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She was actually nervous.
Forcing her shaking hand back into her muff Evelyn clenched her trembling fingers squeezing them so tightly together that she had probably cut off the blood supply if she left it too long. It was ridiculous really a woman of her actual age getting in such a state and over something as simple as a man. Yet as Evelyn pretended to study the perfume bottles in front of her she was actually trying to talk some much needed sense back into her racing heart.
Yes this meeting was important, a test as it were, but it wasn't a life or death situation merely an experiment. Yes an experiment, a chance to explore a "what if" that had plagued her since Sir Malcolm had broken free of her enchantment in that previous future.
Would he have fallen for her without the spell?
Her ego insisted yes of course he would. Her enchantments were good, meant to stimulate interest and fan desire, but it was in essence a lust spell and not love, no potion or spell could fabricate that. Oh men often got the two confused, poor dears letting their lower instincts run rampant over their good sense. Sir Malcolm had fought his attraction to her the best he could, so much that Evelyn had been forced to double dose him just to get over the hurdle his gentlemanly instincts presented.
Yet even when he was safely in her bed and giving into his desires Malcolm had been surprisingly gentle and generous with her. In the days after he courted her with single minded determination and surprisingly it hadn't seemed to be about getting her back into his bed. It seemed that what Sir Malcolm desired was not a mere bed mate, something a man of his standing and wealth could have secured with little effort from any one of the city's exclusive brothels. No Sir Malcolm desired a companion and equal and it was that which had struck a chord deep in Evelyn's breast.
To wander through this world with a worthy companion at her side, it was a dream but could it be a reality?
She felt it the moment he walked in. There was something imperceptible in the way the energy of the room changed when he was in it. Evelyn couldn't explain it precisely even with all her knowledge but it felt like a sudden buzz, a charge akin to this new-fangled electricity that ran through her body and she couldn't help turning to greet him.
If they were a match in anything it was in this, for just as she couldn't help but notice him enter it seemed Sir Malcolm was suffering from the same condition, suddenly hesitating in his powerful strides as if he had forgotten where he was going in such a hurry. Then those pale blue eyes were turning to meet her own and Evelyn couldn't stop the spontaneous smile that pulled at her lips as their gazes met.
"Mrs Poole." Sir Malcolm's greeting was polite but there was a warmth in his gaze that appeared genuine even if there was barely a discernible smile underneath that severe beard he still wore.
"Sir Malcolm." There was little Evelyn could do to hide the warmth in her own voice and she caught the flicker of surprise in Malcolm's eyes before it was smothered by years of strict society schooling.
The sudden sound of the shot as one of the salespersons sent off an order in the pneumatic tube systems still made Evelyn practically jump out of her skin, only this time she was able to catch Sir Malcolm's amusement however fleeting.
"Those things could give one a heart attack." Evelyn tutted hand over her fluttering heart as she turned her face to scowl at the offending pipework. "I do not understand what was so wrong with employing actual people to do that job?"
"The embrace of mechanisation has both his winners and losers." Sir Malcolm commented wisely blue eyes raking slowly over her face, an actual smile tugging at his lips as this Mrs Poole glared at the pneumatic tubes like they had personally offended her.
"Well I am afraid I am a Luddite at heart Sir Malcolm, I see all these poor people begging on the streets unable to find work because they have been made obsolete by a bunch of cogs and gears and I too watch to pitch them all into the river. All that suffering and for what; just so the customer doesn't have to wait a few minutes more?"
"A supporter of the working man's rights?" Sir Malcolm questioned in genuine surprise as he removed his hat. "You have surprised me Mrs Poole and I can say that doesn't happen often."
"Then you must either surround yourself with singularly predictable people Sir Malcolm." Evelyn quipped. "Or people so extraordinary that everyone else merely pales by comparison. Although I am not sure which would be preferable?"
"The extraordinary surely?"
"That would be my preference but there are those in society who would prefer their fellows to be singularly dull and stupid so that they could better shine by comparison."
That did manage to wedge a crack in the old bear's hard exterior even if it were only a sudden huff of laughter. "You are very harsh on your fellow man Mrs Poole."
"Evelyn Sir Malcolm and I confess I am but then there are so few men I consider worthy of my attention that the majority escape unscathed." Evelyn replied with a hint of a suggestion, dark eyes flicking back up to stare at him from beneath her thick lashes.
"So what brings you here today Sir Malcolm? The armourers seemed more your natural domain than well…" She paused delicate fingers gesturing to the decidedly feminine surroundings.
"A gift for Miss Ives."
"Ah yes dear Miss Ives, she is well I hope?"
"A little under the weather actually hence the gift."
"How thoughtful. Did you have something particular in mind? Your Miss Ives strikes me as a lady of particular tastes."
