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?"

were away on business. I thought I could stand in for

a touch, his tone tinged with displeasure. "We're married, Effie. How

this mean he was starting to care about her, even if he

softened her tone. "Alright. I'll tell you next

"Are you about

just about to leave." Effie had already paid

that Lyman had shown up, if she lingered any

many guests eyed Lyman

kept a notoriously low profile, rarely

sudden appearance at the Bagnold family's birthday event was bound

him-none more so than Shepard, who

you here for my mother's birthday. Why not stay a while longer and join

day for your mother-of course I would come. But I'm

was a polite but

recovered smoothly, nodding. "Of course, Mr. Etheridge. I won't keep you any longer. I hope to visit

his head in

the matriarch, Lyman led

who had seen her share of

almost intimate about

since Effie arrived, Lyman's attention had barely left

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