Page 45 of Shining Knight
Chapter Eleven
Eugenia ceased sobbingimmediately, but a few shuddering breaths escaped in spite of her best efforts to control them. “What did you say?”
“I said that you could marry me,” he repeated.
“There is no need for you to be a sacrificial lamb. You have already done more than necessary.”
“I need to marry someone.”
Eugenia released Graham and stepped away. The thought of him sacrificing himself for her was simply too much. “I thank you for even forming the words without choking on your tongue, but I could not do that to you. Everyone would pity you.”
“Eugenia,” he said in the same tone Rowley used when he was taking her to task.
She held up her hand. “I will accept your generous offer of visiting your estate, but that is where your obligation will end.”
She wiped at her eyes and tried to straighten her dress. “We should go back inside. I am certain the herd has everything decided for me in any case.” She began walking, needing to be away from him. If she stayed, she would give in and take him up on his offer. It would be such an easy, comfortable solution and it was so very tempting. However, this was her tangle, not his and it would be both selfish and unfair to chain him to her for the rest of their lives.
“Eugenia!” Rowley called to her when she reached the house. She tried not to be annoyed, but she hated the way everyone had gathered to determine what happened to her.
She returned to the study, determined to be calm but firm. However, she was not expecting her aunt and the duke to be there. She paused at the study door, unable to move.
Graham came up behind her and put his hands on her shoulders. “Remember what I said. We have not finished discussing this.”
She could not look up into his green eyes nor would she lose her resolve. She moved forward into the room and curtsied, feeling as though she were about to stand trial, her brothers and their wives the jury.
“Your Grace.”
Farnsworth stood and came over and took her hands. He searched her face, examining her wounds. “I should have killed him.”
“Nonsense. He is not worth the blood on your hands, but I appreciate your concern. He is in a far worse case than I, I assure you.”
“I am glad to hear it.” He led her to the seat next to her aunt, and gathering her skirts, she sat down, assuming a demure pose.
Were they to have tea and a tribunal, she wondered as Quincy brought in a tea tray. Apparently, they were to discuss her future like any other matter. How very civilized.
Once the duchess had served everyone, Rowley cleared his throat. “Farnsworth was kind enough to bring news that Ravenhill appears to be recovering.”
“He declared it was a mere scratch,” the duke agreed.
“However, Genie, Perth has written to confirm that he does not believe you will suit after all,” Rowley added.
“That is no surprise, Brother,” she said with far more calm than she felt. Her blood was boiling.
Farnsworth set down his teacup with a clink. “Ravenhill means to try to have you, still. When he awoke, he made many outrageous claims, including your acceptance of his betrothal.”
Eugenia dropped her scalding hot tea in her lap and immediately jumped up. “Never! I will never marry that… that cur!” She wished she had a wider vocabulary at that moment.
“Eugenia, do but consider,” her aunt said, taking her hand even though she was distractedly trying to mop up the tea from her dress. “You will be ruined if you do not wed quickly.”
“I know you might find this distasteful, my lady,” Farnsworth said softly, “but I am still willing to have you.”
Eugenia bit her lip and closed her eyes. They all seemed to consider she should be grateful for being purchased like a lame broodmare! She turned sharply to look at him and her aunt. “While I am exceedingly grateful you believe the truth, that I did not encourage Ravenhill’s attentions, or lose my virtue, I cannot, in good conscience, marry you.”
“Eugenia!” Rowley scolded.
“No, dear brother, you do not know what I know and you have not seen what I have seen.”
She looked kindly upon the duke and her aunt and spoke quietly so only they could hear. “I saw you together, walking along the shore. There is no need to sacrifice your happiness for mine.”
