“That would be endearing,” Lucas said, “had I any need of money. Which, as you know perfectly well, I do not.”
“I am merely reminding you of the options before you. It is plain enough that, left to yourself, you would make no effort to find a wife at all.”
“That is because I do notwanta wife,” he replied. “At least, not until I must.”
“Oh, do not waste your breath, Aunt Charlotte,” Catherine interjected airily, waving a hand in his direction. “You know as well as I that pressing Lucas never works. If you wish to see him married, you will have to be sly about it.”
Charlotte bent her head toward her niece, amusement sparkling in her eyes. “Do you have a plan, then?”
“Yes, let us hear it,” Lucas said. “Though I doubt there is anything you could contrive that would make me do something I have no desire to do.”
“Oh, you would be surprised, Lucas,” Catherine said with a grin.
He rolled his eyes, though a reluctant smile tugged at his lips. Perhaps the outing was not such a terrible idea after all. Though the park was busy, they were spared intrusion; there was little reason to be irritated.
Catherine suddenly halted, gasping in delight. “Is that Henry?” she whispered, wide-eyed.
“Henry?” Charlotte looked around, puzzled. “Do you mean the Viscount of Westbrook?”
“Yes, Lucas’s friend! How do I look? Am I flushed?” She patted her cheeks anxiously, eyes fixed ahead.
Lucas caught his mother’s amused glance. “It appears she’s quite taken with him,” he murmured. “I’m surprised you missed it. They spent half her debut ball exchanging glances.”
“Is that so?” Charlotte’s face brightened. “Catherine, have you been keeping secrets from me? When I asked if any gentleman had caught your eye, you said nothing of Henry. Would you like to go and greet him?”
“Too late,” Lucas said under his breath. “He’s seen us.”
Henry was indeed trudging over, flexing his hands at his side as if bracing himself for the interaction. Lucas could tell that his friend was nervous, even more so when he stopped in front of Catherine and she flashed him a broad, welcoming smile. He didn’t seem to know what to do with himself, his mouth opening but no words coming out.
“It is a pleasure to see you again, Lord Westbrook,” Charlotte quickly said, filling the silence. “His Grace tells me you were in Bath all this time?”
“Ah—yes, Your Grace.” Henry looked grateful for the rescue. “I returned only recently. And I had the honour of meeting Miss Beaumont a few days ago.”
“Was it truly an honour, my lord?” Catherine asked sweetly, tilting her head. “You have not called upon me once since, though I have been looking out for you.”
Henry flushed scarlet. “Forgive me, Miss Beaumont. I have been uncommonly busy these past few days. I have scarcely had a moment to myself.”
“Then it is fortunate we have time now,” Catherine said brightly. She took a step closer and extended her hand toward the path with a look of clear expectation. “Shall we?”
Henry hesitated only a moment before offering his arm. Catherine accepted it with a triumphant little smile as they began to stroll ahead.
Lucas watched, amused, as his friend allowed himself to be led away. He and the Dowager Duchess hung back a few paces to give the pair some privacy.
“I see Henry has not changed in the least,” Charlotte remarked, smiling.
“If anything, Catherine makes him even more flustered than usual. And I believe she delights in it.”
“She has always been a peculiar child,” Charlotte said fondly. “Most young ladies prefer a more commanding gentleman. Someone like you, for instance. I am sure one of Lady Tilly’s daughters would—”
“I have no interest in any of Lady Tilly’s daughters,” he cut in quickly.
“Then what of Miss Rachel? She is a dear girl.”
“She hardly says two words,” Lucas said.
“Which should suit you perfectly, given your dislike of conversation. The two of you could retire into blissful seclusion together!”
He frowned at her. “And that would not bother you?”
