Page 30 of The Duke and his Hellion
“No.” Charles cut him off sharply, his eyes flashing. “We're not discussing that.”
Joseph held up his hands in a placating gesture. “Alright, alright. But you can't let the past dictate your future forever, old boy.”
Charles laughed bitterly. “Can't I? Seems safer that way.”
“Safer, perhaps,” Joseph conceded. “But is it living? Besides, you cannot give Grace that much power over you.”
Charles didn't respond; he took another sip of his brandy instead. Joseph watched him for a moment, then shook his head.
“You know, there's a simple solution to all this,” Joseph said, shrugging as he also took a drink.
Charles looked at him skeptically. “Oh? Do enlighten me.”
“Just do not care,” Joseph said with a shrug. “If you do not care about her, you won't care if she betrays you.”
“You make a good point,” Charles said carefully. “Only it is not the only problem we have. It's not about caring, it is about my name… Could you imagine the ton's reaction if another of my proposals fell through at this minute?”
Joseph shook his head with a gruff laugh. “I can imagine,” he admitted now and Charles sighed.
Joseph looked at Charles sympathetically. “So… this marriage… is it going to happen?”
Charles let out a frustrated huff of air. “It has to, I suppose,” he admitted dourly. “Not that I know the first thing about marriage.”
Joseph let out a laugh at this and he shook his head. “Wait… are you nervous about marriage? A man of your reputation?”
Charles glared at him. “And what reputation would that be?”
“Oh, come now,” Joseph chuckled. “Theton'smost eligible bachelor? The notorious rake who never commits? Ring any bells?”
Charles sighed, swirling the brandy in his glass. “Reputations can be... misleading.”
“Indeed they can,” Joseph agreed. “And we must admit that it is easier for those who do not know us to judge us by those reputations.”
He left the rest unsaid and Charles shifted in his seat. What more was there to say, after all?
“She sent me a note,” he admitted and Joseph raised an eyebrow. “Oh? What did it say?”
Charles reached into his pocket and pulled out a folded piece of paper. He handed it to Joseph, who read it quickly.
“Hmm,” Joseph mused, handing the note back. “Sounds like the lady has some questions for you.”
Charles nodded, his expression troubled. “I am meeting her tomorrow. For a walk in the park.”
“And you're worried about what she might ask?” Joseph surmised.
“Wouldn't you be?” Charles retorted. “You know the rumor mill in this ton and how fast it works. Who knows what she's heard? The ton's dedicated gossipmongers have been working overtime since the ball.”
Joseph leaned forward, his expression thoughtful. “Remember what I said, Charles. Just do not care. It's the easiest way to protect yourself.”
Charles frowned, staring into his glass. “Is it really that simple?”
“It can be,” Joseph shrugged. “If you do not care about her, you won't care if she betrays you. You won't care what she's heard or what she thinks. It's foolproof.”
Charles was quiet for a long moment, contemplating Joseph's words. “You are right,” he agreed at last. He shook his head, a rueful smile tugging at the corners of his mouth. “You make it sound so simple.”
“It can be,” Joseph insisted. “But enough about feelings. Let's talk about something more concrete. Have you and Lady Abigail set a date for the wedding yet?”
Charles shifted uncomfortably in his seat. “Not yet. We haven't had much time to discuss the details.”
