever been with Sonja, since they were betrothed as children by their families. She was his one and only. Wasn’t she?
***
He laid in bed that night in his small room above the pub, unable to get the fortune teller’s words out of his mind. He was rattled. How had she seen his malady in his palm? The swinging of his moods from high to low that had plagued him the last six years? If she was able to see that, who’s to say that what she saw in his love line wasn’t true as well?
Even had been betrothed to Sonja when they were ten years old by their parents, old friends of commensurate status, who wished to join their families permanently. Some children might resent such a plan, but Even reveled in it. His childhood had been rather lonely, an only child who did not get to see other children his age very often. The one exception was Sonja, who had been his favorite playmate since they were very small. When he learned he would someday be marrying her, it filled his young heart with joy, not resentment.
Over time they came to truly love one another as they experienced all the ups and downs of first love together. Their teenage years had been wondrous, full of discovery of their minds, bodies, and souls, and they both felt incredibly lucky to have been paired with one another.
His love for her felt eternal, back then. Before.
These thoughts kept him up in the darkness as a sad truth settled heavily in his heart. The kind of love he once felt for her was all but gone, worn away after years of struggle and disappointment, thanks to his own inadequacy and her constant watchfulness.
To think he deserved two great loves was laughable. But perhaps there was something in what the fortune teller had said. Perhaps things with Sonja would indeed come to an end. He’d never seriously considered it before. It seemed impossible. Unthinkable.
But tonight had truly shaken him. Perhaps a life with Sonja was not his destiny. That thought alone sent a tendril of lightness through his chest, which in turn made him feel immediately guilty. But it lingered there in the back of his mind as he tried to fall asleep.
As he finally drifted off, one final image flashed through his mind. Greenery. White flowers. A beautiful man, vivid and golden in the sunshine.
***
Twilight was washing over Briarcliff in hues of lavender and blue as Even and Elias made their way up the long drive in a hired carriage, large torches lighting their way. The warmth of the afternoon was dissipating and a cool breeze wafted in through the carriage windows, carrying the faint scent of flowers blooming in the gardens. The house was resplendent, its windows glowing gold in the darkening evening. There were many carriages ahead of theirs in line, and they rolled to a slow stop as they waited their turn to disembark.
Elias’ nervous energy was obvious, and Even gave him an encouraging smile. His long legs were crammed between Elias’, and he gave him a reassuring pat on the knee.
“You are a handsome devil, and she will be thrilled to see you, no doubt,” Even said with a wink. Elias nodded to himself and looked pointedly out the window.
As the carriage lurched forward, Even’s mind strayed again to the Garden Man. Would he see him tonight? He could hear music drifting from the house, chandeliers within casting lights which danced on the ground below. He would simply keep an eye out for the man, or his charming companion, and see where the night took him. This was an adventure, after all. He should take the opportunity to live a little while he could.
“Something on your mind?” Elias asked.
“Hm?” Even’s reverie was broken. “Why?”
“You seem preoccupied.”
Even chuckled quietly. “Just reminding myself to live in the moment.”
“A good reminder to us both,” Elias replied, as his eyes found the main entrance of the house sliding into view. “The night is full of possibilities, my friend!” Elias shot Even a dazzling, dimpled smile and threw the carriage door open as they rolled to a halt.
Several men were running back and forth, helping ladies down from the high steps and guiding carriages past the house. Even stepped down with a little hop, stretching his legs and straightening his fitted sapphire blue velvet coat, tugging on his high collar. He and Elias exchanged a look of reassurance, giving one another a quick nod, and strode off toward the excitement of the ball within.
They followed the press of party-goers into the house’s entrance hall through a set of wide doors, which were thrown open to the night. The first thing Even saw was the black and white checkered tile beneath his feet, then his gaze floated up higher as he took in the full grandeur of the magnificence before him. The entrance hall had a dizzying three-story-high ceiling, adorned with an ornate baroque painting of heavenly figures surrounding a rainbow arching through a blue sky.
His mouth hanging open, he was shuffled along with the crowd, passing through the doorway and entering the din of the echoey chamber. There was a grand staircase in the center of the hall, leading up from the ground floor, a richly colored carpet in golds and reds running up the center.
