Her father scoffed. “People may hide their true natures for a time, but eventually the truth always comes out.”
“I am well aware of people hiding their true natures, but I do not believe that is the case with Lady Eugenie,” Enid said.
Shoving back his chair, her father stated, “I don’t have time for a philosophical debate. I am needed at the House of Lords.”
Enid watched her father walk out of the dining room as her mind reeled with what she had been told. She still couldn’t believe that Lady Eugenie was a murderer, and, frankly, she refused to believe it.
“I hadn’t realized you were so close with Lady Eugenie,” Malcolm said, eyeing her closely.
“Yes, we came out together, but she was my only friend that didn’t turn her back on me after I eloped with John,” Enid shared. “I wasn’t welcome in her townhouse since her guardian forbade it, mind you, but we wrote to one another. I always looked forward to receiving her letters.”
Rosamond’s eyes held compassion as she said, “Some people never know what they are capable of until they are put into a terrible position.”
“I understand, but Lady Eugenie wouldn’t have murdered Lord Rushcliffe. I am sure of it,” Enid pressed.
Malcolm pushed back his chair and rose. “If that is the case, she will be exonerated in a court of law,” he said with a glance at the window. “We should depart for our ride before it gets too late.”
Enid removed her napkin from her lap and placed it on the table before rising. She refused to turn her back on Lady Eugenie, but what could she do to help her?
ChapterTwo
Greydon reined in his horse in Hyde Park and stared out at the Serpentine River. His heart was heavy, and he suspected it would be that way for some time. He had been up most of the evening, dwelling on Phineas, and wondering what he could have done differently with his brother.
He did not condone his brother’s way of life, and it was a great source of tension between them. It had just made sense for them to avoid one another, but now he regretted taking the easy path. He should have tried to make peace with Phineas. Now he would never have the chance to make amends. His brother was gone, and so many things were left unsaid between them.
His pride had won out and it had cost him greatly. It was just one of the many regrets that he would be forced to live with.
With a heavy sigh, Greydon knew his future looked bleak. He was the second son, the one who was free to carve his own path, but everything changed the moment his brother died, making him an heir to an earldom. Him. A man that worked as a Bow Street Runner to satisfy the gnawing guilt that he felt every single day for the loss of his friend at the hands of ruffians. His friend who he had failed to help. It was only because of him that Matthew was dead. If he hadn’t fought with the ruffians, his friend would still be alive. His blasted pride had gotten in the way... again.
As he tightened the reins in his hand, he knew he didn’t want to be confined to a desk, looking over the accounts, and dealing with the mundane tasks that came with the title. He wanted to solve crimes and help others during their times of need. It filled him with a sense of purpose.
But that life was over.
He saw three riders approaching in the distance. He immediately recognized Lady Enid Longbourn as she rode alongside her brother, Lord Brentwood, and his wife. He would recognize Lady Enid anywhere. She haunted his thoughts and invaded his dreams, but she had no idea of the effect she had on him. How could she? They had only just been introduced a month prior, but he had known of her for years.
Lady Enid had saved his sister from the gossips’ sharp tongues when his sister had spilled a drink on her own ballgown. Rather than turn up her nose at Helena, Lady Enid had sprung into action and helped mitigate the repercussions of her actions, at a great risk to herself at the time.
How silly it was for a young woman’s reputation to be ruined over a spilled drink, but members of thetondemanded nothing less than perfection. It was hypocrisy at its finest, and it was precisely why he didn’t want to be a member of the peerage.
As the riders drew closer, he took a moment to admire Lady Enid. She was a beautiful young woman with her brown hair, narrow chin, and broad cheeks. The way the sunlight danced on her fair skin, and the twinkle that lived in her eyes, he knew he’d never want to look away. But he must. There could be no future between him and Lady Enid. Her decision to elope with Mr. Longbourn had determined that.
The memory of Lady Enid standing up to her husband came to his mind and he had to admit that he had never met a lady who was so brave. She stared at Mr. Longbourn in the eyes and never blinked, even when he attempted to shoot her. No wonder he found her so intriguing.
He noticed that Lady Enid was not wearing black, which was customary during the mourning period. He was pleased that she was choosing not to mourn her late husband. He was a blackguard and didn’t deserve her respect.
Lady Enid reined in her horse and offered him a brief smile. “Good morning, my lord,” she said softly. “I wish to offer my condolences for your loss.” Her words were genuine, just as he expected her heart to be.
Greydon tipped his head. “Thank you.” He wasn’t quite sure what else he could say on the matter. He hadn’t gotten used to people calling him “my lord”, and he thought it would be some time before he grew accustomed to it.
Lord Brentwood spoke up. “I am sure it was a terrible blow to lose Phineas so young.”
“It was,” Greydon said. “Frankly, it seems rather surreal right now.”
Lady Brentwood’s eyes held sympathy. “If I may offer some advice, I would encourage you to take time for yourself during this difficult time. The grief will be there whether you want it to be or not.”
Greydon knew Lady Brentwood was speaking from experience. He had grown to greatly admire her strength and determination. Because of her heroic actions, she had become the ward of Lord Ashington and eventually made an advantageous marriage to Lord Brentwood. She had done well for herself, considering she was the daughter of a seaman. But that was a secret he would take to the grave with him.
As he went to respond, Lady Brentwood’s horse whinnied, drawing his attention towards the unusual-looking animal. It looked as if the horse’s eyes were bulging out from its face and the neck was abnormally large. “You have rather a unique-looking horse,” he attempted.
