Page 12 of The Viscount's Forgery
“I do not think I know Lord Suffolk,” one of her friends said. “Is he a new acquaintance?”
Eugenia nodded. “Yes, he is close friends with Lord Bothwell.”
“I know of him,” Miss Trentworth said quickly. “He has a vast fortune and is one of the richest gentlemen in England, even if only a Viscount. He has the very best of nearly everything, able to throw his coin in whatever direction he wishes!”
A wry smile touched Eugenia’s lips. “There is a little arrogance within him, certainly, though he did apologize for being a little quick in his remarks about my sister and her motivations.” Seeing the curiosity in her friends' faces, Eugenia quickly explained. “When Lord Bothwell approached Polly and suggested a walk, Lord Suffolk and I followed with them, and we spoke at length. Alas, nothing of significance came out ofthat conversation – from my sister and Lord Bothwell, I mean. I think they spoke generally rather than with any specificity.”
“Though mayhap that will come,” Miss Trentworth suggested. “It is good that they were able to speak, at least.”
“Yes, that is true.” Eugenia shrugged. “I may speak to Lord Suffolk again, to see if he has spoken to Lord Bothwell.” She allowed herself a smile. “I know that he is of a good ilk, for he found me becoming distracted by a painting in the hallway at one of the balls, and he did nothing other than suggest I return to you all.”
The other ladies laughed, though Lady Rosalyn did look a little concerned. “It is very much like you to be distracted.” Eugenia flushed with a touch of embarrassment. “But yes, you should be careful. The next time you find yourself drawn to a piece of artwork, it may be that a gentleman without so much merit finds you!”
“I will be careful,” Eugenia promised, with a smile before the conversation turned to what books of interest the other ladies had been reading. Everyone, Eugenia knew, was aware of her passion for artwork, and on reading just as much as she could about the subject. It was often somewhat trying when neither her father, mother, nor sister had any interest in the matter and did not like to speak of it, but here, with the other bluestockings, Eugenia had found herself contented and understood.
She did not know what she would do when it all came to an end.
“Good afternoon, Miss Sherwood.”
Eugenia turned quickly, only to see the smiling face of Lord Suffolk drawing near to her. “Oh, Lord Suffolk. Good afternoon.”
“You are here… alone?”
With a small smile, Eugenia shook her head. “No, my father is present here also, though he is in deep discussion with an acquaintance at present.” She gestured behind her. “I have my maid with me also.” When her father had expressed an interest in making his way to the British Museum to meet with a few particular acquaintances and inspect some recently discovered wonder, Eugenia had begged to go with him – not for the same purpose, but with the express desire to see the art so prominently displayed. Her father had not protested, for it was not as though other young ladies did not venture there! It was a place for society to gather and had increased in popularity a good deal of late, meaning that it was quite reasonable a place for her to attend.
“I see.” Lord Suffolk cleared his throat, his smile fading a little. “I do hope you did not think me improper just now. I did not mean to suggest that you often wander through London without consideration for good company nor propriety.”
“Not at all.”
He nodded, appearing a little relieved. “I hear there is some new curiosity brought to the museum,” he said, waving one arm around vaguely. “I do not know what it is particularly, but I thought, like so many of theton,that I would come and look at it.”
Eugenia could not help her smile. “You do not know what it is, and yet you thought to come and see it?”
Lord Suffolk’s face reddened. “That sounds quite ridiculous, does it not?” Letting out a hiss of breath, he rubbed at his neck and then lifted his shoulders. “The truth is, Miss Sherwood, I am here in London to enjoy myself and thus, I will go wherever thetonhas found something of interest.”
This statement made Eugenia’s heart drop suddenly, though there was no good reason for her to feel any sort of disappointment. What was it that troubled her so? Was itbecause she had thought him a sensible, upright gentleman, only to hear him speak of the pleasures he might gain from being present here in London? He had every right to do just as he pleased.
“You have not seen it, have you?” he asked, when Eugenia said nothing. “This new curiosity?”
She shook her head. “My father went to see it with his friends, but I did not go with him.”
“No?”
The question in his voice made her hesitate. She could not reveal that, before he had interrupted her, she had been on her way to the art display, could she? He had already seen her once gazing at a painting on the wall instead of dancing. Should she tell him the truth, then he might wonder at her interest, might learn of her keen interest in the subject for she certainly would not be able to restrain herself! Given the many years she had spent keeping her knowledge a secret, hidden from the rest of her family, Eugenia was not certain she ought to do so. It was not as though she was hiding every part of herself, given that she was a member of the bluestocking book club, but to be so specific might draw Lord Suffolk’s attention – and his disapproval. If he told Lord Bothwell of it, then was there not a chance that he too would turn against her? And, in turn, against Polly?
“It is much too crowded,” she answered, seeing him smile ruefully in understanding. “I confess, I am not in the least bit inclined towards large gatherings.”
“Something which I noticed at the last ball we attended together,” he said, with a chuckle as Eugenia’s face heated. “Do you find it all a little overpowering?”
“Yes, precisely.” Eugenia resisted the desire to fan at her face. “There is so much to be aware of! I must think of whom I have already spoken to, who I am expected to speak to,andwhat I must speak of. I must make sure I have danced at least a fewdances, eaten enough to keep me contented,andat all times, behave with propriety and elegance.”
Lord Suffolk’s eyes rounded at the edges. “I confess, I was unaware of just how much was required of young ladies. Gentlemen do not have such concerns.”
“No, they do not.” Eugenia paused briefly, aware of the tug of frustration in her heart. “That is partly why a quieter occasion suits me a good deal better, for there is not so much to think about.”
“Or people to speak with, I suppose,” he added, making her smile. “That is something to consider, I think. I will, of course, have to do something this Season, whether it be a grand ball or a quieter soiree.” His eyebrows lifted as he considered her. “Mayhap a quieter soiree would be better, especially if I am to invite your family as well as Lord Bothwell.”
Eugenia’s heart quickened. “You intend to do such a thing?”
