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She ignored Joseph, asking Michael again, “Pray tell, what plans have you in store for the wicked Lady Lydia?”
“I must find her out first,” Michael said with a sigh. He stared out the window of the carriage. “I have no certainty that the rumor was perpetuated by said lady or some other miserable soul.”
“I say it’s her,” Kitty continued, her lip drawn up in a sneer. “Just like some debutante to try to draw the interest of thetonwith a false engagement to a duke.”
“If it is the lady,” Michael told her, a playful smile on his face, “I mean to find out why she has dragged my name into this affair and see if I can get myself out of it. Perhaps, while I’m at it, see if I might be of interest to her.”
“Do you even know anything about Lady Lydia?” Joseph asked, dropping the pages of his paper.
“Do you?” Michael challenged.
“She is well known in society. She debuted in society six Seasons ago. She is pretty but does not know how to use it, but worse – she’s terribly dull. This false rumor holds likely more excitement than she has had since she was presented in the court. I doubt that she would be willing for you to seduce her unless you actually mean to marry her.”
Michael stroked his chin, considering Joseph’s information. “Then, perhaps, she truly could use a little more excitement in her life.”
“This does sound like fun,” Kitty smiled, clapping her hands.
“Why does that sound like fun?” Joseph asked, confused.
She waved her hand. “Country living is so dull. I could use some more excitement in my own life.”
“Do I need to remind you that you are engaged?” Joseph asked, then added, “To me?”
She put a hand on his arm, reassuringly. “Darling, of course I need no reminder. However, you must let me have my fun, too.”
“You best stay out of whatever Michael means to do. Let him conduct his business on his own.” Joseph shook his head, picking the paper back up again. Michael turned back out to the window, watching the countryside pass by.
Kitty interrupted his thoughts again. “It is quite a shame, Your Grace, that you do not consider marriage. Tell me again, what is it that precludes you from such happiness?”
“Happiness?” he scoffed. “Happiness indeed. Why would I chain myself to such a miserable fate?”
“Joseph seems to be quite looking forward to the prospect, don’t you, my dear?” Kitty asked, turning to her fiancé.
“Of course,” he answered amicably.
“How many marriages are truly happy?” Michael challenged. “Kitty, your mother, how long has she been dead?”
Kitty blanched. “My mother died in childbirth, you know that. Why are you being crass?”
“My mother died of an illness. My father passed away some years ago, cursing her name. Joseph’s parents are alive and well, though Lord knows why. You hear of this affair and that, wives dying in childbirth, men dying of apoplexy, or some other affliction. Why put yourself through any of that?”
“For love!” Kitty cried. “Do you think you will be happy sharing the bed with the same woman?”
“What do you know about sharing anyone’s bed?” Michael asked, scoffing. “No, thank you. I’d rather not die of boredom.”
Kitty had the decency of blushing for the first time.
“Exactly,” Michael continued, unrelenting. “You gently bred ladies know nothing of marital relations. Why any man would choose-”
“Michael, I’d thank you to mind who you are speaking to,” Joseph interrupted, finally folding his paper in frustration. “You are not speaking to one of your low born women you tumble, you are speaking to my fiancée.”
Michael held up his hands in surrender. “Apologies, Cousin. This is why I do not frequent London society anymore. I cannot be bothered to bend to the rules of society. This whole affair with this false engagement is more than enough scandal for me for years.”
“I’ll be very surprised if you meet Lady Lydia and think you would actually hope to seduce her,” Joseph said.
“Come now, she can’t be too homely,” Michael protested. “After all, the lie seems to be somewhat believable, despite my reputation.”
“Attractiveness aside, you don’t know her personality,” Joseph argued.
