*Evangeline*
I stretch as the coach comes to a stop outside Claybourne’s ancestral residence the following night, long after dark. The servant opens the door.
“Stay here,” Claybourne orders.
“I will not be bullied…”
He sighs with impatience. “Evangeline, do you trust me?”
“Do you trust me?” I return.
“With my life,” he says.
Oh, dear Goddess, I had not expected him to place that burden on me. What am I doing here? How have I brought us to this moment?
“I think things between us would go much better if you would simply explain the reason for your orders,” I tell him. “I don’t mean to be difficult, but I don’t want to be kept in the dark either.”
“Very well. I’m going to send most of my servants to the village for two reasons. I want them out of harm’s way and it will increase the l
