Lady Eugenia's Holiday (5 page)

“What concerns me is that His Grace has taken a
great deal of interest in you. The Duke has already made several inquiries into
your family and background.” Aunt Rose did not look up from her plate when she
spoke. “I cannot help but wonder if he is one of those peers with title and his
pockets to let.”

“A fortune hunter!” Eugenia’s cup nearly slipped
from her fingers. She was quick to believe that the truth. It would explain his
occasional tepid behavior toward her. He only paid attention to her when it was
advantageous to him.

The rogue! He did not care for her in the least!

“You may not be aware of this, my dear, but your
dowry could settle the largest of debts and save a single dukedom with no
difficulty,” Aunt Rose remarked, quite unaffected that a rascal such as he was
after her grandniece.

“I have made my own inquiries about this fellow,”
she continued. “I can assure you that he is more than financially well-off and
possesses several estates. His country seat is in Kent and he resides there
several months out of the year. He spends most of his time at his townhouse in
Hanover Square, London. It seems he is very eligible and much sought after.
Unlike many men of his ilk, his name is not besmirched by women or gaming.”

Did he think he was better than other men? That
Eugenia should feel fortunate he chose her to address?

“Now that we have found the Duke’s status and
reputation are beyond reproach, we must accept that any affection he may
declare for you is genuine.” Aunt Rose’s smile rejuvenated her ten years. “And
now that you know where his interests lie, I can just imagine how you would
very much allow yourself to return his adoration.”

Eugenia was not quite sure that was exactly what
she had in mind. However it gave her a great deal to think about.

Mrs. Penshurst and Herr Mueller came to Grove House
for tea that afternoon. When the elderly ladies’ conversation became tedious,
to Eugenia’s great surprise, Franz exhibited unexpected perception by asking
her to accompany him for a
turn about
the rear
gardens. That removed them both from the elderly ladies’ languorous company.

She was only too glad to escape. What a sweet man
Franz was. Eugenia could not have been more thankful for his companionship.

“This
ist
quite splendid.”
He clasped his hands behind his back and took in the scenery. “I spend so much
time inside practicing and performing … I am grateful for every opportunity to
step outside and breathe the fresh air.”

“I find it a pleasant way to occupy oneself.”

“You saw your duke last evening, if I am not
mistaken?” Franz mentioned casually. “Und most friendly. Then again, he
ist
your duke?”

“Rothford explained that he was busy with business
affairs. It was just a misunderstanding.” Eugenia feared Franz did not think
too well of him since that day at the library when Rothford ignored her.

“I see.” Franz nodded, contemplating her words. “Und
you find this … Rothford’s explanation to be acceptable?”

“Yes, I do.” She took his placid smile to mean he
was pleased regarding the outcome.

“Gut. Then I shall forgive him as well.” He glanced
about the surrounding skies, taking a closer look. “The air
ist
perhaps not as fresh as Austria. Alas I shall not
complain, this
ist
out-of-doors.” A few more steps
and he said, “You must come to
mein
country one day.
You
vill
like it very much. Until that time
ve
make preparations and first teach you the language. We
begin
vith
a few words of German.”

Eugenia laughed. “I don’t think I can learn German.
I am much more adept at French.”

“Come now, Fraulein,” he urged her. “You must try.

Eugenia learned that
bitte
means “please” and
danke
schon
means “thank you.”

“You see. It
vill
be no
time at all before you can scold your lady’s maid for burning your hair with
the curling irons and reprimand your seamstress because your gown does not lay
just so.” He motioned to the length of his lower limb, illustrating where the
offending imaginary garment rested.

“After I don my dress and have my hair curled, I suppose
I should be expected to attend a ball?”

“Of course, Liebling.” He chuckled, perhaps
thinking he had convinced her that she should continue learning German.

Eugenia stopped short and stared at him. “Liebling
… what does that mean?”

“It
ist
only an endearment.” He glanced up at her through dark, white-powder-coated
lashes as if he had taken a liberty. “If you rather I did not—”

“No, I find it acceptable.” Eugenia glanced around
them, making sure they were indeed alone, and bestowed upon him a shy smile. “When
no one is near, if you please.”

He reacted to the great honor with a wide grin,
beaming across his face.

“Where were we?” Eugenia once again stepped
forward, continuing their walk.

“Ah, yes, you
ver
acting
like a churlish child, scolding your servants.”

“I’ll have you know that’s ridiculous!” She sent
him a playful, nasty glare through narrowed eyes then laughed at the absurdity.
“You want to teach me the only phrase I should ever really need to know.”

