Page 66 of Shining Knight
Rowley and Emma were having a lively discussion about George and something new he had done. Eugenia turned to speak, but Graham’s face was still close to hers.
“Stop that,” she scolded in a soft voice.
“Stop what?”
“You know very well that you are flirting. You may save it for an audience. We have our own play to perform, remember.”
“I do not intend to put on a performance, Genie.”
She relaxed a little. “That is good to hear. I have also resolved to go on as before. Did you hear about Ravenhill?”
“I did. I stopped at the club on my way home this afternoon, to apprise myself of the latest news.”
“And what was the gossip?” Graham had always kept her abreast of the happenings inside the Gentlemen’s clubs. Very likely, she reflected wickedly, things her actual brothers would never tell her. “And what is the verdict?”
He paused, then raised his brows and leaned forward as though to impart something beyond secretive. “They are saying we are a love-match.”
“I beg your pardon?” she asked loudly enough to cause Rowley and Emma to look up from their conversation.
“Love is a madness.”Graham laughed.
“’Tis nothing,” she said hastily, so Rowley and Emma would resume their conversation. She turned back to him. “And,most friendship is feigning, most love mere folly!” she tossed back at him. “Was there anything else about Ravenhill?”
“Mere speculation, fortunately. Most think he was digging for gold and created an elaborate ruse to entrap you.”
“I would agree with that.”
“Of course, there is also talk that Knighton paid him off, which is partly the case.”
Eugenia was absolutely furious that Ravenhill would be allowed to succeed with his heinous behavior. Even if Rowley held his debts, it was still an insufficient punishment, for the effect the attack was having on her future. Her choices had been stripped away. “What of Kitty Ravenhill? Has she fled with her brother?”
“I would be very surprised if that were the case. She needs to marry quickly before the full extent of their scheming becomes known. There is gossip in that quarter already.”
Eugenia knew some satisfaction that perhaps Kitty might be made to suffer as she was. “Who do the books favor?” She could not help but ask.
“She was setting her lures for Perth or myself, but neither of us will be caught.”
“I pray you, do not fall in love with her, for she is falser than vows made in wine.”
He barked a laugh. “Indeed.”
“Besides, Lady Augusta appeared to have her hooks into him,” Eugenia muttered.
“Other than us, the only ones with enough blunt would be old Lord Summerton or Sir Horace Kemp.”
“That would serve her right, although she would soon be a widow, which would then give her the freedom to strike fear into the hearts of all marriages everywhere.”
“I’ve never known you to have such a malicious streak, pet.”
“Do you not know I am a woman? When I think, I must speak.”
He laughed again. “Thank God we are both free of them.” The carriage pulled to a stop in front of the Drury Lane Theatre.
“Shall we?” he asked, handing her down from the vehicle.
“Do not overdo it,” she warned.
“Not even to make Kitty Ravenhill jealous?” he asked. She watched his eyes glance beyond her and then back at her with a look which suggested he was ready to devour her.
