Foxglove (Belladonna, #2)(77)
With a snap of the reins, Eliza moved beside Aris. “Are there many fox hunts in Verena?”
Given how severe his face became at the question, one would believe she’d asked whether his mother was a woman of the streets. “Hardly. I have no taste for the sport. If it takes this many people and their hounds to catch a fox, it seems that everyone’s time would be better spent elsewhere.”
Blythe agreed, though she didn’t voice her opinion or her surprise at how plainly he spoke of his distaste, especially in front of a Wakefield. Eliza cleared her throat, only a little thrown from her pursuit. “All the same, I’m glad you came. Perhaps you’ll find that you enjoy it more than you expected. The Wakefield family has been breeding hounds for these hunts for generations.”
It was certainly a lovely morning, early enough that even the birds were still rousing, with weather clear and mild enough to see endlessly ahead. Still, Blythe didn’t have much of a taste for the hunt and preferred to keep at the back of the group and far from where she’d witness anything. Her entire purpose was to see what information she might glean, and while she had hoped to get Eliza alone before she started prying, it seemed there was no choice but to begin.
“I imagine it’s been the furthest thing from his mind, but has Everett had his eye on anyone this season?” she asked. It was similar to the question she’d asked at tea, though this time Eliza sported a scowl so remarkably well practiced that Blythe couldn’t feel that bad for being on the receiving end of it. It was rude to gossip, especially in such company, but Blythe didn’t care what Aris thought. If anything, he looked as curious as Blythe.
“Please, don’t stop the conversation on my account.” So coy was the prince’s smile that even Blythe blushed. He looked every bit a natural atop his mount, seated perfectly straight and all too comfortable as he lorded above them. “I wouldn’t want to step on any toes.”
“Of course you wouldn’t,” Eliza acknowledged graciously. “On the contrary, finding a wife is very much a focus of my cousin’s. With my uncle gone, an heir is more important now than ever.” There was a grimace in her words, and Blythe had no choice but to push.
“Has Everett found someone?” she asked, praying for something—anything—that might help her father.
“There was almost a contender once, but my uncle did not approve the proposal. Everett was heartbroken; it took him a while before he was ready to resume courting. He seems happier now, though, so I imagine there must be someone.”
Blythe fisted the reins so tight that her leather gloves gave a squeak of protest. Charlotte. That’s what Diana had meant when she asked if Charlotte was still circling Everett.
“I’m glad to hear it,” Blythe said, trying to sound nonchalant even as her mind raced and her blood pulsed a manic rhythm in her ears. “Surely that must have been a while ago that he wanted to propose? I don’t remember him courting anyone other than Signa.” At this, Blythe couldn’t help but notice that Aris’s frown grew severe.
“Signa was my uncle’s choice for him,” Eliza said with a wave of her hand. “She has a fortune behind her. Everett liked her well enough to entertain his father, though Signa never showed an interest and Everett developed new desires.”
Aris’s frown smoothed. Blythe, however, was trying her best to quell her churning stomach.
She was perhaps one of the only ones who knew that Everett and Charlotte were still together. She had seen their happy glances, had seen the way they kissed with the excitement of young lovers.
The duke had forbidden Everett to marry Charlotte. And if he’d gone back to her as soon as the duke died…
Blythe could think of no better motive for murder.
She kept her mouth clamped shut and her focus pinpointed on the back of her mount’s neck. If she dared to speak now, the words that slipped out would cause more trouble than they were worth.
So lost in her thoughts was she that Blythe barely heard Aris as he asked, “Are you well, Miss Wakefield?”
She stole a look just in time to see that Eliza’s skin had gone pale, and she was swaying atop her mount.
“Forgive me, Your Highness.” Eliza was as brisk as Blythe had ever heard her, and when she tried to smile her reassurance, it only made Eliza look even more ill. “I believe I’ve left something important back at the manor.”
“Would you like us to accompany you?” Blythe asked, having to reel her focus back in as Eliza turned a faint shade of green.
If a look could kill, Eliza’s would have had her in the grave within the second. “That’s not necessary. I’ve held you hostage long enough as it is. Go and catch up with the others—I’ll find you both as soon as I’m able.”
Eliza snapped the reins, taking off in the direction they’d come from. Though Prince Aris should have ignored Eliza and accompanied her to safety, His Highness seemed content watching her race back toward the estate. His glinting eyes caught the rising sun, and for a moment they were so rich a gold that Blythe nearly scoffed. A beast as foul as him had no right to be handsome.
It was then that she realized just how quiet the forest had become. Though she’d seen Everett and his men in the distance only moments before, there was nothing of their red coats now. She could barely hear the hounds, either, and with a dawning horror realized the situation she’d gotten herself into.