<strong>Hugh, Baron Covington</strong><br/><br/><div class="floatright">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/0/03/Geraint_Baron_Hugh_Covington_Av.jpg)</div>It was indeed quite fortunate that nobody seemed to think that this first dinner had much of anything to do with the main participants of the forthcoming nuptials.  Rather, it seemed a chance for renewing of acquaintances, updating on the latest gossip, and sharing  news from abroad. So nobody seemed to mind that he and Lady Katherine were mostly nodding their heads agreeably throughout the dinner in lieu of substantive conversation.<br/><br/>He hadn't expected Lady Katherine's reaction to the touch of his hand upon hers.  But a blush from a bride to be was apparently not an unexpected occurrence.  And they were supposed to be getting to know each other, after all.  While he could admit in his mind that there might be a certain exhilaration to carrying an innocent stranger to bed to be thoroughly put in a family way, he rather fancied the idea that it might be more enjoyable on both sides is the maiden to be sacrificed was actually looking forward to the ritual.<br/><br/>By this point in time, looking forward would be a great understatement on Hugh's part.  He had gone from stubborn avoidance of feminine entanglement, to stoic resignation, and the. pragmatic acceptance.  But that had changed when lady Katherine accepted his offer, as there was an undeniable attraction between them.  And with them already deeply involved in conspiracy to commit happiness, well his whole world view had changed.<br/><br/>There was, of course, the niggling problem of his own peculiar preferences.  He had no right to inflict them upon the innocent Lady Katherine, who would likely faint straight away at the sight of a whip.  But he was also having misgivings about bringing others into their home for the purposes of his vice.  Yes, of course it was done by others, but it seemed like such a shabby thing to do.<br/><br/>So he was not at all sure what course to follow, as he has never involved his staff, either, even if they did turn their heads away so as not to notice.  In a way, it might have been better to have found a wife who was disagreeable.  Still, he had his duty, and she hers, and they had the prospect of genuine happiness with each other, so he could only hope that the other matter will get sorted out before he developed an urge to thrash someone.<br/><br/>***<br/><br/>After dessert, Baron Covington took a courteous parting from his wife to be, as she was led off to be gossiped to, and he join the men for conversation.  In this, at least, he had a bit of luck, as his uncle, Viscount Throckmorton (his mother's brother) had shown up a day earlier that expected.  And seeing that he was the present family member of highest position on Hugh's side, he automatically became the host, which must have relieved Hugh's mother no end.<br/><br/>Hugh did of course stay for a glass of port, and the apparently mandatory marital advice and and off color jokes.  But once cigars got lit up for the serious political discussion, he absented himself from the room.  It was reasonably well known that cigar smoke made him somewhat ill.  In truth, he had little in common with these lords, and would rather discuss crops and hogs with the village farmers.<br/><br/>***<br/><br/>It is thus natural that Huge seek his own apartments, so nobody paid attention when he did, given that the staff was mostly occupied elsewhere.  In fact his wing was deathly quiet as he approached his study, the thick carpeting muffling his own footsteps as well … which is why he hears the sound on the other side of the door.  Indeed the sound is enough to mask the opening of the well oiled study door to admit Hugh.  Either that or the woman struggling with his armoire door.<br/><br/>This definitely is an interesting development and Hugh simply leans up against the shadowed wall of the room and watches.  She is relatively young, and dressed as a maid, though not exactly as maid of this household would have been clad.  And she gasps when she finds the hidden panel and opens it.  Presumably she has found what she is looking for, which Hugh finds actually quite convenient.  She still has the flogger in her hand, when he speaks.<br/><br/>"Well, well, what have we here, a burglar perhaps, a saboteur, a private investigator perhaps, or maybe a potential participant in secret vices come seeking an intiation?"<br/><br/>He waits until her face is visible, to confirm his suspicions, before he continues.<br/><br/>"Lucy, isn't it?  Lady Katherine's maid and companion?  How very interesting; welcome to my parlor, as the spider said.<br/><br/>"You couldn't have come on Lady Katherine's behalf; could you?  That would reflect very badly on her, I would think.  I care deeply for her already you know, and am very desirous of her happiness in all things.  I would not want to hurt her for anything.<br/><br/>"And I'm guessing that it would not go badly for you, would it not, should I tell her that I found you rifling through the contents of my study?  You've been through the drawers already, I expect?<br/><br/>"So given the alternatives, I am guessing that you have come willingly, seeking to learn and share in the mysteries I pursue.<br/><br/>"Is that not right, Lucy?"<br/><br/>It's always better, in his mind, to be civil about things, and it seems to him that she might just be curious.<br/>