Patricia Veryan - [Sanguinet Saga 01] - Some Brief Folly by Veryan Patricia

Author:Veryan, Patricia [Veryan, Patricia]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 11

Hawkhurst placed one hand firmly on the latch of the drawing room door, drew a deep breath, and walked inside. His grandfather, head thrown back in a hearty laugh, the stub of a cigarillo in one hand, eyed him with something very like cordiality for a moment, before standing and putting out his hand. "I am glad you could spare the time to say hello, Hawkhurst." His grip was firm and brief, as always. Withdrawing it, he said, "Cannot say your presence was missed, however. Was it, m'dear?"

The old gentleman levelled his guns swiftly, thought Euphemia. And scanning Hawkhurst with the eyes of love, found him pale, but fully in command of himself, his speech unslurred as he smiled, "And I cannot allow you to manoeuvre my guest into so tight a corner, sir. How very good to have you here. May we hope it will be a lengthy visit? If you could spend Christmas with us, it—"

"Quite impossible, I fear. I have already accepted an invitation to join Vaille and the Hilbys. I had intended to overnight with you and leave in the morning. However, now that I have met your most charming guest…" Wetherby took up his glass and raised it in a silent toast to Euphemia, his eyes as warm, when they alighted on her, as they were cold when turned upon his grandson.

"I perceive that I owe you a—" Hawkhurst's gaze also turned to her, and his breath was snatched away. No wonder the Admiral was dazzled. She looked magnificent! "—a debt of gratitude, ma'am," he finished with an effort.

Wetherby slanted a shrewd glance at him.

"Not at all," Euphemia answered. "It was my very great pleasure. But if to have acted as your hostess indeed constituted a favour, it must be small indeed beside the debt we owe you, Mr. Hawkhurst."

He bowed, told her she looked very lovely this evening, and moved to refill his grandfather's glass. "Have you heard the news, sir? Another grand victory for Wellington!"

"I have. I was in Waiter's when the word came. Pandemonium! The Church bells are ringing in every town in England—as well they should! But I have had news from this delightful lady that pleases me also, Garret. You saved the life of her page, she tells me. How gratifying, when Fate gives us a chance to mend our fences. Is it not?"

Hawkhurst said nothing. Only the hand that replaced the stopper in the decanter paused for the space of a heartbeat before completing that small task.

Euphemia was relieved when Manners appeared to announce that dinner was served. The Admiral offered his arm at once, but, taking it, she reached for Hawkhurst's arm also, saying laughingly that no lady would be content with one escort when she might have two.

The old gentleman proved a charming dinner companion, and Euphemia flirted with him outrageously, to his obvious gratification. Mrs. Henderson had managed very well, and, although her efforts merely added to the nausea of the master of the house, Euphemia was vastly relieved.

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