Page 74 of Shining Knight
Chapter Seventeen
There was areason Cornwall and Devonshire were considered the ends of the earth. It took a ridiculous amount of time to travel there. It also afforded Eugenia a great deal of time in which to reflect. It was what she had wanted, but it was a frightening thing to be alone with one’s thoughts—especially when one’s heart and one’s mind were not in agreement.
Watching Rowley and Emma with their son, George, along with Heath and Cecilia, full of joy for the impending birth of their child, and Edmund and Isabella, who were newly wedded and smelling of April and May, Eugenia could not help but be a little envious. All of them were so very much in love—why was it wrong to want that for herself?
She could not tell the precise moment when her feelings for Graham had begun to change, but she knew that it would be difficult to be married to someone who did not reciprocate her love. On the other hand, he was right—most marriages did not even have mutual affection, let alone friendship as a foundation. Was she being ridiculous? Very likely so; it was something she was often accused of, one way or another.
It was a relief to be gone from London. These last few months had become a trial. It would be a relief to be herself again. Let the gossip columns pick on someone else for a while. Kitty Ravenhill would no doubt pick up the torch with alacrity.
The first thing Eugenia intended to do was gallop across the open meadows of the estate as fast as she liked—and in breeches!—she proclaimed loudly to herself.
Then she would visit Granny and repeat all the sordid gossip for her and hear what she had missed whilst away.
It was hard not to think about what Graham might be doing. He was her best friend and they had done almost everything together since Sybil had married. The thought reminded her that Rowley had given her a letter before they left Town and having pocketed it to read on the journey, she had forgotten about it.
She pulled it out with anticipation and unfolded several sheets of double crossed, neat script and settled down to enjoy her friend’s missive.
Dearest Genie,
I promised you I would write and tell you everything, and I do not know where to begin! Marriage is not at all what I expected, but do not let that frighten you.
“You know me better than that, Sibyl,” Eugenia muttered.
I can hardly write what occurs on the page, but it is not as bad as you fear.
“I am overflowing with comfort by your words,” she said to the page.
I will admit, I did not know Lord Darling very well before our wedding, but he has been all that is kind and very patient with my ignorance. Oh, how I wish I could tell you things in person, but I would not trade this wedding trip for anything.
My fervent hope is you may find someone special to fulfill your dreams and make you happy.
If only Sybil knew how much had happened in the short time since she left England.
Sybil went on to describe the villa in Italy where they were staying, and yet again, Eugenia felt that burning of jealousy in her heart. It was a cursed emotion and it shamed her to feel it, not only for her brothers but also her best friend. Yet what could she do about it? Was it possible to make Graham feel that way about her? She was the least likely female of her acquaintance to inspire passion in any gentleman’s heart. Nonetheless, that was what she wanted. She folded Sybil’s letter away, unable to bear any more of it at the moment. Besides, she had left out all of the salacious bits which Eugenia needed to know.
Maybe her grandmother would tell her? It was certainly worth asking. She looked at the time—half-nine—and decided to visit her grandmother before riding, when she could normally be relied upon to be awake. Sending a message to the stables for Cleo to be saddled, Eugenia then mounted and cantered the mare all the way to the Dower House.
She let herself in when the door was not answered quickly, as she could not wait.
“Grandmother!”
“Eh? Come closer so I can hear you.”
Eugenia moved forward and knelt before her grandmother. “It is Eugenia.”
“Rusticating because of a scandal, eh?”
“Not precisely,” Eugenia said halfheartedly.
“Order tea, I want to hear everything.” Her grandmother sat up, a spry look in her eyes.
Eugenia went over to pull the bell-rope and order refreshment. Her grandmother’s companion answered the call. The meek, slight woman had been with the dowager since before Eugenia was born.
“Oh, my lady…” She curtsied. “I thought her ladyship was resting.”
“I came in unannounced,” Eugenia said. “Would you be so kind as to ask the kitchens for tea?”
“Of course, my lady,” she answered, bobbing her head as she left the room.
