Tibs barked with laughter, then grew immediately still when he saw that nobody else was laughing. “You are serious?”
“There are no assurances for illegitimate children. Many end up discarded by their fathers, and that is wrong. Men need to be held accountable. They have to know that they cannot simply go around begetting children without consequence.”
“You sound rather passionate about it,” Mr. Burton commented.
“He has a bastard of his own,” Yates murmured.
The comment, as matter-of-factly as it was spoken and without the slightest hint of malice, still felt like a sharp stab to Thomas’s chest. He clenched his jaw and stared back at Yates. “I would be much obliged if you did not speak of him like that.”
“My apologies, if I offended you,” Yates said. “I actually consider your bill rather progressive, if you must know.”
“What about the part concerning the titles?” Thomas asked, curious now to hear his opinion.
“Well, as long as it is up to the individual, I—”
“Wait,” Tibs interrupted. “What are you proposing with the titles?”
“That a peer may choose to let his illegitimate son inherit it,” Thomas replied.
A stunned silence settled over the group for a second, and then Amelia said, “I think that—”
“Ludicrous?” Tibs suggested.
“It certainly sounds like an uphill battle,” Mr. Lowell remarked.
“I was going to say that I find it an admirable endeavor.” Amelia lowered her lashes and snatched up a piece of sweetmeat before adding softly, “I wish you the best of luck with it, Your Grace. There are no better causes than those that favor children.”
“And on that note,” Lady Everly said, effectively ending the conversation, “I would like to recommend a walk so we may enjoy the Cascade when it begins.”
The group left the supper box and Thomas immediately went to Amelia, offering her his arm before anyone else had a chance to do so. She accepted, but not without him noting her hesitation.
“We need to talk,” he told her plainly. They took the lead and began heading along the walk that would take them to one of Vauxhall’s main attractions. He’d seen the Cascade several times before and was sure Amelia would find it intriguing.
“About what?”
He drew her a little bit closer. “Us.”
Gasping, she turned to him with a start. “I don’t—”
“Are the lights not magnificent?” Yates asked as he and Juliette drew up alongside them. “How many do you suppose there might be?”
“Thousands, I should think,” Mr. Lowell said from directly behind Amelia. He and Tibs were escorting Lady Everly together with Mr. Burton.
“It certainly is a magical display,” Juliette whispered. “I never thought to see anything like it.”
“It reminds me of theArabian Nights,” Yates said. “Have you read it?”
“No, I have not had the pleasure.”
Slowing his pace, Thomas allowed Yates and Juliette to move ahead so they could continue their conversation in private. “I do believe your sister has found an admirer.”
“Perhaps.” She let him draw her to the side so they didn’t hold the others back. “But I sense that her interest lies elsewhere.”
“Oh?”
“I won’t say with whom yet, for I am not completely sure.”
“Come,” Lady Everly said, passing them with Tibs and Burton, “I can see the crowd gathering. If we do not hurry, you will not be able to see a thing, and that would be a pity since this is bound to be unlike anything you have ever witnessed before.”
