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?”
Effie hesitated, then replied, “You were away on business. I thought I could stand in for us.”
Lyman’s expression darkened just a touch, his tone tinged with displeasure. “We’re married, Effie. How could I not be here?”
A sudden warmth bloomed in Effie’s chest. Did this mean he was starting to care about her, even if he wouldn’t quite say it?
She softened her tone. “Alright. I’ll tell you next time.”
He nodded. “Are you about ready?”
“Yes, I was just about to leave.” Effie had already paid her respects to the matriarch; she was prepared to go.
Besides, now that Lyman had shown up, if she lingered any longer, she’d probably just make things more complicated for him.
Already, heads had turned; many guests eyed Lyman with surprise and open curiosity.
As a business tycoon, Lyman kept a notoriously low profile, rarely showing up at public functions.
So his sudden appearance at the Bagnold family’s birthday event was bound to draw attention.
Everyone hoped for a chance to meet him-none more so than Shepard, who could barely contain his excitement.
He stepped forward, addressing 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 while longer and join us for a drink?”
Lyman paused, offering Shepard a cool but courteous glance. “You’re too 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 waiting at the office. Perhaps another time.”
It was a polite but unmistakable refusal.
Shepard’s smile faltered for a split second, then he recovered smoothly, nodding. “Of course, Mr. Etheridge. I won’t keep you any longer. I hope to visit you soon.”
Lyman inclined his head in acknowledgment.
After saying their goodbyes to the matriarch, Lyman led Effie out of the hall.
Selma, who had seen her share of life, had noticed everything.
There was something almost intimate about the way Lyman and Effie interacted.
Ever since Effie arrived, Lyman’s attention had barely left her.
When had the two of them become so close?
Still, Lyman had always been discreet-no scandals, a good family, and an upstanding character. He was, by all accounts, an excellent match.
Yet the Etheridge family was known for its high standards. Would they really accept Effie?
Selma felt a mix of happiness and worry.
But seeing how Lyman seemed to protect Effie, she thought, “Let the young take care of their own fortunes.”
As they stepped out of the Bagnold residence, a cool breeze made Effie pull her coat tighter around her.
Lyman noticed, shrugged off his own suit jacket, and gently draped it over her shoulders.
“Thank you,” Effie said quietly, looking up at him with a glimmer of gratitude in her eyes.
He didn’t say anything more, just slipped an arm around her shoulders and steered her toward the black sedan waiting at the curb.
Inside, the driver was already at the ready. Once the two of them got in, he started the car and pulled away from the Bagnold estate.
Back in the grand hall, guests couldn’t stop speculating about Lyman and Effie’s relationship.
The image of the two of them standing side by side-such a striking couple-left everyone envious of the Bagnold family’s good fortune.