Page 9 of Shining Knight
Chapter Three
Some things feltdifferent this Season. Eugenia felt different. Surely it could not be simply a matter of changing her wardrobe? Bolder colors and a little more daring cut were all it took to bring on more serious suitors? Were men really so shallow or visual that they could not see beyond the color white? Apparently so. Suddenly, gentleman who she knew her brothers would approve of were calling on her and asking for dances. In a way, she missed the younger, more frivolous bucks because their expectations were low. With those of the stature of Lord Perth and the Duke of Farnsworth, it seemed as though her every word and action were to be scrutinized. Did they not know her reputation?
She had danced Graham’s normal waltz with Perth, and she had been surprised by the hurt she’d seen on Graham’s face. She would have expected him to be relieved. Perth was of an age with Rowley—around ten years her senior. He was certainly handsome, but seemed a bit fastidious. She feared she would constantly disappoint him, but perhaps he could guide her better in the ways of the ton. That was a ridiculous notion, and she knew it inside. However, she would give the earl more time in order to know him better. He was Emma’s cousin and had stood by the duchess when scandal had threatened to ruin her.
The Duke of Farnsworth was approaching, presumably to claim the second waltz of the evening, which was also the supper dance. There was something about him that was comforting in a paternal sort of way. If she remembered correctly, he had been married twice and had daughters who were older than her. What would he want with her? Perhaps he was simply dancing with her as a friend of her family. He had been friends with her father and had visited The Grange when she was but a babe.
“Lady Eugenia.” He bowed low over her hand.
“Your Grace.” She curtsied low.
He led her to the dance floor and immediately she felt at ease. His scent of sandalwood made her think of her father. Farnsworth was still quite handsome and fit, for a man of his age, but surely he did not wish to court her?
“You have grown into a beautiful young woman, Eugenia,” he said, interrupting her thoughts.
Oh, dear.
“I will be frank with you, as you must wonder why I have sought you out.”
She held her tongue, for once.
“You probably know that I have been married twice and have failed to produce any sons. There are few ladies of a childbearing age who I consider eligible. I realize I am quite old for you, but it would be an amicable arrangement.”
For who?Was he proposing? “I do not know what to say, Your Grace.”
“You do not need to say anything yet. Allow me to court you for a few weeks and consider whether or not you could be happy with me. Why the frown? Have I surprised you, my dear?”
She met his kind gaze. “You are not the first man to say that tonight.”
“Have you already someone in mind? Your brother indicated you were unattached.”
“Knighton did?”
“Indeed. I went to Devonshire to ask his permission.”
“Gracious heavens,” she whispered breathlessly, quite at a loss. Why had Rowley said nothing to her about this? He had always led her to believe she could choose her spouse, yet he had never given his permission to any of the other gentleman who had asked.
Thankfully, the dance ended, although she still had to endure supper with this man. He left her at a table while he went to fill her a plate. She reminded herself that she had felt comfortable with him before he had begun speaking of marriage. She tried to put aside her misgivings and determined to be cordial. Unfortunately, her thoughts were in a muddle and it felt as though the walls were closing in on her. Perhaps she was just too tired after the day’s adventures.
“Have I shocked you?” the duke asked kindly when he brought a plate of food full of lobster patties, ham, cheeses and fruits back for her.
“A little,” she confessed honestly.
“You will have to forgive my boldness, then. As the daughter and sister of a duke, I am certain you understand we act with decisiveness. When we see something we want, we take measures to acquire it.”
At this moment, she felt like an object instead of a person. Nonetheless, she did understand and she was not certain that was how she wished to live her life. “I do appreciate, sir, and I am not at all convinced I am suited to be a duchess. If you were not aware, I have a tendency to get into scrapes.”
“Knighton warned me of your tendencies, but I do not think there is any harm in you. It will be good for our children to have a spirited mother.”
Eugenia felt sick. What could she say to that? It was the truth, and it seemed they were being honest with each other.
Eugenia’s glanced across the room and met Tinsley’s gaze. The lot of his friends were looking over at her. Were they discussing her? Did they know Farnsworth’s intentions? Eugenia’s heart squeezed at the thoughts of Graham being privy to this with her brother. No, squeezed was too mild a term. It felt more like a stab of betrayal. She caught herself glaring and forced herself to turn and smile at Farnsworth.
“Do I take it some of those gentlemen are courting you? At least two of them have been shooting daggers at me since we entered the supper hall.”
She opened her mouth to deny it, but then thought better of it. “Yes.”
“Then I shall endeavor to win your favor. Please know that my offer stands until you tell me nay. Shall I lead you back to Lady Hambridge?”
