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Evan Buckley took one more circuit in his promenade through the park, allowing himself to be seen. At least that was what his mother called it. All a part of her idea of doing his duty to family. Apparently their status was in jeopardy. Maddie's nuptials had been three seasons ago, and she'd made what was seen as a promising match with Heir apparent to the Kendall Barony, but the man's father was in wonderful health with a bride who was providing him with enough sons to have a choice in the matter of heir, should Douglas prove to be unsuitable. Maddie's husband positively fumed with each new little brother born.
Maddie's dowry had put quite a large dent in the Buckley's finances. This should not have been an issue if their mother didn't spend money like water, while his father made poor investments. His latest venture had failed spectacularly when Lord Featherington absconded to the Americas with quite a large portion of the Ton's wealth. Several families could afford the loss, but according to the family books, the Buckleys could not. He hadn't cared about the money, certainly not as his potential inheritance, especially after the long years spent under his mother's expectations.
Frankly, given normal circumstances, and full coffers, Evan was quite prepared to be disinherited the instant he provided any sort of acceptable excuse. For quite a long time, Evan was exceedingly careful with his every move in public or in private. He'd long since given up on earning any sort of parental approval, but he was determined not to gift them the excuse for his own doom. As such, many of the members of the Ton, those that should think upon him at all, considered him something of a goody-goody prude, and he spent many a ball holding up a wall or even two from the shadows.
Despite their recent family entanglements, he'd spent much of that time in idle polite chatter with Penelope Featherington. He spent enough time at her side to realize a few quiet truths. The most obvious was her affection for the Bridgertons, particularly her, until recently, best friend Eloise, and her long abiding love for the quite moronic —in his opinion— Colin, who spent far too long without seeing what was right in front of his face. Another thing was something he very much suspected Eloise also knew. Pen's voice in their chats was witty and often cutting, and all too similar to that of Lady Whistledown’s writing style.
He worried for his friend and for her secrets, especially in light of the Queen's obsession with unmasking the author. He was perhaps a little too forgiving of the woman since he'd avoided any of her attention purely by being just uninteresting enough to never be mentioned. However, he was sure she'd caused some of the Ton a great deal of trouble, inadvertently or not, and he was certain there were those who would rejoice at her unmasking and subsequent downfall.
As such, he was quite pleased with the latest development, and Lord Debling's interest in his friend. The man may seem odd to some, but Evan was a little fascinated with his decision to forgo meat of any kind, and he seemed a keen man. If there was not to be a love match in Penelope's future, thanks to Colin's continued blindness, then Lord Debling, at least, seemed like a kind man, and a very acceptable match. By the look of it, Evan could only assume Baroness Featherington approved, if the way she was watching Pen and Lord Debling as they promenaded through the park.
Evan would have approached Eloise Bridgerton for a stroll, since she could be counted on for an intelligent conversation, but she was in the company of Miss Cressida Cowper. She had a most offensive personality, with a tendency for casual cruelty that made her lovely continence seem quite the opposite to Evan's eyes. In recent weeks, she had begun to look for a match with a sort of quiet desperation, and was just the sort of wife his mother would find decidedly acceptable. This was all the more reason to avoid the young lady in question.
Instead, he veered down a different path and, as luck would have it, came to see some of his favorite people. Lord Diaz was speaking with Lord Nash in a most earnest manner. He had a fearsome frown on his face, and Evan could only guess it had something to do with his mother, the former Countess Diaz. The Earl had after many long years of growing their estate, passed on his titles and the bulk of his estate to his son Edmundo to run, something the Countess Diaz generally disapproved of. She was apparently of the idea that her only son, a widower, should be on the bride market in a bid to find a respectable, and most likely biddable wife. It was known, in thanks to Lady Whistledown herself, that Countess Helena finds her grandson unsuitable and wanted to see her son produce a more acceptable heir.
Evan, having spent a little time with the boy, thought the Countess was a blind fool. In his humble opinion, Christopher Diaz is an intelligent, kind and somehow overly-wise beyond his years child. While he didn't care for the upset to the current Earl and his child, caused by the mention in one of the recent issues, he was glad someone had brought the woman's machinations to light. Evan had learned, inadvertently, that Helena had been quite cruelly honest with the boy about his planned fate, even while keeping Earl Diaz completely in the dark as to her intentions. He had quite calmly and factually mentioned to Evan in their chance meeting that his grandmother would be taking him away, once she found a suitable new wife for his father.
