Page 24 of Shining Knight
Ravenhill gave a slight shrug of one shoulder, as if it mattered not to him which heiress he netted.
“Do you think Perth is coming back?” Sir Martin asked.
“Probably not. His competition has arrived,” Petersham replied.
“Then I shall take his shot,” Sir Martin said, stepping up to the table with his cue.
Petersham came to stand near Graham while Ravenhill and Hardy played their game. “Why did we agree to this house party? It is a matchmaking hornet’s nest.”
“Because Perth is our friend, as is Lady Eugenia?” Graham offered.
“I knew there was a reason.” He sounded unconvinced as to whether the reason was adequate. “Do you think there will be a row?”
“Something is afoot, but I think it will come from an unexpected quarter.”
“A black-haired friend? That term is used loosely, I assure you,” Petersham drawled.
“He will bear watching,” Graham agreed. “I will warn Eugenia to lock her doors.”
“You know as well as I that will not be enough if he is determined.”
Perth returned and saw that the game had proceeded without him. “Sorry, old chap. We didn’t think you would be back. I hope you do not mind,” Hardy said.
“Not at all.” He waved his hand and took a seat against the wall with Graham and Petersham.
“Are all of the guests arrived?”
“Everyone who is staying. The vicar and family will join us for supper to even out the numbers. Do you think it would be poor form to have the ladies shoot with us?” Perth asked.
“I can only speak for myself and Lady Eugenia, but she would be delighted with such a prospect.”
Perth gave a satisfied smile. “My sister is also fair with a bow or a rifle. I was trying to determine upon some entertainments these ladies might enjoy.”
“Anything of a sporting nature Lady Eugenia will like. I had not realized what a sportsman you were, Perth, though I suppose you were active at university.”
“I take my duties in Parliament seriously, but I like nothing better than being in the country, riding or hunting.”
“It is most considerate of you to accommodate the ladies as well as the gentlemen,” Graham remarked. The man was sickeningly perfect. However, anyone would be better than Ravenhill—even Farnsworth.
At dinner that evening, the vicar and his wife, and their marriageable daughter, joined the party. The vicar, Reverend Masters, was a jolly sort and his wife had a kind demeanor. They were just as Graham thought a vicar ought to be– much like Edmund was. The daughter was rather plain and looked bookish, with spectacles on her nose, but she had a good figure and a nice complexion. Why Graham even noticed was beyond him. Perhaps, next to the other ladies present, no one would look anything but average.
The atmosphere had certainly changed for the evening. Lady Augusta was deep in conversation with Lord Perth, and Lord Ravenhill was trying to monopolize Lady Eugenia.
When they went from the drawing room to the dining room, Graham was seated between Lady Emily and Miss Masters. He was grateful not to be subjected to Kitty Ravenhill’s antics for an entire meal. Would that he could be so fortunate the entire weekend. Unfortunately, she was still sitting across the table from him. At least such rackety manners as talking over the tureens would not be indulged by such company.
Lord Ravenhill was on the other side of Miss Masters, and surprisingly, he could overhear them discussing something intellectual.
He turned to speak to Lady Emily. “You have a charming home here, my lady. Do you prefer the seaside to the northern estate?”
“Both have their merits,” she said prettily. “The north is better for hunting and sporting pursuits.”
“Your brother mentioned you were fond of sport. Do you hunt?”
“I do, sir, yet only for the riding.”
“I understand we will be riding a little tomorrow.”
She looked around and then leaned towards him. “My lord, forgive my impertinence, but I feel I must tell you something,” she said, her voice lowered. Her gaze darted across to where Kitty Ravenhill sat.