“Have you ever seen anything like this?” Elias whispered close to Even’s ear.
“In the palaces on The Continent, yes. But never here at home. This place is surely a treasure trove of artwork, my God!” A shocked giggle bubbled out of Even as he took in everything around him. “You’d better impress this brother tonight,” he said as he turned to meet his eyes. “This is no joke, Elias.”
“Indeed,” Elias replied, an impish grin not quite hiding the hint of panic in his eyes.
“Indeed.” Even said, giving him a stout nod. “For glory,” he said solemnly, extending his hand. Elias grabbed Even’s forearm and Even’s fingers wrapped around Elias’ forearm.
“For glory,” Elias said with a smile as they shook their arms once, firmly.
“I think I need to go and attempt to find my Lady.” Elias’ eyes swept the faces in the hall. “She told me where I may find her early in the night, and I wish to see her as soon as possible. Will you manage on your own for a while?”
“Of course, go, go. I am here for support, not to chaperone. Go get your girl,” Even said, placing a hand on Elias’ shoulder. “This place looks enormous, but we’re bound to find one another again. Off with you now, good luck!” He gave Elias a push in the direction of the stairs, then watched as he made his way through the milling crowd, up the staircase, and disappeared out of sight.
Even decided to head up the stairs as well, toward the music, which grew louder as he climbed each plushly carpeted step. There was so much to see around him: ladies in their fine gowns carefully taking the stairs one by one in an attempt to not trip, gentlemen leaning on the railing above, chatting and laughing, watching the crowd below. Servants were running to and fro, carrying drinks on trays, or small bites of food, expertly weaving their way through the party-goers.
His blood hummed in his veins at the excitement going on around him. How he did love a good party! It had been too long. He saw a boy carrying a silver tray laden with flutes of champagne and hesitated before he chose one. Sonja always discouraged him from drinking, but alas, Sonja was not here.
He grabbed a flute with a thrill of the forbidden and took a sip, feeling the bubbles burst on his tongue. The pleasant feeling reminded him of Elias’ description of his Lady, and he smiled to himself as his eyes scanned the area for his own target this evening. No sign of him so far, but he had barely gotten in the door.
He entered what must be the main event, a large, rectangular ballroom with an enormous crystal chandelier, the walls white and adorned in gilded reliefs, a shining parquet floor underfoot. One wall led to a terrace and was lined by floor-to-ceiling glass doors, open to the night air, cooling the already warm room.
A dance was underway, a waltz Even knew from his youth. The musicians were situated in a far corner, playing with calm professionalism as the guests sashayed, hands clasped gently in the air, stepping in small circles around one another.
After exchanging some pleasantries with a few gentlemen and ladies in the crowd, he found himself standing in front of a large gilded mirror and caught a glimpse of himself. His hair was swept up into his signature quiff, and the rich blue-green of his tailcoat brought out his blue eyes quite well, or so Sonja had often said. A faint blush from the heat of the room colored his cheeks, and he looked...happy.
He gave himself a small, secret smile, and quickly looked away, hoping no one had caught him making eyes at himself in the mirror. How much champagne had he had? He felt slightly giddy. He wasn’t used to this feeling these days, freedom and possibility threading through his heart.
As he turned around, he was confronted by a very short and very blonde woman standing closer than he realized. She looked up at him with large, round blue eyes and said, “Oh, my! How tall you are. Who are you, exactly?”
Even laughed, taken aback by her forthcoming nature. “Even Bech Næsheim, of Cherrywood, outside Aylworth? Gloucestershire. Pleased to make your acquaintance, Miss…?” He offered his hand and she daintily placed her fingers in his.
“Mrs. Vilde Fossbakken, the pleasure is all mine. What a handsome face you have, Mr. Bech Næsheim, are you taken? I daresay I see no ring on this hand.” She yanked his hand toward her face a little more forcefully than was required.