Rumor has it that in light of the recent publication, the Earl had his mother forcibly retired to their country home, without her husband, who chose to remain to act as an advisor, and with only the most minimal of staff, who had all received strict instructions about what the former Countess was allowed to do with her time and who she was allowed to communicate with. Would that all monstrous mamas be similarly exiled.
Evan had struck up a friendship with the Earl upon a brief encounter with Christopher that involved an ill-suited child minder, who felt her charge, particularly in light of his grandmother's assertions, wasn't worth her time and effort. The woman, a Miss Flores, had decided that since he wasn't to be the heir her time would be better spent attempting to seduce his father, so that she may provide the man with a new countess and heir, instead.
She'd chosen to forgo teaching her charge, and instead spend her allotted time with him stalking the Earl and making herself more than comfortable in his home. In the meantime, Christopher had taken his new free time to explore the world outside his home. Once he'd exhausted his interest in the gardens and orchard, he'd moved to explore further afield, as it were. With the assistance of a specially designed saddle his father had acquired, and the tiniest of lies to the stable boy, Christopher found himself quite free to have a look around the world from atop his horse. Unfortunately, his exploration didn't come with a map.
Evan had discovered him looking quite lost, and frustrated one afternoon. He could see the child was on the verge of tears, and made sure his approach was obvious before he settled in front of the boy
"This is a fine looking animal." He said, reaching a hand out to carefully pet the horse's nose. "An animal this fine, I would wager he came from a very accomplished breeder."
"His name is Bonbon. My father raised him for me." The boy announced proudly, and then seemed to remember his sadness. "Grandmother wasn't happy about it though. Once she finds Daddy a new wife, and he agrees to let Grandmother take me away, I'm sure she won't let me bring Bonbon with me."
Evan wasn't sure what to say that wouldn't disparage the boy's father or grandmother, so he continued attempting to figure out what he could do to help the boy more immediately. "Well, I know this fellow's name, but what about you? My name is Evan Buckley."
"P-pleased to meet you, Mr. Buckley, my name is Christopher Diaz." He said, holding out a hand to shake, politely. Evan took it and gave two firm shakes.
"First, now that we've been properly introduced, you may call me Evan."
"I can?" He asked incredulously, and Evan nodded his encouragement. "In that case, you can call me Chris or Christopher. Everyone does."
"Thank you, Chris." Evan said with a warm smile. "Now that introductions are out of the way, what's got you feeling so down?" He asked.
"I... I took Bonbon for a ride, but I think we took the wrong path and now..." He looked around helplessly. "I don't remember which way goes home."
"Well, that's an easy fix, especially now that we've been introduced, Mr. Christopher Diaz." Evan said with a wink. "Earl Diaz and his family reside in Diaz House, which is a few minutes' ride right that way." He pointed down the right lane.
"It is?" Chris asked excitedly.
"Certainly. Now, I'm sure you could find your way back, now that you have the right direction, but would you allow me to walk with you and Bonbon, just so I don't worry about him leading you off course for a delicious looking carrot or sugar cube."
"Sure." Chris said with a sweet grin.
Evan walked alongside the horse, leading the pair back towards Diaz House. They only got a little way down the lane when a frantically racing horse could be heard, feet pounding the ground, rider urging it on. Evan made sure they were out of the way on the off chance that the horse wasn't someone looking for the boy, so that the clearly frantic rider and horse didn't startle Bonbon or cause Chris to panic at the reins.
Fortunately, for all involved, the rider was looking for his temporary charge, and was a skilled enough rider to slow his animal down without any sort of calamity taking place. The moment the horse was reined in, the rider jumped off and all but threw himself at Christopher, yelling his name. For a second or two, Evan was worried about how angry the man would be, before he started covering the boy's face in frantic kisses, while muttering thankful prayers.
Chris was an odd, but somehow endearing mix of guilty and happy at his father's reaction. Something Evan almost envied. Lord knows, the Baron wouldn’t have had a similar sort of response had a younger Evan found himself in this sort of situation. From experience, Evan was sure he would likely leave any reaction to Evan’s mother, and that reaction would likely be a swift punishment and a lecture to both himself and whatever servant she deemed most responsible for whatever 'shame his foolish actions' brought to their good name. Until he was nearly twelve he'd been quite terrified that his inability to concentrate on his lessons and stumbles into minor mischief would bring about their family's utter ruin. When he'd brought his worries up to Maddie, after his latest disaster, she'd laughed, assuring him that, while she loved him, she was "quite sure he wasn't important enough to cause all that fuss."
A long hug, and some careful patting of the boy to reassure himself of the child's physical well being later, the man stepped back and turned his eyes toward Evan. He gave him a quick up and down look, and then opened his mouth to address Evan directly, before Christopher spoke up instead.