“And what should that be?” He focused his complete
attention on her.

“I must know the phrase: ‘May I have this dance?’
or how ever shall I know when a gentleman is asking me to step onto the floor
with him?”

Eugenia really hadn’t expected that she should ever
need it here or in London, but they were only playacting.

“Ah, yes, most ingenious.” He stopped and faced her
so she might watch the words form upon his lips. “
Darf
ich
Sie
um
diesen
Tanz
, bitten?”

Franz repeated the words slowly—over and over,
until Eugenia could easily say them.

“Now when I meet an extremely rich Bavarian Baron
in London who can manage but only a few words of English …” Eugenia began the
fanciful tale.

“He finds you … die
Schonheit
… so enchanting, he cannot keep himself from approaching you for a waltz,”
Franz continued on with the story.

“Then out of his mouth would come, “
Darf
ich
Sie
um
diesen
Tanz
, bitten?”
Eugenia repeated flawlessly. “Because you spent time teaching me bits of
German, I will know exactly what it means! Then I will take his arm, curtsy,” Eugenia
took Franz’s proffered arm and curtsied, “and reply,
danke
schon
.”

“Then you
vill
dance.” He
partnered her for a few steps of the waltz.

Eugenia found it a slight bit awkward because they
were roughly the same height. Normally gentlemen were a few inches taller and
not looking directly into her eyes.

“From that single dance with the Baron there will
be gossip.” Eugenia stepped away from Franz. “The ton would want to know how I
was able to speak to this foreigner.”

“I do not see how such a thing can be avoided.”
Franz shrugged, falling into step beside her. “You and the Baron will be on-
dit
for weeks on end.”

Eugenia squealed with laugher! Never had she heard,
never thought of anything so absurd.

“The Baron might become quite popular after you
dance
vith
him,” Franz went on, not bothered by her
outburst. “The
matchmakers
vill
seek him out for their own daughters. In the end, dancing
vith
him
vill
be
wunderbar
for
his reputation.”

They giggled and laughed together. The entire
scenario was outrageous.

“Franz, you are horrible for encouraging me,”
Eugenia scolded him.

Perhaps the episode of the Bavarian Baron would not
occur, for Eugenia had already met the duke of her dreams here in Brighton.
Although she doubted Rothford would begrudge her one dance with a lonely
foreigner, especially one of such noble birth. Eugenia knew that in the end she
must break his Bavarian heart.

C’est la vie.
C’est l’amour!

Sunday was the Promenade at the Old Ship. Not only
had Rothford kept his word but his lavish attention made Eugenia quite the envy
of the whole affair.

“You are absolutely a sight to behold!” Rothford
praised Eugenia’s choice of a light blue sprig muslin then turned his attention
to her hat. “And where did you get that delightful bonnet?”

“I purchased it yesterday right here in Brighton at
Madame
Marchaine’s
.” Eugenia turned her head to give
him an unobstructed view of her elegant headwear.

“Very nice. Very nice, indeed.” He pulled her
gloved hand through the crook of his arm and placed his hand over hers.

It did not bother Eugenia that he gently trapped
her hand in what could be construed as a possessive way.

“Will you object if I keep you all to myself?”

“Just for today, mind.” Eugenia could not help but
smile. It delighted her that he should say such a thing when she had begun to
believe that he did not care for her.

They strolled along together. Eugenia felt right at
home, dangling upon his arm as if he were a custom-made accessory meant for
her. She could not have the slightest complaint regarding his behavior.

Occasionally he leaned close and whispered into her
ear. Nothing of importance, just a little comment or observation that a man in
his position might find amusing. Their familiar behavior might have shocked
some people, although she did not notice any of the guests fall upon the floor
in an apoplectic fit.

The farther they strolled and the more she thought
about it, Eugenia grew to believe the Duke of Rothford was the man she had
dreamed of all her life. Granted, he had not yet spoken of his love for her,
but he must have felt the same as she.

And he had not kissed her as of yet.

To be honest, the duke had not even tried. And
Eugenia had already decided she would allow him to kiss her. Why should she
not? They were all but engaged!

Just as certain as she was regarding his affection,
Eugenia knew Rothford would want to speak to her parents as soon as all parties
involved had arrived in London for the Little Season. Even though their initial
introduction had not been a proper one, there were conventions to follow when
it came to an engagement, and it all had to be done correctly.

The Duke would have his word with Papa. Then after
receiving overwhelming family approval, Rothford would choose the most romantic
spot in all of London to ask Eugenia the one important question: “Will you do
me the honor of becoming my duchess?”