“Er, I…” A new song was struck up by the musicians, and Vilde’s large eyes widened in surprise. “Oh, I do love this dance, would you be so kind as to dance with me, Mr. Bech Næsheim?” She smiled coquettishly, looking down and then up through her lashes, hand still firmly grasping Even’s fingers.
“Of course my lady, and please, call me Ev—”
Before he’d had a chance to finish his sentence he was being dragged to the center of the dance floor with the other pairs. Luckily he knew this dance well, and as he and Vilde circled one another, hands raised and palms together, her eyes began to wander the room. The next piece of the song had them taking steps back into lines on either side of the dance floor, and they came together in the center again as Vilde leaned in conspiratorially.
“Are you well acquainted with the Lord and Lady, sir?”
“Not at all,” he replied, stepping in a circle. “I am the guest of a friend of theirs.”
Her eyes swept through the crowd as she stepped away from him, then as they met in the middle again she whispered, “I’ve heard both Lord and Lady will be entertaining private guests this evening, you wouldn’t happen to know anything about that, would you?”
Even’s eyes went wide. If she meant Elias he wasn’t about to let on. “I am merely a guest here, madam.” He took her fingers and twirled her. “Just along for the ride.” He smiled, and she nodded happily.
“Will you be staying for the week, then, sir?”
“I do believe so, yes.” Elias had been vague about details, but he knew there were to be some planned activities for guests.
“Well, then I look forward to making your acquaintance, Mr. Bech Næsheim.” She came to a halt and curtsied as the song finished, batting her eyes at him prettily. “I must introduce you to my husband Magnus, I don’t know where he’s gotten off to!” She giggled affectionately. “I can never keep track of him at a ball. He can’t stand still.”
“It will be my pleasure,” Even said with a bow. “Until then, madam.” He pulled her hand to his lips and she nodded in approval at his fine manners.
Even thought perhaps now was the time to find another drink and have a wander. He still had not spotted either the Garden Man or the girl, but he had not lost hope. The house was chocked full of people; they could be anywhere.
As he exited the main room to the fresher air on the other side of the landing, he stopped a ginger serving girl with a pretty, heart-shaped face, and lifted a flute of champagne off her tray with a smile, thanking her. She looked at him with wide eyes and blushed, giving a little curtsy as she moved along. Wandering down a quieter hallway, he stopped briefly to admire some of the artwork that decorated the walls.
He found a particularly large and intricately detailed tapestry and spent a few moments admiring the craftsmanship that no doubt went into its construction. Champagne in hand, enjoying the brief respite from the noise of the ball, he started taking turns down less crowded hallways until he thought he may have accidentally gotten himself a little turned around.
He tried to backtrack through the labyrinthine halls, but found he could not quite figure out which way he had come from. He stopped and looked around, apparently quite far from the party, as he could not hear any music. All he could hear were his soft footsteps on the carpet as he tried to find his way back. Becoming a bit embarrassed, he decided to at least try and find a window so he could glance outside and try to get his bearings. Walking with purpose, he strode quickly past a room and overheard a man’s voice muttering angrily to himself, followed by an annoyed groan.
Stopping in his tracks, Even slowly walked backwards until he could peek around the doorway, into a lavishly decorated dressing room. There was a plump, circular sofa in the center of the room, upholstered in rich red velvet. A gold chandelier hung directly above it, its many candles giving the room a warm glow. Gold and yellow tapestries hung from every wall, making the small room feel like the inside of a treasure chest.
Even’s eyes slowly swept across the room, and time seemed to stop, his heart leaping in his chest. The room’s occupant groaned again, facing a large gilded mirror, his back to Even. The Garden Man. Even had found him. He was fiddling with something in the mirror, too engrossed in what he was doing to notice Even’s eye peeking around the door frame.
Even slowly backed away from the door, a cold wave of excitement overtaking him. He leaned against the wall, steeling himself. He would not squander this opportunity fate had handed him.
Giving his hair a little fluff, he took a deep breath, pulled his face into what he hoped was a nonchalant look, took a few steps back down the hallway, and casually strode forward past the dressing room. This time he purposely stopped mid-stride, just as the grumbling inside erupted into another choked cry.