"This is Mr. Evan Buckley, Daddy. He was showing me back to Diaz House. I was a little bit lost." He said the last part in a whisper and from behind one tiny hand.
"Were you now?" The man said to his son, before turning to Evan. "Did you thank Mr. Buckley for his assistance?"
"I was hoping to thank him properly with some lemonade and maybe a piece of Great Grandmother's toffee cake, once we found home again." Chris said.
"And I suppose it would only be polite for you to have a glass of lemonade and a slice of cake with him, would it not?" He said with a twinkle in his eye, and a brow raised.
"Manners are important." Chris said, as if by rote.
"That they are." He agreed. "And manners dictate I owe Mr. Buckley a debt of gratitude as well, for aiding my heir, which means, should he accept our thanks, then I too must bear a glass of lemonade and a slice of my grandmother's quite delectable toffee cake." Earl Diaz turned back to Evan. "So, Mr. Buckley, will you accept our thanks for your assistance this fine afternoon?."
The smile on the man's face sent a jolt to Evan's stomach and it probably took him an embarrassingly long time to recover enough to respond. "I'm sure I just did what anyone else would have done, by pointing him in the right direction, but far be it for me to ignore good manners. I would love a drink and a slice of toffee cake." He said, giving a nod to both father and son. "Oh, and feel free to call me Evan. Christopher and myself are already on a first name basis. It's only right that I extend that permission to you as well, particularly since we'll all be sharing a treat this afternoon." When the Earl's smile grew brighter still, Evan had to wonder at the sudden weakness in his knees.
"Thank you, Evan. In that case, I would very much like you to call me Eddie."
"I would be most pleased to do that, Eddie." He managed to reply, without letting on how the man's mere smile seemed to discombobulate him so entirely.
The walk back to Diaz House and subsequent refreshments led Evan to discover a few facts. Two such facts were that while the Diaz family drank their lemonade just a tad sweeter than Evan would prefer, he would come to discover he would go to war, if need be, in defense of the Dowager Diaz's toffee cake.
Those same manners that earned him the slice of heaven he'd been offered, were the only thing that kept him from absconding with whatever remained of the cake in question. Well, manners and the fact that should he be such a villain, he would be unlikely to ever get further opportunity to sample the woman's very fine confections. Not to mention missing out on future opportunities to afford himself of such fine company.
Before Evan could begin to think about how to make a polite retreat, before he managed to offend the Earl or make a laughingstock of himself, the man in question brought up an interesting request.
"I find it a bit disheartening that my son doesn't know the lands around his home. I think this must be settled in a swift manner, lest we run out of cake to ply heroes with, in thanks for their assistance. After all, who's to say someone here won't just finish his punishment and take it within his head to try this again? I would very much not wish to rely on his sheer dumb luck of happening on someone of such fine moral standing and heroic bent as you, Evan. So perhaps, after his grounding is completed, you would like to accompany the two of us on a ride through the paths and lanes around Diaz House, say Saturday after next? Should my son's behavior remain above reproach he shall be let off punishment by then."
Evan knew his cheeks were red with the man's flattery, but he eagerly accepted the invitation. "I would very much like that, sir- I mean Eddie." Evan managed to stutter out.
The three of them did indeed take that ride, and even picnicked midway through, before returning to Diaz House, but before any other outings could be planned, the latest Lady Whistledown had been delivered, and Evan went from almost sure to positive of the author's identity.
He had let his disgust towards Dowager Diaz the younger and her plans for her remarkable grandson be made obvious to Penelope. His words had been specifically chosen, hoping he was correct and that the lady's machinations would be thwarted by shame. He was both pleased, and a little terrified, at the uproar his little bit of directed gossip had caused. He could tell the Earl was furious even after banishing his mother to exile, and he could only hope Pen's identity was never discovered, lest she face the man's wrath for airing Diaz family secrets to all and sundry.
It would seem, in the days that followed Lady Whistledown's publication, that the boy's inattentive tutor's misdeeds were also uncovered. Once Eddie started discussing the situation that had led to Christopher's little jaunt with his son, he'd quickly learned about the lack of any actual lessons being given. The woman was terminated immediately, all the while proclaiming her love and devotion all the way out the front gates. Both father and son were glad to see the back of her, particularly after the show she made on her exit.
Evan was quite positive she would have claimed to be 'with child', should she have managed to get more than a moment or two alone with the Earl, in her many, many attempts. Eddie had been quite thankful about her lack of success. The silly chit would never know her impropriety had been her undoing. She had consistently referred to him by his given name without leave, and each time he'd fled to the furthest parts of the estate for some imaginary task or utterly time sensitive errand purely to escape her company.