For a moment Sir Malcolm actually looked panicked. "No I confess I usually allow one of the young ladies to guide me and just purchase whatever they suggest."
"Oh well its scent for me." Evelyn added her gaze dragging over the tiny crystal bottles. "Perhaps we can be of mutual aid to one another. When purchasing scent I have heard a gentleman's opinion is advisable will you help me?"
"If I am able?" Sir Malcolm replied depreciatingly, in truth he had very little experience in such things but the beaming smile he received in response to his assent was reward enough and it had been some time since a beautiful woman had actually seemed pleased to be in his company that he felt quite out of step.
He followed a step behind as Evelyn Poole led the way over to another perfume counter.
"I suppose I shouldn't ask if you have much experience of purchasing scent." Evelyn couldn't help but tease as she glanced back over her shoulder.
"I cannot claim to be an expert." Sir Malcolm answered. "To explain further would hardly be gentlemanly now would it?"
"Hmmm no." Evelyn all but purred her dark eyes glinting with hidden mischief. "You do not seem the type to kiss and tell Sir Malcolm." She added eyes grazing down to linger on his lips before flicking back up to recapture his gaze; relishing the almost flustered expression that graced his face at her boldness.
"I've shocked you haven't I? Should I pretend innocence?"
"Pretend nothing Mrs Poole I doubt it would suit you." Sir Malcolm retorted even as he was grateful for the beard that helped to hide his blush at her blatant flirting.
Laughing at his delightful reply Evelyn couldn't help but allow herself to hope a little. "Well then to business Sir Malcolm." She added. "This is my old scent I want something new."
Bringing up a little bottle and pulling out the stopper she waved it through the air unable to hide her genuine delight as a small frown puckered between those steely brows of his as Sir Malcolm actually concentrated on his task.
"Very nice."
Laughing out loud at his once again rather abrupt assessment Evelyn could only shake her head. "Oh honestly is that all you can say?"
Lifting up a bowel of coffee beans Evelyn answered his unasked question. "To cleanse your palate."
"Ah." Sir Malcolm nodded breathing in the rich earthy aroma of the beans waiting for his next instructions.
"Now this?" Evelyn asked repeating the action with another bottle.
"Also very nice."
Laughing Evelyn shook her head. "You really are such a man Sir Malcolm are you sure you are not a true born lawyer rather than an explorer it's like you charge by the word."
"Forgive me Mrs Poole but I did warn you I was no expert at this."
"Hmm I forgive you. Now this is my choice. It must be the Luddite in me coming to the fore but there is something evocative of the old world in it I think. Something of the east perhaps?" Evelyn added this time removing the stopper and drawing the scent across her wrist before boldly rubbing a fingertip of scent to the pulse point beneath her ear and angling her chin up in clear invitation.
Sir Malcolm almost paused, she was bold but then that was hardly a surprise to him now or at least it shouldn't be given their previous conversations. Yet there was something innately appealing in dealing with a woman who didn't hide behind meaningless pretence and game playing; certainly not at his age he had danced that dance too many times and been left disappointed. His life was already complicated that such directness was a breath of fresh air.
Besides there was something immensely flattering to his ego that a woman like this, confident, independent, educated and beautiful saw something in him worthy of pursuit.
Leaning down he breathed in her chosen perfume, rich and bold, it evoked sense memories of chocolate and fine red wines, of spices and a warm summer breeze over the savannah. Or perhaps that was simply Evelyn Poole herself?
Pulling back Sir Malcolm felt his breath catch slightly in his throat as his gaze captured those large dark eyes staring up at him, tremulous almost hopeful in their expression, and Malcolm felt an answering pull somewhere deep within his chest. For all her boldness there was a fleeting expression of fragility in Evelyn Poole that called to that part of him that had never been able to turn his back on a damsel in distress, even if precious few were queueing up these days for him to save.
"Well?" Evelyn could feel her heart pounding in her throat, she had made her choice, had taken the chance to venture down the road not explored and there would likely not be another chance to change her mind and enchant him. Whatever happened between them now would be real and that thought both terrified and thrilled her in equal measure.
"I like that one." Sir Malcolm replied a smile pulling at his lips as Evelyn Poole's beautiful face lit up in delight.
"Oh Sir Malcolm I am so very glad to hear you say that." Evelyn added trying to keep her joy to a socially acceptable level, to the observer they were only talking about perfume but there was a subtext to their conversation that both were well aware of.
Turning the sales assistant who had been loitering Evelyn handed over the precious little bottle of scent. "I'll take it."
Then turning back to her handsome companion Evelyn motioned with her hand for them to continue onward. Happily accepting Sir Malcolm's arm when he offered it Evelyn settled into step with him as though it was the most natural thing in the world. "Shall we? I am sure between the two of us we will find something special for dear Miss Ives."
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