Page 62 of The Icy Duke Claims a Bride

“Maybe, but it’s good to have a brother to mediate such foolish arguments, and not find myself trapped in the middle. They both have such hot tempers.”

“I know.” Hugh grinned. “I’ve seen that hot temper you speak of. But it’s good to have a sister on my side, and the good Captain Wadsworth, too. About that temper you mentioned, I might need the reinforcements one of these days…”

“Weapons at your service, Your Grace,” Captain Wadsworth said with a mock salute. “I believe I likely owe you thanks for the speed at which our betrothal has progressed.”

“Not at all.” Hugh waved a dismissive hand. “I only told my wife and Lord Sedgehall that I thoroughly approved of my future brother-in-law-in-law. Not that I imagine that’s real legal terminology for the association that we will shortly have.”

“Let us simply be brothers, Your Grace,” Captain Wadsworth suggested. “I have never had an older brother I could respect and look up to—only two impish and sometimes tiresome younger brothers.”

He rolled his eyes indulgently at the two youths trading mild insults and jokes between themselves, entirely ignoring the adults gathered at the two ends of the table.

“I would be honored,” Hugh answered, the twinge of guilt he felt at the idea of replacing Henry in some way assuaged by the nuance that a younger brother was something very different from an elder brother.

The two men shook hands on the matter across the table, a move that required the Captain to release Jemima’s hand first. She blushed prettily when she realized it was obvious that her fingers had been entwined with her fiancé’s, but Hugh tactfully continued to pretend that he hadn’t noticed.

Both clear-eyed, good-hearted, and natural in their behavior, Jemima and Rupert made a perfect couple, and Hugh guessed that their union would be a happy one.

As he had promised himself, he had looked into the background of Captain Rupert Wadsworth and his family, finding nothing but good breeding, military distinctions, and principled behavior—even a modest fortune. Thankfully, this last factor had not proved the sticking point he had feared with Lord Sedgehall.

Buoyed by reconciliation with his eldest daughter and his impending nuptials, Albion Wright had proved more tractable on the issue of his youngest’s dowry than anyone had expected. With Hugh pushing the matter along—and promising to give theyoung couple a generous wedding gift—the marriage contract was negotiated in just two days.

Interestingly, it turned out that Rupert’s father, Major Philip Wadsworth, had actually served in the army under Hugh’s grandfather, with both of them being awarded a medal for gallantry in the same campaign. It would be a diverting introduction for his grandmother if she attended the party.

“Hugh?” Catherine called from the other end of the table. “Mrs. Wadsworth is keen to include your uncle and aunt as well as your grandmother. It makes sense, given that several of the Wadsworths’ relations will be there.”

Hugh read the caution on his wife’s face without any need for words. They had already privately discussed future contact with Edwin and Lady Georgina. Edwin was a potentially dangerous man, and they could not afford to forget the poisoned drink. At the same time, Hugh was conducting his own discreet investigation and needed to avoid alienating his uncle or raising his suspicions.

Sir Martin’s advice on this score was once again very much at the forefront of Hugh’s mind. He would not make an enemy of his uncle until he had the right weapons to fight him.

“Yes, that does make sense,” he agreed, his eyes meeting Catherine’s. “They should be invited.”

Edwin and Lady Georgina were among the first guests to arrive at the party, shortly after the Dowager Duchess of Redbridge and several of Mrs. Wadsworth’s older relatives.

A striking vision in cerulean blue with golden lace and jewelry, Lady Georgina’s demonstrative presence seemed to rush in and fill the room for a minute or two after her arrival. She bestowed sparkling smiles and nods upon the gentlemen while taking the hands and kissing the cheeks of Jemima and Mrs. Wadsworth with her customary enthusiasm.

“Lord Sedgehall, I hear that congratulations are in order on more than one account, how wonderful… Captain Wadsworth, how delightful to meet you. I do wish you every happiness…”

Meanwhile, Edwin looked on stiffly at her side, a polite smile fixed on his face—probably at her instruction—and bowed when appropriate. He said nothing of poisonings or gossip, but Hugh could still detect a distinct coolness towards Catherine as he glanced at the two of them.

Evidently, whatever his aunt had said to her husband after their outing at the opera had not fundamentally changed Edwin’s sentiments, even if it had moderated his behavior.

“Hugh!” Lady Georgina exclaimed in rather a shocked whisper, once she had moved past Lord Sedgehall, the betrothed couple, and Mrs. Wadsworth. “Look at you!”

Her expression was rather pained, and she turned to Catherine as though seeking support in something. At least she did not try to embrace either of them.

“Is something troubling you, Auntie?” Hugh asked insouciantly, guessing immediately the cause of her disquiet but somehow wanting her to own it.

“Is this really a good idea?” Lady Georgina murmured, deep concern filling her rich brown eyes. “It’s wonderful that you’re here, of course, supporting Catherine’s family. But you know that you caused a sensation at Lady Tarleton’s ball. Surely, you don’t mean to do the same tonight?”

“If I caused a sensation at Lady Tarleton’s ball, it was likely on account of the novelty of my presence and the beauty of my wife.” Hugh laughed. “If merely removing my mask had that effect, then surely I must do it more often in Society to lessen the effect.”

“But, Hugh, your scars…” Lady Georgina protested, flushed as though with embarrassment on his behalf. “Is it right that everyone sees you like this?”

Hugh felt irked at this attempt to make him feel somehow ashamed of himself. Was this the kind of attitude he must expect to encounter from other guests tonight, too? Despite LadyGeorgina’s undoubtedly good intentions, he did not know how long he could remain civil in such a stupid conversation.

“I should like everyone to know how handsome my husband is, Lady Georgina,” Catherine spoke up beside him calmly before he could say anything unfortunate to his aunt. “I’m sure the mask helped to protect his wounds after the fire, but that was decades ago. Hugh doesn’t need it now, and he certainly shouldn’t be wearing it to protect the over-delicate sensibilities of Society, should he?”

“Well said, Duchess,” Rebecca said firmly, having extricated herself from Mrs. Wadsworth’s group of elderly matrons in order to join them. “I must say, I’m happy to see my grandson without that mask for once. He’s as handsome as his father was. Don’t you think so, Edwin?”

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