Evan shook off thoughts of that particularly well dodged bullet, and focused on the day around him and good friends just a short stroll away. He tried not to blush realizing he'd been standing in contemplation of the past for far too long, and was just about to make his way to join Eddie and Lord Nash when another presence made themselves known at Eddie's side, causing Evan to stop short.
Viscount Kinard had joined the conversation, and Eddie's previous frown broke away, as he shot the man an amused grin in reply to whatever jest or jape the man had made. Lord Nash was amused as well, but not nearly so much as his companion. Evan stepped forward, hoping to join in the conversation, when the Viscount's eyes found his. His lips quirked and he leaned in far too close in order to whisper in Eddie's ear. Had he done that to a young lady it would be found both unseemly and scandalous, as would the hand that he laid across Eddie's back.
Evan averted his eyes from the proof of their close friendship. Earl Diaz was similarly so free with his own friendly gestures, and Evan simply could not condemn the behavior in the Viscount when he secretly craved the same treatment from Eddie. Instead, he took a breath and then stepped up to join the three men.
"Mr. Buckley." Lord Nash greeted him. "Lord Diaz and I were having a debate, and now he hopes to gain a majority with the Viscount's opinion, but with any hope I can still sway you to my side, so that if I cannot win, then neither shall he. What do you think of Braidwood's ideas about establishing a fire brigade? It's fascinating work and the man's treatise on the subject would be a good basis for the start of such a venture here in London. His work in Edinburgh's own fire brigade would make an excellent point in asking the crown to support the creation of one here, wouldn't you say?"
"I would, but a better question would be why we need the King or Queen's permission to protect our own homes and families." Evan asked, head tilted in thought.
"I don't necessarily mean permission, so to speak." Lord Nash hurried to clarify. "But truth be told, such an undertaking would require the support of the people to make it a feasible plan. Especially if we are to raise funds to follow through with the man's suggestions for equipment, in addition to paying to staff the endeavor." He said with a little annoyed look towards Eddie.
"Now, Lord Nash, you know full well, that I would support your plans, with or with the crown's blessing, but I don't know if there will be need enough to pay for staff when any man worth his salt would gladly volunteer to assist his neighbors, family and friends in such a time of need. Why, I know, just speaking for myself, that I would lead the charge to step up, as, I'm sure, would the Viscount and Evan gladly, without some promise of pay."
The Viscount was quick to agree. "Diaz speaks the truth, Lord Nash. I know I would be more than willing to volunteer, and Buckley here looks to be chomping at the bit for a chance to serve." The man's keen eye fell on Evan, assessing and encouraging at the same time. "Aren't you, Mr. Buckley?"
Evan froze under the man's glaze, at least momentarily, then he nodded eagerly. "Of course. It is every gentleman's honor to serve king and country. I would relish any opportunity to do my duty." He replied once he found his voice. "Particularly in service to keeping our community safe."
Lord Nash took the three of them in, quite fiercely serious for a moment or two, and then grinned. "Three peas in a pod, the lot of you. Though I do admit, the idea of leading such keen men out to battle against the flames that would endanger our families and homes in such a righteous cause is an invigorating one. Perhaps no debate is necessary. You all make a fine point." He said with an acknowledging nod. "And now, properly schooled, I must take my leave of you. The lady Athena was to have tea with Lady Bridgerton and Lady Danbury this afternoon, but should already be on her way home."
Once Lord Nash took his leave, Buck felt some sort of shift in the air, and looked up to find the Viscount's eyes upon him, and he felt seen somehow, quite keenly. The man had an odd quirking smile as he seemed to study Evan for a moment or two before redirecting the conversation. "Earl Diaz tells me you're quite the accomplished rider, Mr. Buckley. Perhaps you would like to join me for a ride some afternoon?"
Evan was focused on the man's words and the oddly intense look, and barely noticed the strange choking noise Eddie made at the unexpected invitation. He felt somehow flushed at the man's intent study, and completely discombobulated by his own reaction, a swooping feeling in his stomach, and a flush to his cheeks. The whole interaction left him feeling wrong-footed and awkward, even as he tried to force out some kind of reasonable answer, without sounding like a complete nitwit.
"I... I... that is to say I believe Eddie- I mean Earl Diaz is far too kind in his assessment of my riding skills, but keeping that in mind, and if you were still interested I would very much like that, Lord Kinard." He managed to sputter out without making too great of a fool of himself, he hoped.