Rothford would be quite insistent, professing his
love for her. He might try to bribe her with a trinket or two. Of course, in
the end, Eugenia would say yes. She and the Duke would have the grandest nuptials
of the Season!

“Lady Eugenia?” Rothford repeated.

“I’m sorry, my thoughts were drifting.” She blinked
and smiled up at him.

He gazed down upon her and said, “You looked as if
you were a hundred miles away.”

“Perhaps, but we were together, I can assure you.”
She giggled, thinking how silly her daydreams were but hoping they would come
true all the same.

“That is comforting to hear.” Rothford stopped and
gestured to a nearby bench shaded by a tree where they should sit. “I’m afraid
I have some sad news. I am again called to leave and we must part.”

The news devastated Eugenia. She did not wish them
to part just when his attentions were beginning to strengthen, just when she
knew he was strongly attached to her.

“I am to leave in a few hours’ time and I shall
return in only a matter of days. I promise you shall scarcely notice my absence.”

He might as well have said he planned to be absent
for an eternity and travel to the ends of the earth!

“I suggest we do our best to put that
unpleasantness aside and concentrate on enjoying this splendid outing together.
I remain completely at your disposal.”

Eugenia pretended his absence would not bother her
in the least. She remained silent as he led her toward their friends Penelope
and the Honorable Donald Hamby. The foursome shared a table, enjoying their
tea.

Even though she could not staunch her misery at the
Duke’s impending departure, Eugenia knew she was the envy of every girl within
sight. She could read it on their faces, sense it in their posture as their glances
hardened.

After the tea, card games erupted in the adjacent
room. She and Rothford sat for several hands. He was correct about enjoying
each other’s company for they passed the time in a pleasant manner.

Then she noticed his posture stiffen. His gaze
darted past her and toward the doorway. She managed a sideward glance and
recognized the man he had called Foster from the library. He stood at the door
in a most awkward fashion as if he were trying very hard not to be seen.

Rothford folded his cards and laid them aside. A
look and a nod from him told Eugenia to do the same. She did. The Duke made
their apologies to the remaining players then led her outside to the garden.

They stepped under a white latticed gazebo. “It is
time, my dear, for me to depart.”

Eugenia decided that if he were to leave now, she
would at least have some assurance of his affection. She wanted him to kiss her
and spent her energies on looking as fetching and irresistible as she could
manage. She tilted her head and gazed at him in pure adoration.

Rothford spoke to her, saying something of the
particulars of his journey. All Eugenia cared about was that he would be
leaving her again.

She pursed her lips into an adorable moue and
batted her lashes to no avail. With only a kiss to the back of her hand and a
fond adieu, he was off.

How very lowering.

A massive cloud floated overhead, blocking a great
deal of the sun. The dimming light grew evident with every passing minute.
Dismayed at her lack of appeal, Eugenia remained alone in the growing darkness.

Why would he leave her without expressing what he
truly felt? What Eugenia knew he must feel.

Sigh after heartfelt sigh, she remained for some
number of minutes. Eugenia was not certain how long before she heard footfalls
heading in her direction.

To her utter amazement, she instantly recognized
the confident swagger and the familiar rhythmic swing of the arms. It was
Rothford. He had returned.

She did not want to appear anxious at his
reappearance and took great effort to restrain herself. Eugenia took a deep
breath and held it. Slowly, she allowed it to escape and finally glanced
casually up at him.

The filtered sunlight illuminated the garden. The
lattice threw harlequin shadows across his face, giving him a dramatic cast.
She was not sure what to expect from him and remained silent. Eugenia gazed up
at him, giving him a chance to speak first.

“I wasn’t entirely satisfied with our farewell,” he
said. His words were slow, almost impossible for him to utter. “Before I leave
for …”

She stared wide into his dark eyes. “
Amberly
,” she finished for him, anxious to see what
direction he would take.

“Yes,
Amberly
,” he
echoed, staring deep into her eyes.

Every lucid thought in her head left. He sat very
close to her on the bench. His proximity fended off the coolness of the deep
shade of the cloud.

At that moment Eugenia felt as if they were of one
mind, one heart.

“I shall miss you while I am away.” His gaze ran
over her face, caressed her shoulders, before returning to her eyes. “I shall
only be gone for …”

“Three or four days at the most,” again she
answered for him. She was a mindless creature, finishing each sentence he
began.

It was almost as if he had forgotten himself.
Perhaps Eugenia had succeeded in distracting him as he had once accused her.

