Free The Earl and the Highwayman's Daughter by Maggi Andersen Page B

expressions on Eugenia’s face. He’d given into her pleas to visit Molly once more before they left, and she came away reassured the goose was contented in her new abode. He suffered no such enlightenment, a goose was just a goose after all, but he was pleased for her.
    “It’s so much cleaner in this part of town,” Eugenia said. “And look! A magnificent park.”
    “Hyde Park, my dear,” Chloe said. “Do sit still. A lady should never show too much exhilaration.”
    Eugenia craned her neck. “There are riders. Is that Rotten Row?”
    “It is. I intend to purchase an appropriate horse for you at Tattersalls.”
    “But not a pony,” Eugenia said. “Or one who likes roses.”
    “No, indeed.” Brendan laughed.
    “I don’t understand this conversation,” Chloe said.
    He turned to Chloe. “Have you had a habit made for Eugenia?”
    “No. I plan to have my French modiste fashion Eugenia’s habit, as well as her ball gown. Apart from that, Eugenia’s wardrobe covers most of the necessities for a debutante, although she still requires reticules, gloves, shoes, and hats. A lady can always use more of those. We will visit the modiste and milliner tomorrow.”
    Eugenia turned from the window with a worried frown. “I suppose I’ve been stupid. I thought…I didn’t...I cannot become a debutante.”
    “Why ever not?” Chloe asked. “Is there a reason which you’ve failed to mention?”
    “But of course.”
    Chloe sat forward on the seat. “What is it? Come, Eugenia, we are your friends.”
    “Debutantes are bred to it, just like a race horse is bred to race.”
    Brendan laughed. “An unfortunate analogy, Eugenia.”
    Chloe smiled, relieved. “Well, if that is all.”
    Eugenia fiddled with her primrose-yellow bonnet ribbons. “Not all precisely.”
    “Oh dear. Now what?” Chloe glanced at Brendan, her eyebrows raised.
    “Debutantes are presented.”
    “I’m afraid that option is not available to you. As the queen died last year, it is now the Prince Regent to whom debutantes are presented, and it is just not the same. There might be some difficulty about obtaining a voucher for Almacks too. But I am good friends with those on the committee. I’m sure something can be done.”
    “And young ladies have large dowries,” Eugenia added.
    “Not always,” Brendan said. “But we shall not discuss money.” He had already decided to offer a generous dowry if she was able to make a good match.
    “No! It is exceedingly bad manners to talk about money,” Chloe said.
    “But why? I don’t wish to cause an enormous expense. I doubt I shall ever be able to repay you for all you have done for me.”
    “Seeing you well settled is payment enough,” Brendan said.
    Serious green eyes appealed to him from beneath the brim of her hat. “I don’t wish to be difficult, but I shan’t want to marry a gentleman I don’t love.”
    Chloe sighed and patted Eugenia’s cheek. “Love often comes later, my dear. Especially when one has married well.”
    Brendan glanced at his sister. Did she refer to herself? She’d been married off to Beale when barely out of the schoolroom. Was it a love match? He’d never been sure, but she seemed happy enough. By any measure, Beale was not exciting, but he was a decent gentleman and seemed devoted to his wife.
    “I am not a good dancer.” Eugenia clutched her hands in her lap. “I know you’ve taught me the steps, Lady Beale, but sometimes I forget and stumble over my feet.”
    “Such an exaggeration! You are quite graceful, and you know the rudiments of most dances. I will arrange for further instruction.”
    As the carriage swung around the corner into Upper Brook Street, Brendan noticed Eugenia’s scared eyes. The closer they came to Trentham House, the more nervous she grew. “I’ll partner you in your first waltz, Eugenia.”
    “Thank you, my lord.” Eugenia gave him a grateful smile. “I should like that.”
    Chloe cast him a speaking glance. “Is that