"My friends call me Thomas, or Tommy, Mr. Buckley, and I would hope I can now count you as such? After all we did just agree to go into service together, hypothetical as it may be." He said with a strangely soft smile.
"Evan, then, if you will, Tommy." Evan replied, a warm feeling in his chest at being called a friend.
"Look at the time!" Eddie said suddenly, voice sharp and, to Evan it seemed, a little angry. The man's very posture seemed tight and yet somehow brittle. "I have other things to attend to than debates in the park."
"I should go." Evan said, not sure if he'd somehow caused the man's change in temperament, but also not wanting to do any more damage if he had been the root of whatever was bothering him. "I didn't mean to interrupt your conversation, at any rate and I shall let you get back to it." He could see a change in Eddie's tight stance and the man opened his mouth to speak again, but Evan didn't want to force the man into some feigned polite insistence when clearly his presence had created some strife in the man. "I need to get ready for the Queen's ballet anyway. 'One must be seen'" He said in a poor mockery of his mother's harping. "Good afternoon to you, my lords." He hastily moved towards the exit, escape the only thing on his mind, before he ruined not one but two friendships.
---
Evan watched the Queen's ballet with more than a little longing. The dancers were both talented, but there was something about the story they told with their bodies, about the feelings their dance invoked that left him longing for something he couldn't quite name.
He had caught glimpses of both Eddie and Tommy through the crowd, but he stayed safe in his own dark corner, this once without his usual companion, as Penelope was busy being led across the floor by Lord Debling.
He found himself idly contemplating the workmanship that must have gone into making the swans swim inside the queen's latest statement piece. He obviously hadn't gotten any sort of close look but his eyes were keen, and Her Majesty was almost always on display. He was debating if the thing was purely mechanical in nature similar to a clock's movement, or if there might be magnets involved. Either way, he was quite sure the wig would need a good winding to allow for the swan's gentle glide all evening.
He was debating what trouble it would cause should he 'borrow' one of his mother's clocks to test his theories when Colin Bridgerton caught his eye, cutting in on Pen's dance. A moment later he watched Cressida slip into Debling's arms while her words slipped her viperous poison into his ear. When the dance ended, Evan found his feet leading him in Lord Debling's direction, as the man moved past Penelope and the frustrating Mr. Bridgerton without a word to the woman, whom it had been rumored, was to end the night as his intended.
Evan quickly caught up to the man. "Lord Debling, a word please."
He looked pained, and as if he didn't want to offer anyone a word, but it would seem the man's manners trapped him quite effectively. "A small one, mister..." He trailed off in question.
"Buckley, sir. Evan Buckley. I can tell you're quite fatigued after the night's festivities, but I spend a lot of time at these sorts of things, often watching from the wall, most usually with a keen-witted companion in Miss Featherington."
The man's slightly relaxed posture stiffened up. "Is that so?"
"It is, and during those long boring parties, I've watched repeatedly as Miss Cowper seemed to find a banal vindication in issuing small miseries upon my friend. As such, when I see that... when I see her seize an opportunity, forged by whatever idiocy Colin Bridgerton has gotten in his fool head now, to effect yet another misery on Miss Featherington, I feel it is my duty to my friend to step in. Whatever clever poison she's issued, I hope a fuller picture might afford you better insight, knowing her utter contempt for Miss Featherington."
Debling seemed to relax slightly and he opened his mouth to ask something, when Penelope caught up with them. She was clearly anxious, and Evan took his leave. Cressida's interference in whatever was to follow had hopefully been somewhat mitigated. If not, then at least Evan knew he'd tried.
He was returning to the ballroom when Colin Bridgerton caught his eye. The man was heading towards where he'd just left Pen and Lord Debling, and Evan was quite sure neither would appreciate further interference at the moment.
"Mr. Bridgerton." He said, catching the man's attention only briefly as he slowed enough to give a nod of acknowledgement before he kept moving. "A word, if you please, sir, or perhaps, even if you don't please at this point." He said, more forcefully.
Colin stopped and turned to face him. "Have I wronged you in some way, Mr. Buckley?"
"Not as such, yet, but the night is still reasonably young." Evan said, allowing sarcasm and a slight contempt to lace his words.
"Clearly you have some issue, Buckley, but whatever it is, I do not have time to address it right now." He said, taking a deep breath and once more making to leave.
"My issue is with you and Miss Cowper." He said, anger finally lacing his words.
Colin stopped the longing stare he'd been giving the exit, and turned to face Evan fully, confusion on his face and a hand coming out in a placating manner. "I don't know what rumor or gossip you've heard about Miss Cowper and I, but they're untrue. To be frank, I'm not even sure why Eloise is friends with her. I certainly have no intentions towards her."
