Down the long room, one of the men gave a shout of laughter. “Yes, that little girl is fate’s way of getting back at Beaumont.”
A tall gentleman with blond curls gave a mock scowl, but his green eyes were alight with mirth. “That’s right, Rutherford. You’d better watch your son around my daughter.”
Next to Serena, a lady with light flaxen curls shook her head at the men before grinning at Eugénie. “It is so good to finally meet you. I’m Caro. You are due not long after I am. It will be nice having our children so close together.”
A beautiful woman with golden-blond curls bustled up to Eugénie. “You must be Eugénie. I’m Grace. That little scamp on the tall man is Gideon.” She stroked her stomach. “He’ll have a brother or sister around November.”
“Well, isn’t this a sight.” An elegantly dressed gentleman with wavy, light brown hair entered the room, surveying it through his quizzing glass. “I hope you don’t mind, Phoebe, but I told Wilson there was no need to announce me.”
“Eugénie, allow me to introduce Mr. Featherton. Kit, Eugénie, Viscountess Wivenly.”
“My pleasure, Mr. Featherton.” She smiled as he bowed over her hand. “Do I call you Kit or Featherton?”
“I answer to both.” He grinned. “The ladies usually call me Kit and the gentlemen Featherton.”
“Very well, Kit it is. Please call me Eugénie.” She glanced around. “Where is your wife?”
He flushed. “Don’t have one. I am the odd man out in this circle.”
William came up behind her. “Didn’t I hear something about your father telling you it was time to settle down?”
The man’s face turned so red, Eugénie thought poor Kit would choke.
“I told him I’d take a gander this Season, but there is a matter come up at the manor house my great-aunt left me that I must see to. I just wanted to come by and welcome you and your lovely bride back home.” He shook William’s hand. “Must go now.” He bowed to her. “Very happy to have met you.”
She stared as he walked away as quickly as he’d entered. Eugénie frowned. “It is me, or was he behaving strangely?”
“It’s not you, my love,” William said. “Featherton has had a very strange circumstance arise.”
Phoebe joined them. “I do hope it’s nothing too serious. You gentlemen needn’t tease him. Kit will marry when he meets the right woman.” She raised a brow at William. “Just as all of you did.”
