Page 38 of Shining Knight
It was unlikely, Graham reflected, that he succeeded in masking the incredulity in his expression. “Your niece had decided against the duke, since he seemed to favor you.”
“Oh, dear.” She looked as though she would faint. God save him from hysterical females at this moment!
“Indeed.”
“I can speak with her and with him, of course.”
“I think it is best to discuss the matter with Knighton. I will send word.” He gave a curt nod and left.
Returning to his own house, he quickly shaved and changed his clothes and set out again on foot. Thankfully, Knighton’s town residence was close by, because Graham did not wish to be back in the saddle again so soon after riding for half the night.
The relief he felt when he saw the brass knocker on the door was indescribable. Despite the early hour, Quincy opened the door to him with a pleasant greeting.
“I am most happy to see you, Quincy! Where might I find His Grace?” he asked.
“His Grace and their lordships are in the breakfast room, sir.”
Plural?he thought as his feet made haste in that direction. More than one Knighton brother would be extremely welcome at this juncture.
The footman opened the door without hesitation– Graham had always run tame about both households.
“Tinsley,” the duke said, standing to come and shake his hand. Edmund and Heath were also there. “I must say, you are very welcome, but I assume you did not come at this early hour just to welcome us to London?”
“Unfortunately, no,” he said, taking a seat. One of the footmen brought him a cup of coffee.
Knighton perceptively dismissed the servants. When the door closed behind them, Graham spoke. “I have just returned from Brighton with your sister and your aunt.”
“At this hour?” Heath asked, pausing in the middle of buttering his toast.
Edmund remained silent.
“What happened?” Knighton asked quietly.
“Ravenhill forced himself into Eugenia’s room and tried to ravish her.”
“Tried?” Heath growled. “Is Eugenia harmed?”
“She fought and stabbed him before he succeeded,” Graham replied.
“Does he yet live?” Edmund asked.
“He was alive when we left. The doctor said the only risk to his life would be infection.”
His brow creased, the duke said nothing, thinking as he did when trying to solve a problem. He’d had the weight of a dukedom on his shoulders from a young age.
“There is more, I am afraid.” Graham sighed. “As you know, Farnsworth had asked to court her, as did Perth.”
“I received his request,” Knighton confirmed.
“I expect you also saw they were vying for her hand in a rather public manner?” he asked, brows raised.
“I did.”
“We all did,” Heath clarified.
“It was mostly civilized, despite the gossip columns’ love for Eugenia. We left a few days ago for a weekend house party at Perth’s Seaside Cottage. It quickly became apparent that your sister seemed to favor the earl’s suit, but Ravenhill and his sister were neighbors and present for everything. They also made little secret of the fact that they were out to catch the largest monetary prizes to be had.”
“Which would be yourself and Eugenia,” Knighton said, putting the pieces together.
