Page 63 of Shining Knight
Graham glanced at Heath who gave a slight shrug. “You are certainly preferable to Ravenhill or Farnsworth.”
“Thank you,” he answered dryly. “Will you allow it?” He turned to Knighton.
“You have my blessing if you can convince her.”
“Why is your surview so different with me?” he asked. “Why do you question my sincerity? The two of you were pleased enough a few hours ago,” he said to Heath and Edmund.
“That was before you helped her to run away.”
“You know her as well as I. She would have gone alone. I cannot believe you think I would harm her in any way. It was the safest thing I could do!”
“Would you give up other women?” Rowley asked, taking him off guard.
“Is this your true objection? That I would flaunt mistresses and conquests in front of Genie?”
“You do have rather a reputation with women,” Heath murmured.
“You of all would know,” Graham retorted.
“That is in the past,” Heath defended himself.
“Yet I am not to be granted that opportunity as well?”
“Of course, you are,” Edmund said, stepping forward, giving Knighton a look of warning.
“Row?” Graham wanted to hear it from his friend’s own lips. He wanted a chance with Eugenia without interference.
Knighton gave a nod of acceptance.
“I shall still want some time at Jackson’s with you,” Graham said. “I think we both have some frustrations to give vent to.”
“I will see you there tomorrow morning at eleven, then,” Rowley agreed.
Eugenia appeared in the doorway and looked at each of their faces, not disguising her disgust. “What is the verdict, brothers?”
“We will return to London for a few days. You will remain betrothed to Tinsley and we will show ourselves at the engagements we have already sent acceptances to.”
“And then?” she asked defiantly.
“We will spend the festive season at The Grange. That should give you time enough.”
Graham watched her face closely. She seemed more hurt than anything.
She turned to him. “And you agree to give me time to consider?”
“I will be at Lovell Abbey for Christmas as well. Am I to avoid you?”
Her eyes searched his and then she seemed to release her anger in a sag of her shoulders. “No.”
“Come, Eugenia,” Rowley started, taking her arm. “We will see you in London,” he said to Graham.
The brothers turned to gather their horses, which had wandered off to graze.
“A moment, Genie?” Graham asked. Rowley eyed him askance. “Only a moment.”
Graham was grateful for any concession and time alone. He did not wish for them to part like this.
“I deeply regret what has happened, Graham,” she said, before he had the chance to speak. “I do not wish to ruin your relationship with my brothers.”