"It is good to know you have some taste at least, but I'd thank the pair of you to stop visiting your cruel attentions on Miss Featherington. While I don't think your barbs are as ill intended as Miss Cowper's often are, it would seem yours strike more true, and often give that harpy the opening she needs. Your blindness to Miss Featherington's true worth aside, if you ever actually thought her a friend, then I would ask that you stop stomping all over her chance at happiness with a man who can at least see what is right in front of his face."
"My sight has become stunningly clear over the last few days, and I can see quite well, thank you. While Lord Debling seems to be a very kind man, that is no love match, and Penelope deserves nothing less, if she would have it."
He turned and looked longingly at the exit and suddenly Evan realized what the man was really saying. "Do you propose to offer her such?" Evan asked, brow raised. He'd heard Colin's swift denial once upon a time, but the besotted smile on the man's face held true this time.
"If she'd have me." He said, seeming almost giddy with the confession.
"Then perhaps you should go and make your proposition, before she accepts another's." Evan said, with a smirk, and watched as the man went running for the door.
He was turning to make his way back to the ball, intent on a glass of lemonade as a treat for himself, when a door opened to his left, and then he found himself pulled into a dark room. He tried to pull away from the hand that had tugged him in, confused by what was going on, when candles started being lit across the room.
"Eddie?" He asked, eyes wide, then he turned to see who had his hand, only to find the Viscount watching him with that same odd little smirk. "Viscount-" The man gave a playful growl and Evan corrected himself. "Tommy, I mean. What's going on? Is something wrong? Is Christopher all right?" He asked turning back to Eddie again.
Finished with the candles, Eddie turned towards him, a soft smile on his face. "Chris was quite well when I left him this evening, but I do thank you for your concern. No, all is... better than I feared at least."
"Better than you feared?" Evan asked, turning to face him more fully, while ignoring the fact that his other companion had yet to remove his hand from Evan's.
"So far." Eddie agreed, stepping towards him. "You see, I had started worrying that you might have feelings for another, Miss Featherington or perhaps Mr. Bridgerton."
"Miss Featherington is simply a friend. A fellow traveler, if you will, during many long and boring parties we were both forced to attend by societal requirements and scheming mamas." He replied, focusing on making sure he didn't somehow paint Penelope in an ill light. Rumors now could be ruinous to both of her possible futures, and he would not be the cause of such.
"Notice how he didn't comment on Mr. Bridgerton. So is that your taste, Evan, Foppish pretty boys?" The Viscount all but purred into his ear. "Should I call the young rake out for playing with your affections while chasing another?"
"Colin Bridgerton? It's only in the last few minutes that I discovered he wasn't a complete idiot. I'm not friends with the man, even if I'm quite sure I just did him a huge favor." Something the man said registered past the blood rushing sound in his ears.
"So you don't find him attractive then?" Tommy asked, watching him intently.
"Quite frankly, I'm not entirely sure what anyone sees in him. I mean, sure he's quite tall with decent shoulders, and I know the man can be charming, when he tries, if he's not too busy being a moron. Honestly, the most attractive thing about the man is that he comes with a lovely family. Not in the social climbing aspect." He quickly clarified, head tilted in thought. "They just genuinely seem like they love one another and are kind. You know?"
"So you find his family is an important factor in his suitability as a partner." Eddie asked.
"Would that the man had merit enough to stand on his own. No need to fret about your prospects, My Lord. Should you be so unlucky, which you are not, as to start with Colin Bridgerton's deficits, your grandmother's cooking and Christopher's exuberance for life and learning would be more than enough to make up for your mother's... well everything, frankly. Should you have want, I'm sure there is a more than suitable bride in your future." Evan attempted to reassure the man, even if it left a sour feeling in his chest.
"Of all the things I'm in want of, a bride doesn't even make the list." Eddie said, cocking a brow at Tommy. "What about you, Lord Kinard, are you in want of anything?"
"Certainly not a bride." He said with a secretive grin. "Ask any mama and they will loudly lament my confirmed bachelorhood." He spoke in a higher voice for a moment. "'There goes Lord Kinard, such a shame he's a confirmed bachelor.' They say it as if I've contracted some frightful fever. One they fear could be catching." The man pressed himself along Evan's side, causing him to feel flustered, keenly aware of every spot where the man's body was touching his.
"It is most convenient that in addition to that title you were blessed with an abundance of nieces and nephews, so that you'll have your choice of heirs, even if you never find yourself wanting a wife." Eddie said with a smirk.
