Page 83 of Shining Knight
Chapter Nineteen
The next morning,Eugenia left the Dower House and had the strangest sensation as she led Cleo to the mounting block. She had been missing Graham horribly just as he had predicted, and she had been debating sending over a note to see if he wanted to go riding. Somehow, she felt his presence. She had always known when he was around. She looked up now and could see nothing but trees. Perhaps it was the closeness of his property. She mounted Cleo and skirted the property, stopping at the bridge that linked The Grange with Lovell Abbey.
She wished she knew the right thing to do, but her heart was heavy with an ache that time apart from him had not healed. Her grandmother had been no help, stating baldly that Graham was her perfect match in every way and refusing to hear otherwise. Knighton and Heath would not understand, either, but perhaps Edmund would. He would at least listen first without judging her.
Taking one last look at the gables on top of the Abbey, she turned Cleo and headed towards Primrose Cottage, hoping for some wise guidance.
When she reached the house, she left Cleo to graze again. Eugenia was shown into a small parlor at the back of the house, where Isabella was embroidering.
“Genie!” Isabella said, rising to greet her. “How lovely to see you.”
“I was visiting Grandmother, and I thought to call on my way home.”
“Shall I ring for tea?” Isabella asked, waving Eugenia to a seat.
“I have done nothing but drink tea with Grandmother. I am positively swimming in it!” Eugenia laughed. She fidgeted with her skirts, then caught herself. “Is my brother at home? I actually came to seek his advice.”
“I expect him soon. He was visiting some of the villagers.”
Eugenia was unsurprised.
“Is there anything I can help with? Is this about Mr. Tinsley?”
Eugenia nodded. She had not told anyone of her request for time away from him and it seemed silly to speak of it. “I feel as though I am trapping him,” she blurted out instead.
Isabella frowned. “Was it not he who announced your betrothal, when the Duke of Farnsworth had already proposed a solution?”
“Yes, but he knew Farnsworth intended to court me only for a short time and Ravenhill forced the issue at Almack’s.”
“And what does Mr. Tinsley have to say about this? I must say, he did not behave as though he was a man being trapped and forced into marriage with you, Genie.”
Eugenia pursed her lips. “I suppose not. He professes to want this marriage.”
“You are very good friends. I think you will be very happy with him.”
“I wish I could be sure of that.”
Isabella’s face softened. “There is very little we are sure of or guaranteed in this life, Eugenia. If you care for him, and he for you, it is a beautiful gift and not to be wasted.”
“But he does not look at me the way my brothers look at their wives; the way Edmund looks at you.”
“Be that as it may, everyone shows their feelings differently, and to be fair, your relationship began differently. It does not mean it is not just as special.”
Hoof beats came trotting down the drive. “That must be Edmund,” Isabella said. “Perhaps he will have better advice for you.”
When Edmund presently strode into the room, he had eyes only for Isabella. He did not notice Eugenia and promptly kissed his wife in a way to make Eugenia blush—the way Graham had kissed her.
When Isabella was allowed to speak, she quickly informed Edmund of Eugenia’s visit. Instead of apologizing, he considered her, a devilish gleam in his eye. “How are you, Sister?” He kissed her on the cheek. “I saw Mr. Tinsley in the village today.”
Her traitorous heart skipped a beat just at hearing his name. “And how was he?”
“He looks well, if a bit strained. The viscount is very near the end. I had intended to visit there today, but Mrs. Miller delayed me on my way.”
“His father is ill?” Why had he not said anything?
Because I was too wrapped up in my own selfishness!she answered herself with disgust. Immediately, she felt like the lowest sort of friend—not to mention a fool. At a time like this, nothing could be further from his mind than a silly chit, she was certain.
“His father has been ill for some little while. You may not remember, but that was why Mr. Tinsley returned from his diplomatic post.”
