Page 23 of Shining Knight
“And we shall not wish to disappoint the lovely Lady Emily,” Ravenhill agreed.
Graham could not fathom that Perth would allow the likes of Ravenhill anywhere near his sister, but stranger things had happened before.
“You are on the hunt for a wife?” Petersham asked Perth.
“Hunt would not be the verbiage I would choose, as I have no intention of trapping or killing any prey,” he remarked.
Graham caught Petersham’s gaze before he looked at the ceiling in annoyance.
“What of you, Tinsley?” Ravenhill asked with a smirk on his face. Graham refused to be baited. He knew very well Ravenhill wished to cause trouble. He was just not certain how, yet, but he would have to be watched.
“I am in no rush to attain the altar. I merely remarked I was open to the right person.”
“Do not say that near the ladies,” Sir Martin said as they each selected their cues.
A carriage rumbled up the drive and Ravenhill looked out of the window. “Brave of you to bring Farnsworth here.”
“I think it was dashed sporting of you!” Sir Martin exclaimed to Perth.
“How much do you have on whom?” Tinsley asked dryly.
Sir Martin grinned widely. “I shall not say. It will be more fun that way.”
Graham shook his head.
“I am rooting for the underdog,” Ravenhill said with a gleam in his eye that made him look like a weasel.
“I should go and greet the new arrivals. Carry on without me,” Perth said, waving his hand at the billiards table and making his exit.
When the echo of his footsteps receded, Graham turned towards Ravenhill. “What are you about? I hope you do not mean to make trouble.”
“I do not know what you mean,” Ravenhill replied with an air of insouciance. Perhaps he was more of a chameleon than a weasel, Graham thought.
“It is merely that I am protective of Lady Eugenia as a sister and I am tasked to act in her brothers’ stead during their absence.
“If you say so,” Ravenhill retorted and took his shot at the ball on the felt.
“Are you on the hunt for a wife?” Graham turned the man’s own question and turn of phrase on him. Perhaps that way he could discover his lordship’s intentions further.
“Always.”
“Always?” That was hardly a satisfactory answer, so Graham pushed for more. “You are rather young to be desiring leg-shackles, are you not?”
“Not when the pater left the estate in debt.”
Not to mention your own gambling habits, Graham thought to himself.
“Marrying Kitty off will help, of course.” He looked up from aiming his cue and fixed Graham with a meaningful look.
“I hope you both find who you are looking for,” Graham said dryly. “Do you have someone in mind?”
“I have narrowed it down to a list of the most… appealing,” he admitted.
“All of them heiresses with at least 25,000 pounds?” Petersham speculated, his voice dripping with sarcasm.
Graham actually did not know how much Eugenia’s dowry was, but he knew it was probably one of the highest ones on the marriage mart at present. Perth, at least, had no need of funds, so his proposal would not be mercenary. He would treat Eugenia well too, especially compared to Ravenhill.
“I suppose Lady Emily is on your list, as well?” Sir Martin asked. “Taking little thing,” he added.
