Page 87 of Shining Knight
Chapter Twenty
Eugenia could notspeak. She was trying dreadfully hard not to cry, even though she could not say anything at all.
“I am glad to see you too, pet,” Graham said, in that way he had that was sarcastic but at the same time amused.
She inhaled deeply. Her face was still buried in his chest and she caught notes of starched linen, bergamot and… Graham. “Forgive me,” she pleaded, her words unavoidably muffled.
“What was that?”
She pulled back a little, yet was unwilling to remove herself from his arms. “I said, forgive me. I have been a fool. This has been the most miserable week of my existence. Then Edmund told me about your father and now I am ashamed.”
He lifted her chin and gazed into her eyes. “I missed you, too. But I am not sorry if it helped you realize how well we will deal together.” He leaned down to kiss her briefly on the lips.
“How is your father?”
“He is somewhat improved. I visited him just before I came here. He would like to see you again and was delighted with our news.”
Eugenia tried not to react to that.
“I would be delighted to visit him if he is up to company.”
“Mother and Caroline are expected at any time. Perhaps you could call?”
She pulled away and wrapped her arms around her waist, steeling herself to speak. “Graham, are you absolutely certain about this betrothal?”
He stopped talking to her, as if he needed to touch her. It was fascinating that he could want her. “I have no doubts whatsoever, Genie.”
She exhaled a sigh of relief. “We might have to reconsider your choice of waistcoat in the future.”
“I think not. I have very fond memories of monkeys.”
She gave him an arch look and shook her head. “Too soon.”
“Ah, very well. I had hoped you might laugh. Would you walk with me after dinner?”
“Oh, yes, dinner. I suppose we should not keep them waiting.” She took the arm he offered. “Yes, I will walk with you.”
Eugenia scarcely paid attention during dinner, she was very anxious about the walk after dinner. What could he want to say? In the study, he had professed to have no doubts. Perhaps there were conditions to be placed upon the betrothal? In all honesty, she had no idea. It was silly to speculate, but she could not help herself.
“Are you sure you are not coming down with some malady?” Isabella asked. “You have hardly eaten a bite.”
“I am sure. I am only unsettled. Today has been rather taxing on my nerves,” she answered.
Isabella patted her hand. “I understand.”
“I had a letter from Felix today,” Rowley said to the entire table. “Unfortunately, it was dated from July, just after Vitoria. Thankfully, my contacts in the War Office keep me apprised of Felix’s doings, but he says Wellington hopes they will be in France by Christmas.”
“Does that mean he might be able to visit?” Eugenia asked.
“I think we would be more like to see him before we read of it,” Knighton replied.
“Then that shall be my Christmas wish,” Emma said.
“All of us together is always a welcome occurrence,” Knighton agreed.
After the meal, the gentlemen eschewed their port and joined the ladies in the drawing room.
“Shall we go?” Graham asked.