“Are you...alright in here?” Even asked, brows raised. He caught a glimpse of his own tall form standing in the mirror behind the man, just as the man registered Even’s presence behind him. He looked at him in the mirror, obviously flustered, cheeks flushed pink, a faint sheen of sweat on his quizzical brow. A fleeting look of embarrassed surprise crossed his face, his eyes narrowing slightly as he began to respond, but then seemed to think better of it. He stood up a little more straight, one hand falling to his side while the other clutched an untied cravat around his neck. He wore a loose white shirt tucked into fitted camel pants, tall black boots hugging his shapely legs.
“What are you doing up here?” he asked suspiciously, still watching Even from the mirror.
“I would ask you the same thing,” Even said, trying to not laugh, gesturing to the hand at the man’s neck. “It sounded like someone was in distress.”
The man stared back at Even for a beat, then closed his eyes, huffed once loudly through his nose, and spun around to face Even. “What the devil am I to do with this blasted thing?” he demanded, tugging on the pieces of the cravat dangling from his neck. “It’s impossible.”
Even laughed and took a step further into the room, setting his empty champagne glass on a small table. “You can’t tie it? Is that the problem?”
“Obviously?” the man retorted, rolling his eyes, as if Even was the biggest idiot he’d ever met. Even scoffed a bit at his rudeness, brows raising slightly, and their eyes locked for a moment. His eyes, Even thought. So green.
Seemingly slightly embarrassed at his little outburst, the man broke eye contact, looking at the ground. He shook his head quickly, then raised his chin once again, offering a small, crooked smile. “I don’t know why they make us wear these things, what’s the point, anyway?” he asked quietly.
“I’m not exactly sure, to be honest,” Even said, taking another step toward the man. “But I think I can help, if you’re in need of rescue?”
“Do you know how to tie one of these…fancy ones? My butler usually does it, but he was indisposed.”
“Yes, I had to learn to do it myself. No help to be had.”
“Unthinkable.”
“Right?”
Even took another step and closed the distance between them, finding he was slightly taller, and hunched to meet the man’s eyes. Up close, he was even more lovely. His lips formed a perfect Cupid’s Bow, a beauty mark dotting the space above his mouth. His lashes were long and dark, despite his fair hair, which unlike yesterday, was combed back neatly away from his face. His nose tipped upward in a swoop.
Even felt the man’s eyes on him as he reached without preamble and gently unfolded his collar so that it was standing straight up, crisp white corners meeting under his chin. Even’s heart was beating too quickly, this close proximity more than he’d bargained for when he decided to walk into this room. Having something to look at which was not the man’s face was helpful.
Even took the long tie from the man’s hand and folded it in half. He draped the center across the front of his neck, leaning in closer to wrap the ends of the fabric around the back. This close he could feel the warmth from his cheek on his own. He had a soapy, resinous smell.
“This part is much easier with a servant,” Even murmured as he flattened the tie behind his neck.
“I noticed,” the man said softly, his voice so close to Even’s ear he could feel his breath on his neck.
Drawing back, Even took the two sides that were hanging and began to twist them into the knot that needed to come next, but between how close he was and the fact that he was used to doing this on himself and not to someone else, he quickly got mixed up.
“This part goes under this part...no...this part should go under...here?” He dropped the pieces and tried again, but it was all backwards in his head.
“I thought you knew what you were doing,” the man said with a little laugh, not unkindly. Even blushed.
“Uh, this will be easier if...can you stand in front of the mirror for me?” The man’s eyes widened as he understood what Even was proposing. “I think I need to do it as if I’m doing it to myself.” He laughed awkwardly and gestured toward the mirror.
He stepped in front of Even, the ghost of a smile in his reflection as Even took his place behind him. The height difference came in handy, as Even’s long arms easily reached around the man’s shoulders to the dangling tie. Trying to maintain a somewhat businesslike demeanor, lest he completely lose his grip on the situation, he began tying the cravat with ease, now that he was doing it the way he was accustomed to.
Watching Even work, spots of color high in his cheeks, the man broke the momentary silence by asking, “What brought you to Briarcliff tonight, may I ask?”
