Page 39 of The Sainted Duchess
“Your Grace,” Owen said, grateful in the way of men who cannot believe their luck when rank lowers its head within speaking distance. Stephen was used to such treatment, of course, and did not feel flattered by it. “An honor to ride beside you.”
“Mr. Rondell,” Stephen kept his horse at an even pace. “How are you this evening?”
Owen began to laugh delightedly, “Well, I must say that I am quite well. It has been an eventful few days, and much has happened for me to be excited about.”
Stephen tried to hide the curiosity in his expression. If he were to get the whole truth from him, he would have to assume a certain kind of nonchalance.
“I imagine that must be delightful, then,” he replied without giving anything away.
“Oh, it was. I admired Miss Havenford last night,” Owen volunteered without even being asked. That was the first warning for Stephen. No gentleman should be discussing his prospects so candidly like this without being asked. “You have had the good sense to notice her as well. Unusual creature, but in a lovely sort of way.”
Stephen wanted to ward him off and tell him that she ishisfriend. But he was not going to do such a thing. He had the sense that Owen would amend his own narrative if Stephen were to reveal this information to him.
So, instead, he simply faked a genuine interest in the thing that Owen had to tell him.
“I see. What about her?”
Owen seemed like a perfectly behaved man on the surface. But then there was so much to him that remained to be seen and to be judged.
And after all, Stephen had made Maria a promise that he would find her a worthy person. He was a man who took his promises seriously, so that is what he must do. Not because he had any personal interest in ensuring the match, no. It was merely a sense of duty that he must oblige.
“Would you really wish to know?” Owen was laughing now. Something about his tone was already making Stephen’s blood boil.
“Well, what’snotabout her is the question that should be asked instead,” Owen went on, believing himself liked.
“Do you have a lot of thoughts on the matter?” Stephen asked. It was a test again, of course. If he were an honorable gentleman, then he would decline to dish out the details of anything. He would only speak of her briefly and with high regard. The rest would not be up for discussion.
“I do, I do,” Owen lowered his voice. “Your Grace, I hope that this is not me overstepping, but I really must admit to you that I had thought you more severe.”
Stephen raised his eyebrow again, waiting for Owen to explain further. It seemed that the truth was about to be revealed.
“I have heard that you call you a rake,” Owen’s tone was cautious now, as though he was careful not to offend. “But I know that rakes come in different breeds.”
“And you would know that because?” Stephen raised his eyebrow. “Surely, not by experience?”
“What else, if not experience?” Owen was grinning now. It was a sly grin that was unsettling, and Stephen would have ordinarily ended this conversation here if it were not for Maria.
For her sake, he had to find out a bit more. So, he let him speak.
“And you’re saying that you have experience in being one?” Stephen said. “Nothing of your reputation seems to suggest so.”
“Oh, I am rather adept at cleaning my reputation. It is quite spotless, if you must,” he said, unabashedly. “And frankly, I do not like to title myself as a rake. I would much rather prefer the termpractical.”
Stephen did not turn his head, but his words had caught his attention.
“Do enlighten me.”
“Marriage is tedious,” Owen said cheerfully.
“I beg your pardon?” Alarm bells began to ring inside Stephen’s mind immediately. That was the last thing that he wished to hear from someone who was in the midst of pursuing Maria for marriage. Stephen would be careful not to show a reaction, though. There was still much left to be revealed.
You only get an honest answer out of a man if you pretend to agree with them at first.
“I admire it from a distance. I admire wives without wishing to endure them. So, I concluded early that I would not marry. Dull creatures do or men with titles to take care of. You have my sympathy.”
“How generous,” Stephen said, resisting the urge to roll his eyes.
“I found a method that allows me all of the education without the tedium,” Owen continued, proud.
