Page 90 of Shining Knight
Graham went downstairs to the study and penned a note to Eugenia. He certainly had not expected that reaction from his mother to the news of his betrothal. Had she not been urging him for long enough to marry and settle? There were certainly some things he would never understand about the female mind, but perhaps that was a good thing.
That afternoon, Eugenia arrived with the duchess. To him, she looked like a breath of fresh air. She was wearing a pale green velvet gown with a darker spencer and looked perfectly demure. She curtsied to his mother, who held out her hands and smiled at Eugenia.
“My dear, Graham’s father and I are very pleased with the news.”
“Thank you, my lady. I hope you do not mind that I brought with me my sister-in-law, Emma.”
“Of course not. Your Grace, it is a pleasure to meet you.”
Caroline suddenly became shy when she met the two ladies, and when they sat down, as tea was served, she scarcely spoke a word except for answers to questions.
“How old are you, Miss Tinsley? Do you intend to enjoy a London Season?” the duchess asked.
“I am to turn seventeen in the spring, Your Grace.”
“We have been discussing a Season, although whether it will be this year or next is undecided,” his mother answered. “It depends on my husband’s health, of course.”
“Eugenia and I would be happy to take her to Town and show her about if she wishes,” said Graham.
The duchess almost choked on her tea, likely recalling with mirth Eugenia’s antics in Town.
“You are the best of brothers!” Caroline said, giving him a bright smile.
“Of course she shall have a Season,” a voice announced from the door.
“Father?” He looked up to see the viscount standing there on the arm of Martins.
“May I join you?”
Graham went over to assist, for his father was dressed and looking more whole than he had seen him in years.
“I can manage, thank you,” he said, as he walked slowly to the chairs and made a bow to the ladies before taking a seat.
Graham made the introductions. “Father, this is Her Grace the Duchess of Knighton, and you remember Lady Eugenia, I trust?”
“Duchess,” he inclined his head. “It is a pleasure.” He turned to Lady Eugenia. “You have grown into a beautiful lady. May I say we are elated to hear you are to become our daughter?”
Eugenia blushed and it only heightened her beauty. “Thank you, my lord.”
“When are the nuptials to be?” he asked pointedly.
Eugenia looked at Graham with panic in her eyes. He reached over and took her hand. “We have not yet decided, Father. We have just become engaged.”
Graham felt as though all eyes were boring into him. He hoped it did not cause Eugenia to turn tail and run.
“Why wait?” his father asked. “Back in our day,” he said, with a fond look to the viscountess, “the banns were read as soon as the announcement was made!”
“Christmas is soon, we may decide after the festivities, surely?”
“If it is all the same to you,” his father said, “I would like to see you wed as soon as possible. You know my time may be short, and I am considering returning to France with your mother.”
Graham was hoping to claim Eugenia soon as well, but he was not yet ready to push her that far.
He dared to glance at her, however, and was shocked when she opened her mouth and spoke. “I daresay that could be arranged, your lordship,” she said. “I would prefer to marry here instead of in London.”
“Excellent, my dear. You have made me most happy.” His father accepted a cup of tea from his wife and Graham noticed how his hand shook as he lifted the cup to his mouth. What it must have taken, for him to come down and greet them!
His mother and the duchess began to talk of little George, and Graham took the opportunity to lean over and whisper to Eugenia. “Are you certain?”