"Hush you," Tommy said, looking around in mock fear. "One of the mamas might hear you and take that for a challenge."
Buck patted the hand still holding his. "It's certainly lucky for you that Maddie found herself in a love match. Otherwise my mother would have found you too heady a prize to miss, between your money and your title. She would have chased you down like a prize buck, until you found yourself caught, eaten, and finally, mounted over the mantle so that one could tell the tale of the successful hunt to all who would sit still long enough to listen."
"I'm far too old to be a young buck, but, as luck would have it, here you are. Young, virile… Hell you even share part of your name. That seems a little fated to me." He said with a grin before he looked to Eddie. "How about it, Diaz, care to join me in a hunt? He's certainly a prime specimen. I wager he tastes incredible."
"Who am I to turn down such a delicious offer? Let us find out together."
Suddenly Eddie was pressed against his front, and his lips were on Evan's which caused the man to freeze for a second or two, before he kissed back. He was lost in the kiss entirely, until Tommy pressed his body along Evan's back, and started nibbling up his neck and nipping at his earlobe. Four hands were on him, moving him as needed while they explored his mouth and neck quite thoroughly, pausing only long enough to subtly shift in some way that meant the Viscount was tasting his lips, while the Earl raked a hand through his hair, before fisting his hand in it, tilting Evan's head to one side to give himself more access to his very sensitive neck, eliciting gasps and moans that the Viscount swallowed in his kisses.
Their explorations carried on for what seemed to be hours or possibly seconds, but they were brought to an abrupt end with the sound of glass breaking somewhere nearby. Evan froze, when he realized not only what they'd been doing, but just where they'd been doing it. His breath caught in his throat, and he was frozen, like his newly christened namesake, trapped in terror at what he'd allowed to happen.
He stood still as his heart pounded in his chest, while his two companions set each other, and himself, to rights. Then, somehow, Eddie was once more in front of him, coaxing his attention with a gentled voice. "Evan, darling, are you alright?" He asked while carefully running his hands through Evan's hair, both to offer comfort and to repair the damage he'd caused to the slicked back curls now on display for anyone to see.
When he didn't answer, Tommy put an arm around his shoulders and gave him a gentle squeeze. "Everything is alright. There is always at least one clumsy fool at these parties, and when the refreshments are being footed by the crown, more than most. We were quite safe from discovery." He slipped his hand into a pocket and pulled out the key for the door. "We would not risk your honor by being careless. You have my word."
When Evan didn't answer right away, he shared a worried glance with Eddie, who looked as perplexed as Tommy, and then seemed to come to a rather unpleasant possibility. The man took a breath before he took Evan's hand in his own. "Evan, you have kissed a man before, have you not?" Eddie asked carefully.
Evan blushed and finally met his eyes ever so briefly before he shook his head in the negative.
"Well, that's alright, you do seem a quick study." Tommy said, sending him a smile and a teasing wink, trying to ease his nerves, but Eddie didn't match his grin, eyes still on Evan.
"Evan, was that your first kiss with anyone?" He asked, sending Tommy's eyebrows flying up.
"Of course not!" Evan said offended. Eddie had just started to breathe a little easier when the man continued to speak. "Maddie always gave me a kiss on the forehead when she was the one to put me to bed when I was little."
"What!" Tommy yelped, eyes wide as he caught on to what was actually being said.
Eddie shot a look his way and the Viscount purposefully closed his mouth and did his speaking with his eyebrows, demanding Eddie figure this out.
"Your sister, right?" Evan nodded. "But not a young lady or man growing up?"
"I would never risk a lady's honor like that, and..." Here he blushed again. "I didn't realize the other was an option before now."
"Wait, not even a who-" Tommy started to ask, but cut off when the most dignified Earl of Diaz kicked him in the shin. He yipped and shot the man a dark look. "Seriously?"
Eddie raised a brow, that very clearly demanded the Viscount stop giving the man ideas.
"This does change things, Mr. Buckley." Eddie said, voice serious. "Tommy, if you would perhaps unhand the gentleman. Our plans for a simple tryst are clearly inappropriate now."
Evan let out a noise of discontent, but stepped away from the two men, to keep a proper distance, face fallen, but a new stiffness in his posture, as opposed to in his trousers.
"Mr. Buckley... Evan, you mistake my intentions. Given that the Viscount and myself have stolen your first kiss, it would seem the only proper and just way of dealing with the situation is to make sure we earn the gift you've given us. We would very much like to court you, Evan Buckley, if you will allow us in spite of our rakish behavior this evening."
