“Promenade?” Lucas and Frederick echoed in unison.
Catherine frowned. “Did you not remember that you had agreed to go on a promenade with Aunt Charlotte and me through Hyde Park this afternoon, Lucas?”
Lucas sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. He'd completely forgotten, and right now, that was the last thing he wanted to do. “Perhaps we can do it another day.”
Catherine whipped around to face him, releasing Frederick in the process. Frederick took the chance to escape, basicallyrunning out the door. Lucas watched him go, but Catherine’s attention was on her cousin instead, her arms crossed.
“We cannot do it another day, Lucas,” she protested. “We must do it today.”
“Why?”
“Because... I want to.”
He sighed. “And Mother insists you are not spoiled.”
She thinned her lips, scowling at him. “I have been looking forward to it all morning, Lucas. Now that I am out in society, I must be seen about the town at least a few times a week or else I will be forgotten!”
“After the ball, I doubt you stand the slightest danger of being forgotten, Catherine.”
“The ball was three days ago!”
“And in those three days you have received half the gentlemen of London calling upon you—not to mention the hordes of flowers coming to our door every hour.”
“None of which included your friend, might I add.”
Lucas removed his spectacles, resigning himself to the fact that he would accomplish no work today. “Henry?”
“Yes, Henry.” She marched to the nearest armchair and dropped into it with dramatic flair. “I thought he was interested in me that evening, but clearly I was mistaken.”
“I doubt that. I have never seen Henry so besotted.”
“Besotted?” A tiny smile curved her lips. “If he is so besotted, then why has he not called upon me?”
“Perhaps he is busy? How am I to know, Catherine? I’m not the man’s keeper.”
“You are of no help whatsoever,” she said, pouting again. “Very well—then we shall go for our promenade so that I may forget this slight.”
“Am I to suffer for my friend’s neglect?”
“Yes.” Catherine leapt to her feet, her good humour instantly restored. “I am so pleased you understand. Now, I must fetch my gloves and parasol.”
She swept out of the study before he could reply. Lucas remained seated a moment longer before rising with a reluctant sigh. If he did not follow, Catherine would return in a far worse temper.
Perhaps the walk would do him good after all. With everything on his mind, he certainly needed it.
***
Hyde Park was far too populated at this time of the year, Lucas decided. He shuddered at the thought of having to take part in the Season himself one day. When it was time for him to find a wife, he imagined that the number of indiscreet looks of approval he was receiving would only double.
Though, if Charlotte Beaumont had anything to say about it, Lucas would have found his wife the moment he inherited the dukedom.
“What do you think of her, Lucas?” She gestured offhandedly with her fan at Lady Tilly and her three daughters, who were seated by one of the ponds. “I hear Lady Tilly intends for all three of her daughters to debut this year. She is being rather presumptuous, don’t you think? But perhaps you could help her.”
Lucas did not bother looking. He knew Lady Tilly well enough to recall that her three daughters—each a year apart—were tiresome company and not particularly blessed in countenance. Lady Tilly had quite the challenge ahead of her.
“Am I to assist her by relieving her of one of them?” he asked with a sigh.
“It would not be such a terrible match,” Charlotte went on, linking arms with Catherine, who giggled at his tone. “The Tillysare wealthy, and I am certain each comes with a considerable dowry.”
