Page 26 of Song of the Caged Duchess

“Well, I certainly don’t want to marry for the privilege of sharing half my wealth and estate with a social climber,” Hugh said. “Yes, I’d like affection to have something to do with it.”

“And you haven’t met anyone who meets your lofty standards? Still?”

“It’s the first ball of the Season, Charles. Did you think I would have?”

“I imagine several young ladies have already made themselves known to you.”

Hugh grinned. “Actually, I’ve been in the clutches of the charming Lady Catherine.”

“Lady Catherine!” Charles let out a dramatic groan. “I had thought her mother was going to see her married to a viscount earlier in the year.”

“You’re a terrible gossip.” Hugh lowered his voice. “So, what happened between Lady Catherine and the viscount?”

“I’ve no idea. I can try to find out, if you’d like me to.”

“No, perhaps it’s best left alone,” Hugh said. “I wouldn’t want it to get around that I’m trying to learn about Lady Catherine’s prospects.”

“You’re right,” Charles agreed. “That would definitely give rise to even more rumors.”

“Who have you been dancing with?” Hugh asked.

“Nobody in particular,” Charles said. “You know I can’t be too picky. The young ladies here are all more interested in dukes than they are in barons.”

“They’re fools if they overlook you, Charles,” said Hugh, knowing his friend to be clever and good for a laugh.

“Well, I haven’t been overlooked,” Charles said. “There have been plenty of young ladies willing to give me their time. Whether they would consider me for courtship is another matter, of course. But every time the musicians strike up a dance, I look for the young lady who hasn’t yet found a partner. I always find her to be very agreeable to taking a turn with me.”

“That’s your preferred way of choosing dancing partners, is it?” Hugh asked.

“It means I never have to sit out a dance,” Charles pointed out. “I can hardly complain about that.”

“You and I are very different,” Hugh said. “I would much prefer to sit out a dance than to dance with someone not to my liking.”

“You worry far too much about who is and isn’t to your liking, though,” Charles said. “Come now, you must have seen someone here at Bolton Manor whom you admire, even if only for her looks.”

Hugh hesitated. Dare he confess it?

“Thereissomeone,” Charles said triumphantly. “I knew it. I can see it on your face. Go on, then, tell me about her. Who is she?”

“To tell you the truth, I don’t quite know,” he admitted.

“You didn’t get her name?”

“Her name, yes. But not her family. I don’t know who her father is.”

“A mystery!” Charles rubbed his hands together eagerly. “Thiswillbe fun. And at the very least, it will give you something to do other than complaining about the fact that too many ladies fancy you.”

“I’m not complaining about that,” Hugh protested.

“In a way, you are,” Charles said. “I understand what the heart of your complaint is. Truly, I do. You want to meet a young lady who cares for what’s in your mind and your heart more than what’s in your purse.”

“Is that so much to ask?”

“Of course not!” Charles said. “All I’m saying is that you should get to know someone before deciding she’sonlyinterested in money.”

Hugh sighed. “That’s fair,” he said.

“So,” Charles said, “tell me about this mystery lady.”