Page 29 of Shining Knight
“Can a gentleman be compromised?” Eugenia twirled and plopped down into a chair. A tear rolled down her cheek. “Oh, Graham. I am so sorry. Why did I think the worst of you? I should have known that nasty, conniving little serpent would try to do something like this.”
He walked over and wiped the tear away. “I forgive you, pet. The worst part is, I expected this from her and her brother.”
“You should lock your door,” she said.
Graham laughed. “I had meant to tell you that and then here I am, caught by not one, but two females.
She gave him a precocious look. “Thank God I was the only one who saw.”
“Yes, indeed, but I told her that no matter what she tried I would not marry her.”
Eugenia jumped up into his arms and kissed his cheek before resting hers on his chest. “You are the best of brothers.”
He swallowed hard. He was not feeling very brotherly at that moment, with her body pressed up against his. He would have to have a word with Lady Hambridge about this. Had no one told her about men? Those men who were not brotherly? He set her back from him before he did something extremely stupid.
“Has Perth proposed yet?”
“No. He said he is waiting to hear from Knighton.”
“Do you think you will accept him?”
She shrugged and walked over to the window. She began to worry the heavy gold brocade through her fingers. She was a fidget, his Eugenia.
“I do think Farnsworth is off the table, at least.”
Graham was relieved but tried not to show it. “Why do you say that?”
“Did you see him flirting with Aunt Hambridge and the countess?” She shook her head. “I think something is in the wind there.”
Graham blinked a few times. He had not noticed. “I do not think they could give him an heir…”
“He has nephews. Besides, I do not think I could tolerate being Lady Augusta’s stepmother. And I would be a grandmother without ever having borne my own child!”
He walked over to the windowsill and stood beside her, looking out over the park. “For what it is worth, I think you are making the right decision.”
“Nothing feels right anymore. I simply need to try harder.”
“Do not change for them, Genie. Perth seems pleased with you.”
She snorted. “That is because he does not know me well enough. He will change his mind.”
“Do not sell yourself short. You will learn what you need to know. Anyone would be lucky to have you.”
“Do you mean to ask Lady Emily? I like her a great deal. She is the first female to truly want to be my friend since Sybil.”
“I am glad you like her, but she is not yet out and I have not made up my mind. I think when I am ready I will know it.”
“How fortunate you are to have a choice,” she snapped.
“I almost did not, today,” he reflected.
“You said you would not marry her under any circumstances!”
“I do not intend to, but there are situations in which honor overrules everything else.”
She looked at him, completely horrified. “I cannot think of anything that would induce me to marry a Ravenhill.”
