Page 39 of The Viscount's Forgery
She tilted her head just a little. “And what is it that brings you such happiness, Suffolk?”
“Suffolk? I thought that was you!” Lord Bothwell’s voice broke through the conversation, leaving Nicholas a good deal frustrated, though he fought not to show it. “Ah, good evening, Miss Sherwood.” He grinned, his face illuminated by the flickering flames as both Nicholas and Miss Sherwood stepped out of the darkness and back towards the path through the gardens. “I am here with your sister, Miss Sherwood.”
“I – I am walking with Lord Suffolk,” Miss Sherwood answered, her voice a little strained. “We were discussing happiness, Lord Bothwell.”
“Happiness?” It was the other Miss Sherwood who spoke now, no concern whatsoever in her expression or her voice that her sister was walking alone with Nicholas, for which he was very grateful. “I can tell you what bringsmehappiness, if you wish?”
“Please.” Offering Miss Eugenia Sherwood his arm and relieved that, at least, they would now be quite proper given the company, Nicholas came to stand beside his friend and Miss Sherwood, seeing how Polly sent her sister a twinkling smile. “We would be glad to hear it.”
“Happiness is every moment that I have to spend with Bothwell,” she said, looking up at him as Lord Bothwell set his hand upon hers. “To be fully known, with our faults and our failings, and yet to be loved despite them. That security, that comfort, that understanding…thatis happiness.”
Nicholas’ heart pulled him towards Miss Eugenia Sherwood with such strength that it almost forced him to tell her all that he now felt. But, with an effort, he forced himself to look back at Miss Polly Sherwood instead. “I think I agree with you, MissSherwood,” he said, hoping that the meaning of his words would not be lost upon the wonderful lady he had on his arm. “In fact, I agree with you wholeheartedly.” Taking a breath, he let his head turn, his eyes going to Miss Sherwood’s. “Surely there could be nothing more wonderful than that.”
EPILOGUE
“And so, the mystery is concluded.”
Eugenia smiled at her friends, aware that her heart still felt a little empty, as if to remind her that matters were not yet concluded between herself and Lord Suffolk. “Yes, it is,” she said, in answer to Miss Trentworth’s remark. “It is at an end, and I think it was all dealt with very well indeed.”
“I must say, I think Lord Suffolk’s response is quite remarkable,” Lady Isobella said, pouring the tea for them all. “I do not think that I know a gentleman who would so willingly give up his wealth that way.”
With a nod, Eugenia looked down at her hands and considered all that had happened last evening. Lord Suffolk had astonished her, not only with his generosity towards Lord Marchfield but also his understanding, acceptance, and forgiveness. Yes, he had told her that she was the reason for such a thing, but she did not think that was entirely true. There was a goodness about him, a generosity in his spirit which had not come from her influence. The way he had spoken of his selfishness and arrogance had overwhelmed her, aware that hewas reflecting on all that he knew about himself. The desire he had to change was wonderful, and Eugenia’s heart was happy.
Save for the fact that when she had thrown herself into his arms – as unexpected as that had been, even to herself – he had not responded to her in the way she had hoped. He had not called her ‘Eugenia’ even though she had called him ‘Suffolk’, instead of his formal title. Yes, he had held her in his embrace, but thereafter, there had been distance. He had been the one to step back, to take his hands from her, to put space between them. Biting her lip, Eugenia tried not to let fear spike through her. She was afraid that, despite the connection between them, there was no affection towards her, as there was for her. Yes, he had spoken with her before the meeting with Lord Marchfield, but she hadpresumedhe meant something particular when, mayhap, he had only been talking about their friendship. Perhapsthatwas what he wanted to keep in place rather than anything of a more romantic nature. Eugenia feared she had been foolish to hope for more.
“And things are settled with your sister now also, I hear,” Lady Amelia said, as Eugenia looked up at her. “There has been a date set?”
“Yes, that is so. It was arranged last evening.” Eugenia managed to smile, fully aware of the tug of longing in her own heart. “We are to return to the estate very soon.”
Lady Amelia beamed at her. “You must be very happy. That burden has been lifted, has it not?”
“When do you depart?” Lady Isobella asked, sounding a little worried. “I hope it will not be too soon, for there is still some time left in the Season.”
Eugenia reached across and patted her friend’s hand. “Much to my father’s displeasure, my mother and Polly are both quite determined that she requires a great many new things for her trousseau. And, thereafter, she also requires all of her gowns tobe replaced, as well as her bonnets, gloves, and even ribbons! Everything is to be new for her new life with Lord Bothwell, though I cannot say I am not pleased for her.”
“Especially if it means you will be able to remain in London with us a little longer.” Lady Rosalyn tipped her head just a little. “And Lord Suffolk?”
The question sent Eugenia’s stomach into knots. “What of him?”
“He has not… said anything to you as yet?”
Eugenia looked down at her hands. “No, not as yet. I am not sure he shall either, for though we did share a moment last evening, nothing came of it. He stepped back from it rather than moving forward, and therefore, I cannot help but be convinced there is nothing but friendship between us.”
Silence rang around the room, and the weight of it settled on Eugenia’s shoulders. She let out a slow breath and closed her eyes, a little surprised at just how much sorrow clung to her heart. Up until that moment, she had not thought there was such a great affection within her heart for him, but she realized there was. What was she to do with it? Was she to set it aside, somehow? Pretend that she did not feel anything but friendship for him in the hope that, somehow, the feelings would fade? That did not seem possible but mayhap that was all she could do.
“I think you may well be mistaken, Eugenia.”
Eugenia lifted her head and looked straight at Lady Amelia. “I do not think I am, my friend. I know that you seek to encourage me, but – ”
“Eugenia.” Lady Amelia gestured to the door, and a little confused, Eugenia turned her head, only to see the butler standing there, patiently.
“I called for him to enter,” Miss Trentworth said, a slightly apologetic tone to her voice. “You were a little lost in thought.”
Eugenia blinked, then frowned. “I did not hear what you said, Banks,” she told the ever-patient butler. “Might you tell me again?”
He nodded. “Forgive me for the interruption, Miss Sherwood, but you have a visitor. Lord Suffolk begs a few minutes of your time.”
A swirl of excitement rose in Eugenia’s chest, growing so quickly, she could barely breathe. With a nod, she got to her feet, a slight wobble in her knees as she walked to the door.