“It is only for a short while—no longer than is
necessary,
I can
assure you,” he whispered ever so
softly. The volume of his voice grew only as he neared, for she felt his breath
upon her ear with every word he spoke. “Then, with your permission, I shall take
leave of you after a kiss.”

Her eyelids became heavy and lowered. Her lips
pursed ever so slightly in great anticipation of the long-awaited event. She
felt quite the half-wit when he placed a chaste kiss upon her cheek.

He backed away but the retreat lasted only for a
moment. Eugenia discovered the same disappointment that dwelled within her was
mirrored in his dark, dreamy eyes.

With a sudden spark, she noticed a new
determination overtake him. His hand slid to the back of her head, pulling her
toward him until their lips met.

Disentangling her arms that somehow were wrapped
around his neck, he pushed her away. The indiscretion left them both
breathless. Eugenia knew it was not merely her reaction. She could hear him
gasping for air, see the rapid rise and fall of his chest.

“I never should have allowed that to happen,” he
said, standing from the bench and stepping away.

Eugenia wasn’t sure if he was speaking to her or to
himself. She certainly did not regret their kiss.

“Please forgive me. I will not force my affection
upon you again.” He turned away then as if a second thought had occurred to
him. He said, “Nor will I ever mention my atrocious behavior ever.”

Before she had a chance to protest, he left.

All Eugenia could think of was how wonderful it felt
to lose herself in his arms, how wonderful it felt to kiss him—finally—after
imagining it for so long. And how wonderful the next time would be. She
promised herself there most certainly would be a next time.

In the days after Rothford’s departure, Eugenia
came down with a serious case of the blue devils. She managed with her
day-to-day activities such as accompanying Cynthia to their usual rounds of
shopping and the lending library. Eugenia found all their public outings
completely tedious. She even found it possible to tolerate Penelope’s
capricious company.

Occasionally Herr Mueller included Eugenia on his
daily constitutional. She imagined he must have nothing to occupy his time.
Perhaps he was taking pity on her in her current state and wished to do his
duty as her friend to make her feel better.

I must be horrid company.

Eugenia felt so out of sorts she even borrowed some
books from the library and read them. She was not sure if this change was due
to Cynthia’s influence or from sheer boredom.

Franz continued to tutor Eugenia on her German. She
could barely concentrate, her mind wasn’t at all present, and she found it
difficult to keep track of the days that passed.

The musician had been most amiable company and
oftentimes she thought of him as a fixture and constantly underfoot. Then it
seemed there were days when she hadn’t seen Franz at all.

He did not confide in her of his schedule or where
he kept himself, nor did Eugenia ask. She supposed he might have been
practicing or perhaps Cynthia or Mrs. Penshurst monopolized his time. After
all, being his benefactress, Mrs. Penshurst had every right.

Eugenia filled her empty hours with constant
thoughts of Rothford. How his eyes sparkled when he gazed upon her and the
timbre of his voice during their last meeting. She pictured the glint of his
signet ring before she’d felt the warm touch of his hand brush against her
cheek. She remembered the look on his face when his lips claimed hers.

She so looked forward to his return. The
anticipation of his embrace was beyond words. If he did not curb his ardor,
they would most certainly be forced to apply for a special license before the
start of the Little Season.

No matter, their brief courtship in Brighton would
soon come to an end. After he returned, their life together as man and wife, or
more importantly duke and duchess, would follow before the end of the year.

That very afternoon, Aunt Rose informed Eugenia
they were invited to a house party in a week’s time at Brookhaven, residence of
Lady Penelope, Lord and Lady Coddington. Eugenia was also certain that Aunt
Rose had already set her mind to attend and, most probably, had already given
their acceptance.

In speaking to Penelope, Eugenia understood that
Cynthia, her mother Mrs. Penshurst, and Herr Mueller were also invited.
Penelope told them that although her elder brother, Sir Terrence, would not be
present, the guests would become acquainted with her younger brother, Randolph.

They would all leave the fair seaside city soon for
Surrey. From there, they would remain at Brookhaven until it was time to depart
for London.

Eugenia found her life so dull in Brighton without
Rothford’s company that she was half tempted to begin packing right then.

The following afternoon, while out with Cynthia,
Eugenia had a chance encounter the Duke of Rothford. She had no idea he had
returned to Brighton.

Her knees wobbled and her heart beat so hard from
the shock of seeing him, it felt as if her heart were going to leap from her
chest. As she and Cynthia approached, he touched the brim of his beaver and
nodded to them as if they were nearly perfect strangers.