“I’m a guest of a friend of the Lady of the house.”
“Aren’t we all?”
“Aren’t we all what?”
“Guests of the Lady of the house. It’s her ball, after all.”
“I suppose so, unless you were invited by the Duke, I imagine.”
A beat of silence. The man smirked. “I doubt he invited anyone. I hear he hates balls.”
“I hear he hates a lot of things.”
“Oh, really?” the man asked with a laugh, his handsome features becoming even more handsome when he smiled. “Such as?”
“I’ve only been in town two days and I’ve already heard a laundry list of things Lord Valtersen hates.”
“Indulge me,” the man said, lowering his voice. “I do love gossip.”
“Hm, let’s see...crowds, dancing, small talk, and napkins, just to name a few?” Even smoothed the ends of the tie, which lay on the man’s chest.
“Napkins? Surely not.”
“Sounds to me like he is a very difficult man,” Even said, as he began a tricky bit, the tip of his tongue sticking out of his lips in concentration.
“I’ve heard much the same,” the man said as he smiled softly at Even’s determination.
Even could feel his eyes on him as he lifted his own to meet the man’s in the mirror. “Yes?”
“Probably best you avoid him. If you’re planning to spend much time here, that is.”
“Oh, really? You’ve met him?”
“Oh, yes. He is dreadful. Very unpleasant sort of fellow.”
Even leaned a bit closer. “I heard he’s a bit of a pervert,” he said under his breath.
The man turned to look at Even over his shoulder, eyes wide, one brow raised in disbelief. “Are you serious?”
Even couldn’t hold his gaze for longer than a moment before he cracked and had to smile. “No,” he said with a laugh, nodding to the mirror, willing him to face forward.
The man smiled, and Even felt an assessing look on him as he continued. “Thank you for the warning. I’ll be sticking around for the week, actually.”
Even finished straightening the square knot by the man’s throat, running his fingers along the inside seam on the back of his neck to smooth it. He placed his hands on his shoulders for a moment, feeling his warmth through his shirt, and said, “Voila. Cravat.”
The man looked at himself in the mirror and turned side to side to admire Even’s handiwork. He caught Even’s eye in the reflection and before Even had time to consider whether or not this was wise, he brought his hands to the man’s wavy hair and gently tousled it, combing it forward with his fingers to make it look more unkempt, more like it had yesterday. The man stilled beneath Even’s hands, his face flushing.
“A little less tidy, perhaps…” Even said as he finished arranging and stepped back. “It suits you,” he said with a smile, heart pounding. The man stood seemingly stunned for a moment, his eyes drifting from Even to his own reflection.
Abruptly, he cleared his throat. “Thank you, sir. I am in your debt.” He smiled and tilted his chin down almost shyly. Even felt a tiny tug in his chest. “My knight in shining armor, as it were.”
How changed he seemed from only minutes ago. His eyes lingered on Even’s for a moment, then he hurriedly grabbed a cropped black tailcoat from a chair and pulled it on, buttoning the double breasted lapels around his trim waist.
“Happy to serve, sir,” Even said with a bow and smiled at him in the mirror.
“I suppose I must enter the fray. Thank you again for your assistance.” He gave that same bashful smile again, nodded curtly, and before Even could even think to ask him for his name, or for a way to find him again, he was out of the dressing room and gone in a moment.
Feeling flustered by the man’s quick departure, Even peeked out into the hallway to find he had already disappeared. Had the man been…flirting with him? It felt that way, hadn’t it? Even certainly had helped to change his surly mood quickly, but perhaps he wasn’t usually so gruff. Had he mistaken simple kindness for flirtation, or was this something more?
His thoughts instantly shifted to Sonja, her face swimming into his mind’s eye. He knew it was wrong of him to be off on holiday, flirting with handsome strangers.
But it was harmless, wasn’t it? He doubted it would come to anything. And this life he felt thrumming through his veins was too good to suppress just yet.
He needed to find out who this man was, and whether or not he would be joining the revelers that were staying for a time after the ball. He’d have a look around the ballroom, see if he could spot him. But first he needed a fresh drink, once he managed to find his way back.
