Page 27 of Shining Knight
There was a nice cove, which was sheltered from the wind, where a picnic was set up for them. Grooms were waiting to take their horses, and Lady Emily approached her.
“Try not to let them distress you,” she said softly, but Eugenia heard.
She let out a loud sigh. “I try not to, but sometimes it is difficult not to compare myself unfavorably with other ladies.”
“I like you the way you are. You are much more fun than they.”
Eugenia smiled at Lady Emily. She knew she was only trying to help, but fun was the word that always seemed to get her into trouble.
“Would you like to sit with me?” she asked. Eugenia saw that the countess and her aunt had joined them. They were sitting and laughing with the duke, who looked far more in his rightful place next to the older women. She tried not to overthink that.
Graham and Perth sat next to the ladies on their blanket and Eugenia looked at her friend with surprise, wondering how he had managed to get away from Miss Ravenhill.
He seemed to read her mind. He leaned closer and whispered, “I paid Hardy twenty quid to distract her for a few minutes.”
Eugenia laughed. “Does she have you by the neckcloth?”
“It has become a nuisance,” he retorted and ran his fingers around the edge as if to loosen it.
Plates were passed around and she noticed Lady Emily select a small portion of pigeon pie. Eugenia had always had an unladylike appetite, but now she made an effort to restrain herself, feeling again that no matter what she did, she was destined to do it wrongly.
“Are you enjoying yourself?” Graham asked.
“I am trying to. It certainly feels more at home here than London.”
“Yes indeed,” he said, as a gust of wind threatened to pick up their blanket and overturn their food. Both of them instinctively reached for the edges to hold them down.
Lady Emily saw their actions and then seemed embarrassed. “I apologize. I have picked a wretched day for a picnic.”
“Please do not apologize for the weather. This is normal in Devonshire. We feel right at home, I assure you,” Graham answered for both of them.
“Do you spend most of your time in London, Mr. Tinsley?” Lady Emily asked with a perfect blend of curiosity and ladylike demureness.
“I probably spend half my time in Town. Once I assume the title, which I hope is a long time away, I intend to do my duty in the Lords.”
“Just like Douglas.” She nodded with approval. “Devonshire is much like here?”
“Certainly more like here than London. My family estate borders Knighton’s and it is, in my humble opinion, the perfect mix of ocean, rivers, meadows and hills.”
“It sounds divine,” she said wistfully.
Eugenia realized she should probably be asking Perth about his family seat instead of deciding how perfect Lady Emily was for Graham. “What is your estate like, my lord?” she turned and asked Perth.” It is on the other side of England from Devonshire, is it not?”
“My estate is mostly fields, farms and sheep. It is charming in its own way.”
“It sounds lovely,” she remarked, trying not to long for Devonshire.
*
Graham was completelyexhausted, but not from the ride. After the picnic, Kitty Ravenhill had stuck to him like the stench of a rabid badger. He was grateful this was a short house party or else he would have to find an excuse to leave early. Surely he could survive one more day. His valet had prepared a bath for him and he sank into the decadent, steaming heat that was filled with some kind of oil which helped him to relax. His mind escaped to blissful nothing until he heard his door open. “I am not yet ready to get out, Harper,” he said, mildly irritated. He never required his man’s services to dry himself, so why was he disturbing his rare moment of peace?
Harper did not answer, so Graham lifted his head and opened one eye.
Kitty Ravenhill was leaning against the wall, watching him with a knowing smirk.
“I do not recall inviting you into my bedchamber,” he said, with more calmness than he felt. He sat up slowly and carefully, grateful for the deep tub.
“All I have to do is scream,” she said. There was a calculating gleam in her eye.
