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“That’s exactly why youshouldgo,” Gregory interjected, surprising them both.

“Uncle?”

“You both have concerns about convincing the ton of the legitimacy of your marriage, correct?” They exchanged glances and looked back at him. “I may be old, but I still have eyes, Thomas, and I can see clearly.”

“What are you suggesting then?” Thomas took another steadying sip of his whiskey.

“It has been almost a week since the garden party.Thatwas a roaring success, and people are starting to believe, so you must strike while the iron is still relatively hot. Invitations to balls and dances and soirees will not arrive until after the end of your honeymoon, but when they do, they will be addressed to both the Duke and the Duchess.” Gregory nodded towards both of them. “Get ahead of it. Attend events together that are not mandatory in the eyes of the ton, and the ton will think that you went because you wanted to, not because you had to. And that conveys the message that you want, I think.” He shrugged. “Goodness, it might even do your relationship some good to spend time together outside of this manor.”

Thomas swirled his drink, hating how much sense his uncle made.

“Not to mention,” Gregory added with a smirk, “my nephew’s schedule is already empty.”

Sophia’s eyes lit up. “Is that true, Thomas?”

Thomas sighed, rubbing two fingers over the bridge of his nose. “Yes. Yes, it is.”

Another small silence fell between them.

What is your intent here, Uncle? To torment or to truly help?

“I, for one… think this is an excellent idea,” Sophia said, moving to the desk. She brushed her fingertips across the smooth mahogany, conjuring up images in Thomas’s head that he had been striving to push away.

He groaned and downed what was left in his glass. “Very well. My uncle’s advice has never led me astray before.”

“So, does this mean…” Sophia whirled around, her hand clasped to her bosom.

“Yes. We shall attend that play,” he replied. “Although, if you think there will be any Barbary pirates, you will be sorely disappointed. We would have to wait for Hamlet or Pericles if you want pirates.”

Sophia blinked, her cheeks pinkening. “Well, you are the Duke. If this play is any good, maybe you can make a request.”

Healmostlaughed at her quick wit but schooled his expression into indifference just in time.

He waved a hand at her. “There are folios in the library if you wish to read it before we attend. If you would prefer it to be a surprise, I am certain there are other things you can do.”

Sophia bowed her head with a smile, once to him and once to Gregory, who bowed his head back. And then she exited, her soft yelp of excitement drifting back to Thomas’s ears.

“Do me a favor, Nephew,” Gregory said, once her footsteps in the hallway had petered out into the quiet.

Thomas turned. “Hm?”

“Do try to have fun tomorrow.”

“It’s a play, Uncle. What fun is there to be had? I am inclined to agree with her father on this one—you just sit motionless for hours as people pretend on a wooden stage.” Thomas puffed out his chest. “I have seen countless plays and have not once been moved to anything but yawns.”

Gregory chuckled in response.“Just try. You never know—this could be the play that changes your mind.”

“Down with the Capulets! Down with the Montagues!” screamed the thespian with conviction, his heart and soul dripping through his performance.

Lord and Lady Capulet entered the scene in their extravagant gowns.

“What noise is this? Give me my longsword, ho!”

“A crutch, a crutch! Why call you for a sword?”

Thomas placed a hand on his temple and rubbed it.

What is the point of all of this? They are just… spouting lines out loud.It’s all just… pointless.