Evan's jaw dropped, and he glanced from Eddie to Tommy, who just smiled and gave a nod. "I did say I would give chase, young buck. With your permission, of course. Will you allow us to court you, please?"
Buck reached up and gave his own arm a sharp pinch, and then yelped. "That hurt!" He exclaimed, almost pouting for a second, before he started slowly grinning. "That hurt!" He said again, this time sounding far more pleased.
"It certainly seems like it would." Eddie said, head tilting in confusion, while Tommy took the lead on this one, stopping Evan's hand from where it was inching up to have another go at pinching himself to be absolutely sure.
"You are most certainly awake, my buck. If anyone here is in danger of living in a dream, I assure you it is me, having tasted those- OUCH!" He jumped and turned to a smirking Eddie.
"There you go, all awake, just like the rest of us. Please try to remember your manners, Lord Kinard. Our buck's outfit cannot handle another bit of manhandling as delightful as it was, and we are avowed to woo him, not bring ruin and scandal to his reputation because you lack self-control. Besides, he hasn't agreed to allow us to court him yet, so what say you, Evan?"
"Surely, you cannot mean to actually court me?" Evan asked, still not quite believing the situation he'd somehow found himself in. "Either of you, or both." He stepped back to face both of them. "I don't understand. Why me?"
"Why not you?" The Viscount asked, head tilted in confusion, his mien serious for one. "Lord Diaz and myself find you to be a most honorable man, kind to both strangers and friends, and frankly enchanting to look at. We'd be fools to pass up the opportunity to have you on our arms, now that the opportunity arises. While I can't quite speak for Lord Diaz, I am certainly no fool."
"How would this work? I am somewhat passingly familiar with courting from a certain point of view, even if I never before found myself taking part, but what of chaperones, and not only is there the fact that there are two of you, but you're also both men. Surely either of those things would invite accusations of scandal to each of your houses." Something occurred to Evan then that almost sent him back into shock. "Should my mother learn of this, I'm not sure who will have me killed first, her or the Queen."
"Evan," Eddie said, stepping forward. "Your mother may yet prove difficult, but you'll agree I know a little something about difficult mothers, yes?" He asked and waited for Evan to nod his agreement. "As to the Queen, leave her to us. The Viscount and myself shall have an audience with Her Majesty, and ensure we are granted dispensation for such a thing. Contingent upon your acceptance of our courtship, of course." He gave Evan a pleading smile. "Do we have leave to make our intentions clear, sir?"
Evan nodded. "I would like that very much."
Pleased smiles on their faces, the Viscount and the Earl each took a hand and kissed it, with a slight bow.
"Now, if the Viscount would be so kind as to go request that audience, I shall ensure that my carriage sees you home." He paused, eyes raking across the other man. "If, that is, you are ready to retire for the evening." He reached out a hand and twisted one unruly curl into place.
"Why, pray tell, do you get the opportunity for goodnight kisses and I must see to arranging our meeting. You do out rank me, Earl Diaz." Tommy emphasized his title.
"Because, for some strange reason, you have the Queen's favor. And, no matter how much I may desire goodnight kisses," He sent a smouldering look in Evan's direction. "and I do, I will not allow my amorous urges to cause any damage to Evan's reputation, especially before we've been granted dispensation from the crown."
"She does like me better, doesn't she?" He said with a grin, humor much restored. "If honor is the issue, might we have a most chaste goodnight kiss here, before we must part and brave the crowds?" He requested, brow raised in question.
Even nodded his head, quite unsure what to expect, when Tommy leaned in and gave him a gentle kiss, resting their foreheads together for a brief moment. "Goodnight, Lord Kinard." He murmured softly.
The man gave him a soft smile and then stepped back, only for Eddie to take his place. He too, gave a soft, sweet kiss.
"Goodnight, Lord Diaz."
The three of them left the somehow safe haven of the locked room, and then, all too soon parted ways.
Evan rode home in the Diaz coach, alternating between rubbing at the tender skin at his neck and his kiss bruised lips in wonder. It wasn't until Lady Whistledown's publication, two days later, that he learned how their meeting with the Queen had gone.
The author had made known their adoration of surprises, such as Penelope and Colin's engagement, and then extolled the many virtues of the queen's next Great Experiment: opening the marriage market to allow for certain alternate opportunities, should they arise.
The Baroness Buckley was most thrown to find herself accepting two of the city’s most eligible bachelors as callers for her son in the parlor that very afternoon, but didn't dare show her displeasure, considering their station. Apparently, it was a whole new world, and Evan Buckley was going to find out what it was like to be courted by a Viscount and an Earl.