Page 89 of Shining Knight
“I have never been more earnest in my life,” he said. “But can I make you happy? I feel like a proper fool for not recognizing sooner that you are indeed the perfect mate for me.”
She threw her arms around him– thank goodness he always seemed prepared for her sudden bursts of affection. “I cannot imagine being happy with anyone else,” she confessed. “I do not know the exact moment my feelings changed, either, but I have also been miserable, thinking I might not be the best choice for you.”
“My silly pet,” he said as he kissed away the tears from her face and then kissed her with a passion she was only just beginning to recognize in herself.
He pulled back and drawing her to her feet, pulled off her left-hand glove. He slipped the ring onto her finger, making their betrothal feel real for the first time.
“Shall we tell the others? I do not wish my bride to freeze before I get her to the altar.”
*
When Graham arrivedhome later that night, he was surprised to find his mother and sister had arrived and already retired. His father would be disappointed to know that he had missed their arrival, but hopefully the reunion the next day would be just as good. He could not regret spending the evening at The Grange, however, because all seemed to be well with Eugenia again. By the day of their wedding, she would—with God’s grace—even be excited about it.
The next morning, after he had broken his fast, he sought out his mother and sister. They were both in the viscountess’s sitting room, having chocolate and rolls. He supposed that was a French custom, but not a satisfying meal in his opinion.
“Graham!” his sister exclaimed. Jumping up, she hurled herself at him much in the way Eugenia did.
He chuckled. “Welcome home, Sister. I almost would not have recognized you. You have grown so much.”
“I am old enough to make my début,” she announced.
“Heaven help us,” he said, meeting his mother’s gaze. She was watching the exchange with a fond smile.
“And Mother…” He walked over and kissed her on the cheek. “It is wonderful to see you. Do you plan to stay long?”
“I suppose that depends on your father. Caroline’s lungs are much improved, and I had thought perhaps we would stay for the next Season.”
“I am glad to hear it, though Father might wish to spend the winter elsewhere.”
“I have not yet seen him. I sent my maid to inquire if he is ready to receive.”
“He is weak, but was in good spirits when I saw him last evening. He wanted to greet you himself.”
She looked disappointed. “We were so anxious to be done with traveling that we decided not to make another overnight stop and thus arrived very late.”
“I am also sorry I was not here to greet you, either. I dined at The Grange.” He could not keep a smile from his face.
His mother was very perceptive. “Is there something you wish to tell me?”
“I am betrothed to Lady Eugenia.”
She looked taken aback. “The little hoyden?”
“Mother!” Caroline scolded.
“It is the truth. She behaved like a boy, running wild all over the countryside, and no one to tell her nay.”
That much was true, if through little fault of her own. “She is strong-willed, but not malicious. I invited her to call on you and I do hope you will give her a chance. She is now a grown woman, not a child.” She was still inclined to be reckless, he reflected, but was certainly not wild. His mother made her sound like a feral cat.
His mother sighed. “Of course. If she is your choice, and makes you happy, then I will contrive to be kind and accepting. The connections certainly cannot be faulted.”
“Thank you, Mother.”
“I cannot wait to see her again. She was always very nice to me,” Caroline added. His sister was turning into a beauty, his own coloring reflected in a feminine form. He vowed to himself that he would stand by her, no matter what, when it was time for her to navigate the dangerous waters of Society.
His mother’s maid knocked on the door, remaining on the threshold. “His Lordship is ready to receive you, ma’am.” She bobbed a curtsy to her mistress and then to Graham.
As his mother began to leave the room, she stopped before him. “Invite Lady Eugenia to tea. I shall be delighted to receive her.”
