Page 26 of Shining Knight
Chapter Seven
Eugenia was delighted,the next morning, at the prospect of riding and having a picnic. Dinner the night before had been uncomfortable. Lord Ravenhill had smothered her for the duration of dinner until they were back in the drawing room, and then Lady Emily had clung to her side. It was unusual for any female to spend much time near her, but the girl had been very kind and friendly. Nevertheless, she was greatly relieved to be in her element this morning. She was much more at home in the outdoors than in a London drawing room. Perth had lovely stables, she had discovered, and she was extremely pleased when he picked a lively Arabian gelding for her to ride.
Lady Emily came up beside her on an equally energetic mare. It seemed they were kindred spirits outdoors, which surprised her.
“I am so glad you have come. Finally my brother will allow me to participate, since you are also an avid rider. Normally he makes me stay behind when guests are here.”
“Brothers are prone to such fustian,” Eugenia said sympathetically. “I assure you, I have my hands full of overbearing ones.”
“And you and Mr. Tinsley are close?”
“I consider him my fifth brother,” Eugenia agreed.
“I think it is touching how he looks after your interests,” she said, glancing over to where Graham was sitting atop Xerxes, looking very dapper.
The way Lady Emily was watching him was no surprise, but it was the first time Eugenia had felt a twinge of jealousy over another lady. Perhaps, she mused, that was because she was a perfect lady and would make Graham a very good wife.
Lady Augusta and Farnsworth brought their mounts forward and greeted Eugenia and Lady Emily; neither could fail to note it was a cold, barely civil one from the daughter.
Eugenia wanted to shrink into invisibility. She could not blame Lady Augusta for her dislike of her. Very likely she would feel the same way if the positions were reversed.
Perhaps she would write to Rowley and tell him she could not marry Farnsworth, although there had to be a reason he had consented to the match. If only she could speak with him about it.
Once everyone was mounted, Perth led them on a trail across the meadows towards the sea. It was lovely to be able to gallop and feel the wind in her face again. England was full of dramatic shoreline, and while more tame than the Devonshire coast, the chalk cliffs were no less beautiful. They reached the end of the track and dismounted; the wind whipped her skirts and bonnet fiercely. The waves were equally turbulent, causing a sharp spray as it hit the rocks.
Perth came to stand beside her and smiled down at her.
“It is lovely,” she shouted over the wind and roar of the waves.
“Not so lovely as you, my dear.”
If her cheeks were not red from riding, then they were from bashfulness.
Farnsworth and Lady Augusta joined them and effectively split their conversation. It was very neatly done.
Eugenia did not miss the fact that Lady Augusta stepped too close to Perth and entwined her arm around his.
“You have a marvelous seat, Lady Eugenia,” Farnsworth said, drawing her gaze to his and thus away from his daughter.
“Thank you, Your Grace. I was brought up in the saddle. It was either that or be left alone in the nursery.” She smiled sheepishly. She always felt inadequate and therefore the need to justify her gentlemanly abilities.
A gust of wind began lifting her heavy skirts, so she let go of her bonnet in order to protect her modesty. Unfortunately, that caused the bonnet to fly from her head. Without thinking, she tossed her reins to Farnsworth and chased after her hat. Unladylike oaths flew from her mouth as she came within reach and then the bonnet would pick up and fly away again as though taunting her.
No one else could really help her because they had to hold their horses, so she made a complete fool of herself. She could only be thankful that the news-sheets would not get wind of this…literally, she thought, as she held her skirts in one hand in order to run.
She grew tired of chasing the thing and debated letting the winds have it, but she came close enough to make a final lunge, with the result she fell to her knees in order to catch it. Hat once more in hand, she stood slowly and brushed off her skirts, not wanting to turn around and face the horrified looks. She smiled brightly and marched back towards her horse, at the same time attempting to look dignified.
“I had no idea you were to be the entertainment for today,” Kitty Ravenhill sneered.
“Nor did I,” Eugenia said with a charming smile.
She could not help but glance at Lady Augusta who was looking at her with disdain. At least the countess and her aunt had declined the ride.
Graham came over to help her remount. “Chin up, pet. Do not let the cats’ claws leave a mark.”
Too late,she thought, but nodded anyway.
Thankfully, by the time they had ridden down the path to the beach, she had regained her composure somewhat.
