Page 161 of The Siren of Sussex

“Not according to my brother,” Stella informed them. “He thinks spiritualism is the work of the devil, and spirit guides nothing more than demons leading ladies and gentlemen into sin.”

“If only it were that exciting,” Anne said. “The truth is, Dmitri is worse than any maiden aunt. He’s always giving Mama new edicts about my behavior. At least . . . she claims they come from him.”

Julia giggled. It set the rest of them off.

Two well-to-do ladies driving by in a barouche gave them a quelling glare. It was considered ill-bred to show undue emotion in public.

Evelyn’s laughter faded.

Julia rode up alongside her. “I like it better here in the morning. One can ride without censure.”

“There’s always going to be people watching and judging,” Anne replied, coming up on the other side of Julia. “The secret is not to mind it.”

Stella leaned forward in her sidesaddle to stroke Locket’s silvery neck. “Not all of us have the privilege of ignoring society’s opinions.”

“Why shouldn’t we ignore them?” Evelyn wondered. “If they’re wrong.”

Her three friends exchanged knowing glances. They weren’t subtle about it.

“I agree,” Anne said. “One must defer to one’s own conscience.”

“And one’s own heart,” Julia added.

“Speaking of hearts . . .” Stella looked to Evelyn. “Has Mr. Malik called on your uncle?”

Evelyn was silent. It had been two days since Ahmad’s visit to Russell Square. Then, he’d come not to see her uncle, but to see her. She’d sensed a reluctance in him. Not exactly a change of heart, but something else.

It was that dratted article.

No doubt Ahmad thought it would be the end of everything. Not just of his business, but of their future together, too.

“It’s complicated,” she said.

Julia’s ebony brows notched. “But . . . you do love him, don’t you?”

“I do,” Evelyn said. “Unfortunately, there are other obstacles.”

Anne met her gaze. “Insurmountable obstacles?”

“Of course not,” Evelyn said.

“You have a plan, I suppose,” Stella said. “A glorious plan.”

“I don’t know about glorious . . . But yes,” Evelyn admitted. “I do have the first few legs of a plan in mind.”

Up ahead, Mr. Fillgrave appeared around the bend, riding toward them on his glossy chestnut gelding.

“Oh no,” Julia whispered.

“Pray, no one look at him,” Anne said. “He won’t engage us if we don’t make eye contact.”

On any other occasion, Evelyn would have been the first to take her friend’s advice. But not today. As Mr. Fillgrave approached, she looked him straight in the eye.

“Oh, Evie, no,” Stella said under her breath. “What have you done?”

“Ride on,” Evelyn told her friends. “I must have a private word with him.”

“One of the legs of your plan, I gather,” Anne said.