Page 69 of Shining Knight
Chapter Sixteen
Eugenia had hada restless night, thanks to some of the things Graham had said to her. Could he truly wish to marry her? He seemed earnest and yet it made no sense to her.
Then she had gone down to breakfast and opened the morning news-sheets, relieved to find she was not the center of attention. That honor went to Lord Perth and Lady Augusta, along with the announcement of their betrothal. Eugenia and Graham had still warranted a mention in the column, but that was to be expected. Would Society lose interest with them now that they were betrothed? The world was such a fickle beast. Speaking of beasts, Edmund and Isabella had asked to join them on their outing to the Tower that day. Eugenia was grateful not to be alone with Graham, because she had needed time to reflect. At least Rowley was off to Parliament to vote on the bill he had been waiting for. That meant they could leave London soon.
Edmund and Isabella came into the room, looking absurdly cheerful. It was hard not to be jealous of what they had, while at the same time she could not be happier for them.
“I am so excited,” Isabella beamed.
“About going to the Tower?” Eugenia asked.
“My wife has never been. Such time she has spent in London has been very brief,” her brother explained.
“So are you saying you appreciate that my propensity for trouble has brought you to London?” she asked Isabella with a wry grin.
Isabella laughed. “I suppose I am.”
“No need it to announce me, Quincy,” Eugenia heard Graham say from the entrance hall.
“Edmund and Isabella will be joining us,” Eugenia told him when he walked into the room. “She has never visited the Tower.”
“Excellent. I am always pleased with more company. By the by, Genie, that is a fetching bonnet. Is it new?”
“I bought it at the beginning of the Season, but have not had anywhere in particular to wear it.” She attempted to hold her head high and not blush. She knew it was a bit outlandish, even for her, but the small pieces of fruit looked so real that she had been unable to resist.
“It looks very…edible,” Graham said, looking amused.
They made their way down the front steps and out to the carriage. Once settled inside and on their way, Eugenia spoke to Isabella. “Did Edmund warn you that they keep animals in cages there?”
“Well,” Isabella answered carefully, “I had heard there were exotic beasts from all over the world there. Are they dreadfully mistreated?”
Graham groaned from the seat beside her.
“I suppose you will see for yourself.”
“We could bypass the menagerie and look at the armaments or the crown jewels,” Edmund suggested, ever the peacemaker.
“But I was so looking forward to seeing lions and tigers.”
“Then you shall.” Edmund patted Isabella’s hand. “Why did you wish to come if it bothers you, Genie?” her brother asked.
“Because Graham thought it would be fun and we must be seen together.”
“I promised her ices at Gunter’s afterwards,” he added, as though it were his idea.
When the driver pulled up to the gates of the Tower, one of the lions moaned loudly and Isabella jumped. “Is that one of the beasts?” she asked, wide eyed.
“Yes, they are moaning to be released from their misery,” Eugenia retorted.
“Oh, cut line, Genie. He is just talking. Probably singing the woes of his beloved ignoring him,” Graham countered pointedly.
“Do let us go and see!” Isabella said excitedly like a child, just as Eugenia had been the first time.
They paid their shilling apiece and went inside. Graham gave Genie his arm and she took it willingly. What would it be like to be married to Graham? To touch him whenever she liked? She could not help but muse upon the idea.
They soon found the moaning lion, which was pacing back and forth in the stone enclosure.
“What do you think is the matter?” Isabella asked Edmund.