The night was young. He wondered how Elias had fared on his quest to find his Lady.
Even began wandering again and finally began to hear the murmuring and clinking glass that meant the ballroom was near. He reentered the party as a dance ended, the couples clapping their gloved and bejeweled hands politely toward the musicians.
As he wandered toward the far end of the room, searching the faces in the crowd for his Garden Man, he felt a hand on his shoulder, and turning, saw Elias with a big smile on his face. “There you are, I’ve been looking for you,” he said. “Where were you?”
“Got lost roaming the halls,” he admitted with a laugh. “What about you? Did you find her?”
Elias nodded and grinned. “I did, and she is stunning, Even. Truly.” Even smiled. Elias’ joy at seeing Lea was so apparent. He had rarely seen his friend so happy.
“I hope you will introduce me tonight,” Even said. “So what’s next on the agenda, have you had a run-in with the ogre yet?” he asked, eyes sweeping the room. “I haven’t seen anyone making a fuss over him, I don’t believe he has made an appearance.”
The musicians struck up a country song with a good, toe-tapping beat that had many of the attendees gathering in the center of the room. Just as Even thought perhaps he would like to take another turn on the dance floor, an exceptionally handsome and well-groomed man stepped up beside him and Elias where they stood along the side of the ballroom.
Even couldn’t help but notice his crisp collar, his very well-made and no doubt expensive clothing. He was almost as tall as Even, with broad, athletic shoulders, and a chiseled jawline. Soft brown curls fell over his forehead, framing his comely face. He had wide set eyes that were warm and deep brown.
This evening was just full of beauties to admire, Even thought, as he nodded at the stranger, giving him an opening to introduce himself.
“Good evening, gentlemen,” the man offered. He stood with his hands behind his back and gave a little bow to the pair of friends. “Anders Olsen, and you are?” Even and Elias introduced themselves, each nodding their heads toward Anders in turn.
“Enjoying the ball?” he asked.
“Oh, yes, very well indeed,” Even replied, glancing around the room, watching as the dancers began to form two lines along the floor. “Splendid evening, is it not?”
“Surely,” Anders replied, smiling tightly and looking around. “This manor is quite remarkable. Hard to believe someone lives here, isn’t it?”
“Yes, this place has quite taken my breath away. Is this your first time here as well?” Even asked.
Anders nodded once while he looked around the room. Even sensed the man was perhaps a bit nervous, beneath his dashing exterior.
Elias leaned forward. “Are you from the area?”
“From London, actually,” Anders said in his posh accent. “My cousin secured an invitation from the Lady on my behalf. I am meant to meet Lord Valtersen this evening.” He took a short, deep breath.
“Ah, I see,” Even replied. “Is it business that has brought you to this meeting, or…”
Anders shook his head as he smirked. “That, I would be much more equipped to handle. No, actually...I was sent here by my cousin as a suitor for the Duke,” he said, and laughed dryly. He had a certain self-deprecating charm to him. Even smiled and looked at Elias, both of them attempting to quash their laughter at this man’s quandary.
“Tell me, Olsen. Are you a man who likes a challenge?” Elias asked, brow arched.
Anders’ smile held a hint of smugness. “I do believe I’m game. Though this place is more impressive than I imagined. This family is at the very height of society.”
Elias nodded sagely, meeting Even’s eyes. “A bit intimidating, is it not?”
Anders leaned in closer. “Actually, I was feeling rather confident until I began to hear some things about Lord Valtersen that my cousin failed to mention before suggesting this meeting.”
“Such as?”
“It’s said he is quite a curmudgeon, for such a young man. Rather cold. My cousin’s wife is a friend of his and seems to think we’re a good match, temperament-wise. But now that I’m here I fear she may have…misread the situation.” He looked from Elias to Even with uncertainty.
A young, dark-haired footman walked by with a tray full of drinks in crystal tumblers, and Even stopped him abruptly with a hand blocking his way. “This man needs a drink,” Even said, grabbing two glasses and handing one to Anders, the other to Elias. “Actually, had better make it two,” he said, grabbing two more and winking at the serving boy, who nodded politely, a tiny smirk on his face. “Good man,” he said to the footman, turning back to Anders. “Drink up, you could use some liquid courage, I daresay.”
