"That's a terrible plan."
"Do you have a better one?"
"Actually, yes. Court Miss Ashworth."
“Pay your formal addresses to the lady publicly, thus appeasing your aunt; secure her promise to withdraw the threat of proving your incompetence, and then, after a suitable period, quietly conclude your acquaintance with Miss Ashworth.”
“You propose to exploit a blameless young woman as a mere shield?”
“I propose to bestow upon a blameless young woman the illustrious opportunity of being publicly courted by a Duke, in this manner her consequence in society will be elevated, before leaving her free to contract a more suitable alliance. She profits, you profit, and everyone is satisfied.” Gabriel turned to stare at his friend. "Have you taken leave of your senses?”
"Except Clara."
"She is leaving is she not?”
The reminder hit like a physical blow. "Yes."
"Then what does it matter?"
"It matters because…" Gabriel stopped, unable to articulate why the thought of courting anyone else, even falsely, felt like betrayal.
"Your Grace!" Lady Weatherby descended upon them like a purple-feathered bird of prey. "How wonderful to see you in society again! We'd quite despaired of ever enjoying your company."
"Lady Weatherby." Gabriel bowed precisely. "Your despair was premature but understandable."
"Such wit! You always were too clever for your own good. And is it true you're courting the Ashworth girl?"
"I've had the pleasure of Miss Ashworth's company at tea," Gabriel said carefully.
"Tea! How promising! She's lovely, isn't she? Perfect for a man in your... situation."
"My situation?"
Lady Weatherby's eyes flickered to his scar. "Your need for a wife who won't be put off by... difficulties."
"How thoughtful of you to consider my difficulties."
"One must be practical about these things. After what you've been through, you can't expect to attract the same caliber of bride you might have before."
Gabriel felt his temper rising. "And what caliber would that be?"
"Oh, you know. The diamonds of the first water. The incomparables. But Miss Ashworth is perfectly respectable, and her dowry is quite substantial."
"How reassuring to know that my diminished circumstances can be offset by financial compensation."
Lady Weatherby tittered nervously. "You're twisting my words, Your Grace."
"I'm merely clarifying them. You believe I should be grateful that any respectable woman would consider me, given my disfigurement?"
"I didn't say…"
"You implied it rather heavily."
Edmund intervened. "Lady Weatherby, have you seen the refreshment table? I heard they have your famous lemon cakes."
"Oh! Do they? I must see for myself. One can't have one's recipes improperly executed." She fluttered away, leaving Gabriel seething.
“It is entirely untenable to think you may cut out the heart of every gossip who makes reference to that old injury.” Edmund said quietly.
