Chapter 81

Now wasn't the time to dwell on it. Shepard quickly told a servant to fetch Effie.

At that moment, Effie was just coming in from the back garden.

As she entered the main hall, Lyman's gaze found her immediately.

His eyes were deep and hard to read, carrying a hint of concern that almost slipped by unnoticed.

"Effie," Lyman called softly, his voice low and resonant.

She'd told him before that she wasn't ready to go public yet.

Lyman understood-if others found out about Effie's true status, it would only bring her trouble.

Effie was startled to see him—had he come back from his trip already?

And how did he know today was her grandmother's birthday luncheon?

The surprise was plain on her face.

Lyman looked at her, his voice a low murmur. "Today's your grandmother's birthday celebration. Why didn't you tell me?"

"You were away on business. I thought I

with

chest. Did this mean he was starting to care about her, even if he wouldn't quite

her tone. "Alright. I'll tell

"Are

to leave." Effie had already paid her respects to the matriarch; she was prepared to

had shown up, if she lingered any longer, she'd probably just make things

many guests eyed Lyman

kept a notoriously low

Bagnold family's birthday event

chance to meet him-none more so than Shepard, who could

Lyman with eager politeness. "Mr. Etheridge, it's such a rare honor to have you here for my mother's birthday. Why not stay a

kind, President Bagnold. Today is a special day for your mother-of course I would come. But I'm afraid I have some business matters

a polite but

faltered for a split second, then he recovered smoothly, nodding. "Of course, Mr. Etheridge. I won't keep you

inclined his head in

matriarch,

had seen her share of life,

was something almost intimate about the way Lyman

Effie arrived, Lyman's attention had barely

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