Page 98 of A Bluestocking’s Secret Courtship

“Xavier is likely happy to not be on the receiving end this time,” Sophia said.

“What do you mean?” Regina asked, spooning a piece of sea bass onto her plate.

“Didn’t he tell you? Aunt Beatrice had a private audience with him after you announced your betrothal. She had quite a go at him for anticipating your vows before asking for permission to marry you.”

“But we didn’t—” A blush spread up Regina’s face, disappearing into her hairline.

Evangeline had been there and knew the true story, but she didn’t have the energy to engage in their exchange. “How is Uncle Charles?” she asked.

“Contrite,” Sophia said. “He feels guilty for leaving us at home without protection. I reminded him that we had Crispin looking out for us.”

Much to Sophia’s chagrin at the time.

Regina shook her head. “You and Margrave. I still find it hard to believe it.”

“Because you’re closer in age and think of him as a brother,” Sophia said. “Whereas, I don’t.”

“I should hope not,” Evangeline mumbled.

Sophia smiled. “There’s our sister.”

Evangeline couldn’t muster a smile of her own. Her time in Greece had changed her. Instead of observing life at a distance and identifying patterns, she was in the middle of the chaos.

She leaned on the table to stand. “I’m not really hungry.”

“Sit,” Regina said. “You need nourishment.”

“From food and the company of your sisters.” Sophia held out the platter. “Please stay.”

Evangeline sank back into the chair. They would follow her if she returned to the bedchamber. She would do the same if they were suffering.

Obediently, she chose a small piece of fish and didn’t protest when Sophia returned with a bowl of stewed eggplant with rosemary. Regina was politely waiting until everyone was seated, but she gazed at her plate with longing.

“You’re with child,” Evangeline said. “You needn’t wait.”

Sophia agreed and hurried to fill her own plate.

“Uncle Charles told us about your encounter with the Semkari,” Sophia said. “You and Sir Jonathan saved him. He was impressed by how calm you were.”

“Maybe I was calm on the outside, but Jonathan kept me from panicking.”

Sophia rubbed Evangeline’s upper back and sat beside her. “It must have been a shock to learn about the Regent’s Consul. Crispin’s involvement caught me by surprise, too.”

“You probably noticed signs at least,” Evangeline said and frowned. “You were always good at figuring out puzzles.”

“And you’re skilled at analyzing situations and drawing conclusions.”

“What are you implying? That I should have applied logic to see the real Jonathan?”

“Sophia isn’t implying anything,” Regina said. “You are hurt, and neither of us would kick you when you’re already low.”

“I wouldn’t kick you any time,” Sophia said. “I have always despised practicing Wing Chun. I’m happy Regina has Xavier for sparring now.”

Regina huffed. “Not anymore. He refuses because of the baby.”

“Well, don’t ask me to step in,” Sophia said. “I only use it when necessary.”

“You shouldn’t be sparring at all,” Evangeline said to Regina.