“Cheers,” the men cried, as they clinked their glasses together and sipped the strong and sugary concoction. They stood drinking and chatting for a while, Even and Elias offering what they hoped were helpful tips for Anders’ impending meeting.
A new song began, a reel that was bright and cheerful, and having had more to drink, Even felt the music in his bones. He started tapping his toe on the ground. “Care to dance, Mr. Olsen?” he asked, bopping his head from side to side, as guests gathered on the dance floor.
“No, thank you,” Anders said, brows lowered. “I don’t do that.” He waved a dismissive hand in the direction of the dancers.
Even’s hand came to his chest. He craned his neck, looking for a witness for this blasphemy. “Who is the curmudgeon now, sir?” He laughed and cocked his head playfully to the side. He was feeling good, the party was reaching its peak, and he hadn’t been this tipsy in years. “Have it your way,” he said, elbowing Anders’ side.
Elias laid a hand on his arm and whispered, “Something’s happening.”
The music abruptly changed to something stately and much quieter as a hush fell over the crowd. All the guests turned toward the main entrance of the room. The head butler, impeccably dressed in pink coattails, his strawberry blonde coif sculpted to perfection, looked around at the crowd with an exuberant grin. All eyes on him, and in a loud and clear voice, he began his announcement.
“Ladies and gentlemen, may I introduce your hosts for this evening’s revelries, Lady Lea Valtersen and Lord Isak Valtersen, Duke of Dorset!”
Amidst applause, Even glanced at Elias and watched fondly as his face lit up at the Lady’s name. From their vantage point on the far side of the room, Even wasn’t able to make out the Lord and Lady quite yet, with so many people milling around before them. Shuffling a bit to the side, he caught a glimpse of a petite blonde in an emerald green gown, golden hair swept up into an elaborate twist. As she turned to greet a guest, Even felt his heart begin to pound as he recognized her.
The girl he’d seen in the garden was Lady Lea, Elias’ Lea, and before he could even complete that line of thinking, the crowd parted and he saw him standing there. His Garden Man. In a freshly tied cravat.
Even felt the blood drain from his face, quickly followed by a rush to his head. He felt time reestablish itself as a flush crept into his cheeks. When he saw the pair yesterday in the hedge, they were dressed so plainly, no attendants in sight. How could he have ever known?
“Even?” he heard, sounding like it was coming from a long way off. “Are you feeling quite well?” Even was shaken from his daze as he blinked and saw a worried expression on Elias’ face. “You look like you’ve seen a ghost.”
“Uh…huh?” Even stammered.
“Isn’t she gorgeous?” Elias whispered, out of earshot of Anders.
Even, finally coming back into his body, turned and looked once more at the siblings, standing in the center of a ring of guests wishing to speak to them. Seeing them side by side, the resemblance was obvious, though their demeanors could not be any more different.
He was standing beside his vivacious sister as she greeted the well wishers with a wide smile and bright eyes, while he stood stiffly, his mouth in a rigidly straight line, brow slightly furrowed. Even from all the way across the room Even could see how uncomfortable he seemed. He knew he was staring, but he couldn’t help himself.
It looked as if his hair had been combed back into place again. He thought once again of the shy smile the man had given as he left the dressing room not an hour ago. As Even tried to absorb this new information, the man’s piercing gaze fell upon him from where he stood. They made eye contact, and Even’s brows lifted, his chin tipping downward in disbelief. Even brought a hand up and mimicked tousling his own hair, then held his palm up as if to ask, “What happened?” and, more importantly, “How dare you?” He'd been duped!
Mouth twitching ever so slightly from its stern scowl, a hint of a smirk on his lips, the Duke’s shoulder hitched in a tiny shrug, as if to say, “Sorry?”
Even had been flirting with a Duke. The Duke, the Lord of Briarcliff Manor. The man he was here to persuade. The supposedly fearsome Lord Isak Valtersen.
Even’s heart fluttered as a laugh burst from him, unbidden.