Free Lady Eugenia's Holiday by Shirley Marks Page A

was
far too withdrawn to ever approach anyone even after being introduced. Thus he
remained a stranger to all who crossed his path.
    Penelope told them later, after Randolph had
excused himself, that he found the whole London social scene to be “horrific.”
and “frightful.” He never wanted to return to Town again.
    After the journey to Surrey, the inhabitants of
Brookhaven spent more than a week of evenings playing
cards, making silhouettes, reading poetry, taking turns playing the pianoforte,
and singing.
    Eugenia’s dear friends Penelope and Cynthia were
the worst offenders, encouraging one another to sing cheerful, syrupy sweet
love songs. Even with Herr Mueller’s magnificent accompaniment, Cynthia’s solo
sounded only tolerable. It was enough to cause one to go mad.
    Finally, Lady Coddington arranged an afternoon
trip. Three coaches conveyed the guests into Haslemere, the local town. After
some shopping, they stopped for lunch at The Goat and Goblet. When their small
group exited the establishment, Eugenia, the first to step out onto the
walkway, was almost run down.
    The man who nearly crashed into her should have
been watching where he was going. She might have given him a proper set down if
it had not been for his odd reaction to her.
    He stared into her face with complete recognition
and exclaimed, “I beg your pardon, Lady Eugenia.”
    Eugenia, of course, was upset at the mishap but
this fellow was not known to her and his apology—using her name—had left her
quite speechless.
    Then, out of nowhere, the Duke of Rothford appeared
and took the distraught fellow by the arm and off they went.
    That was not well-done of either of them at all.
    “Was that not the Duke of Rothford?” Cynthia
stepped out from behind Eugenia. She was the only other person who was able to
catch a glimpse of the duke.
    “I believe it was,” Eugenia said, still recovering.
How strange they should run into each other and how ungracious Rothford had
been not to have paid his respects.
    It was beyond all things peculiar.
    Returning to Brookhaven, Eugenia left the company
of the other guests to take a turn about the garden for some air to clear her
head. Given the time to mull about what the Duke had said to her before they
parted Brighton, she wondered how it came about that he was here?
    Then she realized how Rothford’s quick reaction
removed the young man before he could say anything further to her. The Duke had
not remained long enough to see her for himself and could, quite possibly,
regret his action.
    Then, finally, it occurred to Eugenia that the
young man who nearly ran into her was the one she had seen before and heard
referred to as Foster.
    Ten or so minutes had passed before Mr. Coddington
joined her on the garden path. They settled into a comfortable conversation.
Apparently he found Eugenia an amiable companion and felt at ease, which led
her to ask him if he had heard of Claremont Castle. He told her it neighbored
Brookhaven and went so far as to point out exactly the direction.
    Rothford probably had no notion the two estates
were in such close proximity. Eugenia felt certain if he had known of her
presence, the accidental meeting would have had an altogether different outcome.
He would have made himself known to Eugenia and lingered in the village for
hours, perhaps even joining their party’s outing.
    No doubt he would learn of her presence from
Foster, for she was certain the young man would relay the news of their abrupt
meeting. Nonetheless, returning to the house, Eugenia dispatched a note to
Claremont Castle and waited anxiously for the remainder of the day, fully
expecting to hear from Rothford at any moment.
    Eugenia could not remain calm during dinner. She
must have been horrid company for the others, taking no more than a bite from
her plate. After dining, Mrs. Penshurst asked Franz to treat her guests to
several pieces on the pianoforte.
    Unfortunately Eugenia was not in the mood to enjoy
his