Page 86 of Shining Knight
“My man went to put up a tray for me. Eating is about as much as I have stamina for these days.”
“I was to dine at The Grange, but I would be happy to sup with you instead.”
“Not at all. Go and charm your young lady. I cannot wait to see the two of you together,” he said with a kind smile.
Graham stood and gave his father’s hand a squeeze as Martins brought in the dinner tray.
“You had better eat it all, Father, if you want to have strength.”
“I will do my best,” he said, giving Graham a small salute.
As he walked to his chamber, Graham could not help but wonder about his parents’ relationship. Was that why he thought love was the philia kind of love? Friendly, amicable and sweet? His parents were fond of each other, and his mother and sister spent most of their time in France for Caroline’s weak lungs.
Graham dressed for dinner, hoping Eugenia did not become upset. He had given her a week and he had been invited by Edmund, but he could not wait to see her.
He wore Eugenia’s favorite green waistcoat that had golden monkeys embroidered into it. He laughed as he buttoned it. Would she still find it her favorite? If that did not make her smile when she saw him, then perhaps it was a lost cause altogether.
He was early, like a nervous schoolboy would be. When he was shown into the drawing room at The Grange, Edmund and Isabella were first to greet him.
Isabella burst out laughing when she saw the monkeys on his waistcoat. “That is marvelous! I cannot wait for Eugenia to see it.”
“She has asked to take a tray in her room,” Knighton announced as he entered the dining room.
Graham felt as though frozen in place. “Shall I leave? I do not wish to cause any strife within your family.”
“Nonsense. You are part of the family. I do not believe she was aware you were joining us for dinner. Emma has just gone to tell her.”
Graham nodded absently. “I hope she is not ill. I would not wish her to feel obligated to join us on my account.”
“I believe she might be heart-sick and rather chagrined. We had rather an argument this afternoon after I saw you,” Edmund confessed.
Graham closed his eyes. It was not what he wanted.
“Please do not feel as if I betrayed you. It was bound to come out one way or the other. You would have been invited to dine by one of us this week, regardless.”
“What has happened?” Knighton asked. “I seem to be missing some vital piece of information.”
“It is nothing. Eugenia merely asked for some time to think,” Graham explained.
“What is there to think about?” Knighton asked in his caustic tone.
Edmund stepped forward. “I have already spoken with her, Rowley.”
The duchess entered the room and gave Graham a brief smile. “Eugenia will be down shortly.”
A footman handed each of them a drink, and Heath and Cecilia joined them.
“’Tis good to see you, Tinsley,” Heath said. “I was wondering where you have been this week.”
“Tending to the estate. I fear my father is rather ill. Thankfully, we have an excellent steward.”
“My sympathies. Anything we can do?” Knighton asked.
“Actually, the doctor is trying a new treatment on him and he feels much better. He is endeavoring to regain some strength.”
Eugenia entered the room then, wearing an aubergine-colored gown with a simple scooped neck trimmed with gold and a matching ribbon around her waist. Her hair was pulled back in a simple knot similar to the one she had created that day at Gunter’s. She looked perfect, but there was sadness in her eyes. His own heart felt it.
He stood back, waiting for her to give him some kind of signal as to her wishes. He would stay where he was unless she indicated she wished to speak with him again, though it was the worst kind of agony to believe that this betrothal might have caused an irreparable rift between them.
She walked tentatively over to him, as though she were afraid. She dipped into a formal curtsy. “Good evening, Graham.”
“My lady.” He bowed.
“Might I have a few minutes to speak with you?”
He looked to Knighton for confirmation and the duke inclined his head. “Dinner will not be served for a few minutes. You may use my study if you wish.”
She bit her lip and gave a nod and then turned to walk to the study. He followed her inside and she shut the door with a loud click. Her blue eyes looked up at him, large and pleading. Without warning, she launched herself into his arms—and he wrapped them around her and held her tight. He could hold her there forever. She felt right, and it was difficult to imagine any other fulfilling the role of his wife. Did that mean this was love? Perhaps it was.
