Page 13 of Tutoring a Lady into Sin
“But what aboutnow?” Phineas demanded. “Do you not wish to know your bride well before you vow to love her forever?”
Percy snorted. “You are being a bit dramatic, Brother. Perhaps you have had enough wine for this evening.”
“I am not being dramatic,” Phineas countered angrily. “You are throwing away the opportunity to get to know your fiancée better. She is a lovely woman, and yet you push her aside so that you may flirt with Lady Lydia and Miss MacArthur.”
“Who would’ve thought there would be so many fair young ladies at this event?” Percy mused as he straightened up in his chair. “I am not sure if I should thank Mama or if Lady Christianna is to—”
“Stop!” Phineas demanded. “Stop what you are doing right now.”
“What am I doing?” Percy asked as an amused smile lit up all his features.
“You are behaving just as the gossip columnists accuse you of being. I know you, Percy. You are not the rakish duke who is bent on destroying the reputation of any young woman who crosses his path.”
“Is that what is said about me?” Percy asked as he stood and adjusted the tails of his jacket.
“You know I do not keep up with the newspapers, but I do hear whispers, and I can see the proof before my very eyes,” Phineas replied. “You should be taking this time, getting to know your fiancée better, not carousing until all hours of the morning and disappearing into dark rooms with other beautiful young ladies.”
Percy laughed. “At present,youare the only person whisking me into a dark room, Brother. And there is nothing going on here except that you are attempting to scold me, I think.”
“I am trying, but I feel as though you are not paying attention.” Phineas had the inclination to reach out, grab his brother by the lapels of his jacket, and give him a good, hearty shake. “How can you not see that you are hurting Lady Christianna’s feelings by spending all your time with the other ladies?”
“Did she tell you that?” Percy asked as he made a show of dusting off his shoulders.
“She did not have to say as much,” Phineas replied. “I can see that she aches to speak with you, to be shown attention by you, and yet, you give all your time to the others.”
Percy’s lips drooped a little as he gave Phineas a sympathetic smile. He reached out and put both hands on Phineas’ shoulders. “You may not understand this, Brother, but I am just being myself.”
“I know,” Phineas grumbled. “You have always been a bit flirtatious.”
“And I am sorry if my behaviour offends Lady Christianna, but if she has something to say to me, she ought to buck up the courage to say it herself. She is going to be my wife after all, and—”
“No,” Phineas interjected as he shrugged his shoulders, effectively throwing off Percy’s hands. “She should not have to tell you to stop when your behaviour is making her feel uncomfortable. You should want to do this now to please her to—”
“But what about what I want?” Percy countered as his expression darkened slightly. “Did anyone think to ask me?”
Phineas shrugged. “I do not know.”
“Of course you don’t,” Percy snapped. “Our dear mama decided it was time I married, and so she arranged this union. But no one asked if I was comfortable with the situation. No one even suggested I be permitted to select my own bride.”
“But Christianna is lovely, and I am sure if you just gave her a chance…”
“I am a single, eligible bachelor for another eleven days, Brother. And I intend to spend every one of them doing just as I please,” Percival interrupted.
“Percy,” Phineas whispered, “you cannot mean that. You may not have chosen this situation, but—”
“That will do, Phineas,” Percy said in an authoritative voice. “I do believe we have reached an impasse. I understand your perspective, and I do think you now comprehend mine as well. We shall not have this discussion again.”
“But Percy,” Phineas protested, “do not behave so rashly. You must know how crucial it is to build a connection with your betrothed and….”
Percy tipped his head back and laughed deeply. “So, now you are an expert in love and marriage as well as medicine?”
“I…I never said…” Phineas faltered as he tried to come up with the right explanation.
“You cannot speak of that which you do not understand, Brother,” Percy retorted. “Read all the books you like. Observe everything closely from the outside. But you have no idea how I think or what I feel.”
“Then tell me,” Phineas pleaded. “I want to help you. I want to make sure you and your wife start your life together on the right foot and—”
Percy laughed. “I wish to return to the party now. I suggest you do the same.”
