Page 48 of Shining Knight
“Was Lady Eugenia compromised and is she to marry Ravenhill?”
“No and no. Will that suffice?” He looked at her with his brows raised, daring her to argue.
“Not quite, sir. There is always some element of truth in every rumor, and I will discover what it is,” she answered, and glided away towards the duchess. Clearly she was not satisfied with his answer, but she would get even less purchase from Emma. He almost followed her just to enjoy the set down, but instead he made his way towards Petersham and Hardy, whom he had never seen grace any assembly, let alone the august rooms of Almack’s.
“And to what do we owe the honor of your presence here?” Graham asked dryly. “Frankly, I cannot believe they allowed you two through the doors.”
“You are no more surprised than we,” Petersham agreed. “Apparently they are desperate.”
“We are here because Heath threatened our lives if we did not come and support Eugenia,” Hardy said good-naturedly.
Graham gave a nod. This was certainly the time to call in favors. Hopefully, others would follow their lead by dancing with Eugenia. It was as good a plan as any. This would assure she had at least four dances from gentlemen who were not her brothers.
Petersham cleared his throat and moved a little closer. “I heard Ravenhill is returned and means to cause trouble.”
Graham turned and looked sharply at his old friend.
“Where did you hear this? Has he been seen in Town?”
“I have not seen him with my own eyes, but we stopped by White’s on the way and it was all anyone could talk about.”
“We must tell Knighton.” He scanned the crowd, hoping there was time before the set ended. This was the worst possible place for a confrontation and there had not been enough time for them to assure their allies that it was but a rumor. Dancing with Farnsworth was certainly in Eugenia’s favor, but would it be enough?
“He is on the floor with his duchess,” Petersham pointed out.
Graham cursed under his breath. “You will have to tell him, then. I have the next dance with Eugenia.”
“Do you think Ravenhill will be allowed in?” Sir Martin asked.
“The two of you were,” Graham retorted.
“Good point,” Hardy answered, not taking offense.
“The question is, would Kitty Ravenhill have been granted vouchers?”
“That is beyond my expertise,” Petersham drawled.
“Edmund and Heath are not dancing,” Graham said, spying the two brothers with their wives. They made their way across the ballroom, not stopping to greet acquaintances. This was far too urgent.
When he reached the brothers and their wives, they immediately stopped their conversation.
“What is it, Tinsley?” Heath asked, eyeing Petersham and Hardy behind him.
“We must talk. I would rather your wives hear this as well, because we will need their help.”
They were all staring at him, waiting.
“We have heard rumors that Ravenhill is in Town and means to cause trouble tonight,” Petersham spoke.
“Then we must protect her at all costs,” Edmund said.
“I am to dance with her next,” Graham said. “Then I shall lead her to Petersham.”
“And then I to Hardy. That should take us to eleven o’clock,” Petersham remarked.
“If he has not appeared by then, we will be in the clear for tonight at least,” Heath said, knowing the doors would be barred to anyone not present by that sacred hour.
“And if he puts in an appearance?” Cecilia asked.
