That was surprising. His brother had never been one forthe races, but perhaps Kate had been curious enough to push him into something new, as she often was. He popped the sausage into his mouth and chewed.
Kate deflated, losing her smile.
“What’s wrong?” He asked.
She bit her lip, peering at him from beneath her lashes as if she weren’t sure whether to say what was on her mind.
“Come on.” He motioned for her to get on with it. “I’m listening.”
She sighed. “You always said you wouldn’t marry because you have no inclination and because your mother wouldn’t like you to draw attention to yourself with a society wedding. Do you still feel that way?”
“Yes.”
The answer was automatic, but it was accompanied by a pang in his chest that made him wonder if it was completely true.
It had been a long time since he’d allowed himself to fully explore his feelings about marriage. He’d tucked them away into a box of things he needn’t consider and threw away the key.
Now, he wasn’t entirely sure what he’d find if he looked inside.
Kate’s eyes dropped. “I thought as much. Sophie isn’t ready to marry yet, either, but her parents have given her until the end of the season to choose a husband, or they’ll take charge of the situation themselves.”
“They’re trying to strong-arm her into marriage?” he demanded, his hands twitching instinctively into fists. Such a thing wasn’t uncommon for aristocratic women, but the idea of someone doing that toSophiewas intolerable.
Kate stared down at her tea. “I’ve spoken to Mother about it. She thinks that the Duke of Wight’s death has unsettled the Carlisles. The duke didn’t have an heir, so his title and assets are going to a distant relation. The Earl of Carlisle alsohas no son. If he were to pass, his widow and unmarried daughters would rely on the goodwill of the new earl.”
Understanding dawned, and Nicholas placed his cutlery down. “He’s trying to protect her, but he isn’t going about it the right way.”
“Who’s to say what the right way is?” Kate asked, far more dismissively than he would have expected, considering they were talking about the future of her dearest friend.
“Any option that smothers Sophie’s light is not the right one.” Nicholas straightened his back. “I’d have thought you would know that better than anyone.”
Was it just him or did the curl of her mouth look a little smug?
“We must ensure she marries someone who appreciates her character rather than seeing her liveliness as a flaw,” he continued, uncertain why she didn’t seem as upset as he was.
“I agree.” Kate drank more tea, far too calm for his liking.
Nicholas closed his eyes and mentally compiled a list of eligible gentlemen of his acquaintance. He couldn’t find a single one whom he thought would make a reasonable husband for Sophie.
Were all the men of London utter cads?
Surely there should be at least one worthy of her.
He tried to envision the sort of man Sophie might marry but came up blank. No matter how hard he tried, he couldn’t imagine her married to anyone.
Opening his eyes, he noticed that Kate was staring at him as if she were waiting for something, but he had no idea what.
“I wish her the best of luck,” he said, wondering why he was so unsettled by the prospect that Sophie may be tied to a husband before the season ended. “Let me know if there’s any way I can help. I want to, but I’ve no clue how.”
Kate looked disappointed.
Determined to put this entire strange exchange to theback of his mind, he focused on finishing his breakfast. Kate excused herself at the same time he did, disappearing deeper into the house while he donned his coat and took a carriage to Hensley Racecourse.
The racecourse was swamped with carriages and open-air phaetons, many gentlemen out to enjoy a sunny day at the races.
Nicholas got his driver to let him out as near to the stable as possible and sent him home. There was no point in the poor man lingering when Nicholas might well join one of his friends at the Regent today rather than heading home when all was done. Theo had already assured him that he wouldn’t be at the club, so Nicholas need not worry about that.
Winding through the relaxed, well-dressed throng, he made his way to the stables, where the mood was decidedly more frenetic. Stablehands hurried around, running errands while jockeys and countless others organized the horses.
