The House of Happiness Read Free Page B

Otherwise he was the epitome of a handsome, distinguished gentleman of the world.
    His gaze roved over the assembled company of young ladies. Not one of them pleased his eye. The ladies, however, once aware of his presence, fluttered their lashes and fans wildly in his direction.
    Eugenia was invisible amidst her own throng of admirers.
    â€œThere appears to be an incident of sorts over by the door,” remarked Lord Granton.  He chuckled. “Daresay Miss Dovedale is in the middle of that scrum.”
    The tall gentleman raised an eyebrow.  “Dovedale?”
    â€œA spirited young lass,” added Lord Granton.
    The gentleman turned his head towards the door. “Dovedale?” he repeated.
    Lady Granton seized on his interest. “Would you care to be introduced?”
    The gentleman inclined his head. “Very much,” he replied.
    The young men around Eugenia fell away as Lady Granton and the Marquis approached.
    â€œLady Granton – how d’you do – most kind – excellent sherry, Lady Granton – ” they chorused.
    Hearing Lady Granton’s name, Mrs. Dovedale turned from rearranging the shawl about Eugenia’s shoulders. When she saw the distinguished gentleman who accompanied her friend, she gave a screech.
    â€œThe Marquis! It is the Marquis.”
    Eugenia, half hidden behind her mother, froze.
    â€œThe Marquis!” cried Mrs. Dovedale again. “Oh, what a very great pleasure it is to see you again.”
    The Marquis of Buckbury – for this was indeed the identity of the gentleman – bent his head graciously.
    â€œMrs. Dovedale, I suspected it might be you.”
    â€œOh, it is I, indeed it is I,” preened Mrs. Dovedale as she dropped a belated curtsy. “And much changed you will find me, I am sure. I have been blown all about by the storms of fortune and pinioned most unhappily on the rocks of circumstance.”
    â€œIndeed,” intoned the Marquis gravely.
    â€œThere remains one treasure, however, that the cruel hand of fate has not snatched from me,” continued her mother.  “One treasure that brightens my day and gives me hope for the future. My daughter here. Eugenia.”
    She stepped aside and motioned towards Eugenia. The Marquis looked politely on. Eugenia’s head was bent so low that all he could see of her was a coil of golden hair.
    Mrs. Dovedale gave a little laugh. “The dear creature is so shy! Eugenia !”
    Without looking up, Eugenia sank in an obedient but exaggerated curtsy to the floor.  There she remained, her skirts rising about her like a grey flood.
    â€œMiss Dovedale,” said the Marquis, extending his hand.
    Eugenia placed her hand reluctantly in that of the Marquis. As he drew her to her feet she was forced at last to meet his gaze.
    The Marquis started as if struck.
    â€œA treasure indeed,” he murmured.
    Lady Granton and Mrs. Dovedale nodded in satisfaction.
    Still the Marquis stared. Eugenia felt her cheeks begin to burn under his intense scrutiny.
    â€œShe is my pride and joy,” gushed Mrs. Dovedale. “No one could have a better daughter.  So considerate, so loving, so devoted.”
    â€œAnd spirited, I hear,” said the Marquis softly, his eyes still on Eugenia.
    Mrs. Dovedale looked instantly alarmed. “Spirited? Nonsense! Where did you hear that? She is as tame as a canary.  She wouldn’t say boo to a goose.”
    Eugenia’s eyes flashed for a second.  “Mama! Please!”
    â€œWhat, daughter? What have I said? Only the truth! The Marquis knows how to take me. I always spoke the truth.” Mrs. Dovedale looked craftily at the Marquis. “I daresay your own wife is a woman of no spirit, too, and the Lord be thanked for it.”
    The Marquis frowned. “My own wife – ?”
    â€œYou married, did you not?  I seem to remember a Countess?”
    A shadow crossed the Marquis’s brow.