Page 43 of Shining Knight
She was twirling aimlessly in the swing, looking completely distant and lost. And young and innocent.
He shuddered to think what would have happened had he been a minute later last night, but she has done a rather good job of defending herself. He had not been quick enough though, he thought regretfully, since Perth had still misunderstood the situation. How anyone could think Eugenia capable of such duplicity was beyond him. She was the most pure soul he knew. Not purely perfect, but certainly not deceitful. It was untenable to see her spirit crushed.
“I know you are there, Graham,” she said after a few minutes, still not looking at him.
He stepped forward, then behind her, and began to gently push the swing. She leaned her head back and closed her eyes.
“How can I help you, Genie?”
“I wish I knew,” she answered, barely above a whisper.
“Are you contemplating something rash?”
She chuckled, but with a bitter humor. “You know me too well, Graham. Of course I am considering something rash.”
“Such as?”
“I shall tell you only if you give me your word not to squeak beef on me.”
“I would not be out here offering to help you, if I intended to plot against you.” He stopped. “Your brothers are only trying to help, but I cannot agree to you being handed over to Farnsworth as a means to save your reputation.”
He heard her swallow hard and saw a tear run down her face.
“Thank you.” She pushed off with her feet and the wooden swing twisted around. “I am trying to weigh my options. As you say, if I remain, I will be married off quickly to whomever will have me. I cannot think that even the Duke of Farnsworth would be so desperate.”
“But he saw, as I did, and would have to know you were being attacked against your will.”
“Perth did not.”
“Perth is a coward,” he growled. “He is too worried about appearances. I believe Lady Augusta may have poisoned him against you.”
“Then she is welcome to him.”
Graham pushed her a few more times before she spoke again.
“I think I might like to go away for a while,” she said after a time.
“And where would you go?”
“That, dear friend, is the stumbling block I have. Moreover, the herd would be after me before I reached Hounslow Heath.”
Graham could not but agree with that conclusion.
“I do think it would be best if you made appearances, head held high, with the support of your loving, powerful family.”
“Sporting my lovely bruises,” she retorted.
“It will support the fact that you were attacked,” he reasoned.
“And when all of the gentlemen reject me?”
“You will always have me.”
She smiled sadly and squeezed his hand. “I do not know what I would have done without you. My brothers cannot see the forest for the trees at the moment. We must protect the Knighton name at all costs,” she mimicked in a stern voice.
“Where would you go if you could go anywhere you chose?”
She pursed her lips, looking thoughtful. “The West Indies sounds delightful,” she replied, continuing to tilt her head back as though the dream was a reality in her mind. “Think of the exotic food and animals—and warm sunshine all the time.”
