<strong>Hugh, Baron Covington</strong><br/><br/><div class="floatright">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/0/03/Geraint_Baron_Hugh_Covington_Av.jpg)</div>Just that quickly, the majority of Hugh’s concerns are laid to rest.  Her eyes are bright and sparkling, and her cheeks are pink with a blush that quite compliments her shy smile.  Most assuredly, Lady Katherine had never looked at him before like that, nor spoken such words as she now speaks..<br/><br/><em>“Thank you, Lord Covington. I must say the fine country air does wonders. By week end I shall be positively a glow.”</em><br/><br/>In truth, nobody has ever looked at or talked to him like that, or been so utterly charming.<br/><br/><em>“Even if I was not here to wed.”</em><br/><br/>There is mirth in her eyes for him alone to see, and the withdrawal of her fingers leaves lovely sensations in it’s wake.  It’s silly, of course, he feels like a schoolboy, practically mooning at her like a calf.  But the truth of it is that he is going to marry this suddenly enchanting young woman, and he finds himself quite content with that outcome.  So he doesn’t care a bit about the looks that both of their mothers are giving then.  Her fingertips linger just a bit longer on his.<br/><br/><em>“I look forward to conversing as well. Our letters have been such a delight.”</em><br/><br/>That last part, about his letters is pure fustian, of course, given that the letters said virtually nothing informative.  But it only serves as socially acceptable camouflage of the first part which, given her eyes and posture, conveys several levels of nuance to him alone.  He rather fancies, actually, flirting with his intended before their mothers, and indeed forming a silent conspiracy of sorts.<em>‘It will give them something to cluck about and agree upon.’</em><br/><br/>Of course he isn’t the one who gets unceremoniously elbowed.<br/><br/><em>“Lady Covington. Please forgive me! I fear the journey has addled my wits … It is a lovely home. I am confident I shall find myself falling in love with it before the week is out.”</em><br/><br/>This time it is Hugh who discretely nudges his mother, as a reminder of his threat, and it seems to work.<br/><br/><em>“Oh my dear Lady Katherine, you are quite welcome here.  And I am very pleased that you so enjoy it.  It’s been needing a full time lady’s touch for a while.”</em><br/><br/>Clearly the Viscountess is adept at turning a disadvantage to her own use, and just as clearly her meaning is nuanced as well, and not all directed at Lady Katherine, as her glance informs her son.<br/><br/>As interesting as this might all be as a study of human dynamics, it is hardly Hugh’s idea of enjoyable repartee, so as soon as their mothers are distracted by new arrivals, Hugh discretely draws Lady Katherine aside.<br/><br/>“If you will allow me to show you around, Lady Katherine, while we wait?”<br/><br/>Certainly, with twenty people in the room already, they could not be considered as unchaperoned.  So his voice goes lower for her ears.<br/><br/>“I would enjoy it greatly, Lady Katherine, if you were to join me tomorrow morning for a tour of the gardens after breakfast, suitably chaperoned of course.  There are so many places I should like you to see.”<br/>