Lady Eugenia's Holiday by Shirley Marks Page A

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