Page 82 of Shining Knight
He saw Edmund and his new bride, Isabella, coming near, so he quickly set down his glass and sought a new partner. He was not ready for the full Knight assault. It was looking increasingly as though it was going to be a very long evening.
Hurriedly, he asked the nearest unattached damsel to dance, even though Miss Gardner was past her prayers, and one of the village gossips. He swung her into a lively reel, thankful it required little speech.
Frankly, anything was better than having to explain his relationship with Eugenia to her family. He could not explain it to himself.
Miss Gardner cast a glance of disbelief at her sister, Hattie, then blushed furiously as Graham led her out to take her place on the floor.
When she behaved as though she were shy, he found it hard to believe she was actually capable of such gossip. In the end, however, the gossiping side of her won the day.
“Is it true, sir, that you are betrothed to Lady Eugenia?”
Graham should have guessed the news would have reached here by now. Of course, none of the rest of the Knight family knew it was to be kept a secret.
“You have had news?” he asked, trying to determine the source. While it was true some of the London newspapers reached Devonshire, for the tale only now to be spreading was surprising. Perhaps that was the nature of an assembly in the country, he mused.
“I had it from Hattie, who heard it from Mrs. Morgan, who heard it from Mrs. Miller, who heard it from the duchess herself!” Miss Gardner exclaimed breathlessly.
“Who am I to gainsay the duchess?” he answered as the music began, thus preventing further speech.Thank God.
The moment the reel was over and he deposited Miss Gardner back beside her sister and the other matrons, she was well-nigh bursting with the news. She gave a knowing nod to her sister.
“It is true then?” Hattie exclaimed. “Congratulations, sir! What a perfect match the two of you will be! Did I not always say so, Dorcas?”
“You did, Sister. You said, one day when my lady was riding about the countryside in breeches, that she would be well matched with someone who knew her well, like Mr. Tinsley.”
What could he say to that? He made a bow to the sisters, feeling a swift exit was the wisest course. Once Eugenia found out the news of their betrothal was all over the district, he would be distinctly uncomfortable. He turned to leave and almost ran headlong into her.
She had a look of fury on her face—ire that he could tell she was about to unleash on him.
He proffered her his most charming smile. “Not here, pet. This is not the place. You may rail at me all you wish later.”
She glanced around and saw that all eyes were upon them and gave him a tentative smile.
“I think the newly betrothed couple should waltz,” Miss Hattie said in a penetrating voice, and Eugenia gasped. This, if you please, from the harridan who thought the new dance come straight from the devil to earth to lure innocent maidens into sin? Graham barely swallowed a pithy and contemptuous set down.
“I think it is acceptable since you are to be married,” she explained primly.
“Then how can we refuse if Miss Hattie wishes it?” he said in a crisp tone instead. He held out his hand to take Eugenia’s and she accepted it. For a moment he was not certain if she would regale the entire village with their personal issues.
He took her into his arms, taking special care to keep her at a proper distance, but it was still too close with an unhappy partner.
“Why did you tell them, Graham?” she asked, looking up into his face as though he had betrayed her.
“I am afraid I cannot take credit for that.”
“I should have known.” Her chin fell.
“Look at me,” he commanded. “Be the duke’s daughter for a few more minutes. We are still friends, after all. I am only allowing you some freedom to make the right choice, but I will not wait forever.”
He twirled into some tight revolutions, leaving both of them unable to speak. For now it was for the best, because if he forced her decision tonight, he knew he would not like her answer. When the music ended, she curtsied to him. Bowing politely in return, he took her arm to lead her from the floor. He did not think she would speak again and then he wished she had not.
“I was not ready,” she said, disappointed. “I need more time.”
