<strong>Hugh, Baron Covington</strong><br/><br/><div class="floatright">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/0/03/Geraint_Baron_Hugh_Covington_Av.jpg)</div>He still isn’t sure what he’s getting himself into.  To say he was caught by surprise by Lady Katherine’s acceptance of his offer would be a very large understatement.  They really barely knew one another, though they had danced together occasionally at balls, and here had been that one rather memorable moment when something he said brought a most delightful flush to her face.  Hugh had danced with more “eligible” young Ladies than he could count over the past few years, and is sure that she has danced with twice as many young Lords, given her impeccable social pedigree.  The moment had nonetheless stood out in his mind, even if the two of them traveled in different circles entirely.<br/><br/>Hugh, Baron Covington is the first son and heir apparent of Trevor, Viscount Covington.  In terms of precedence, both titles are relatively new, having been created five years apart early in the reign of George III for Trevor Covington, a canny businessman and barrister, close advisor and member of His Majesty’s Privy Council.  So while quite affluent, and close to the seat of power.  The Lord Covington (and thus his heir) is viewed as a rank upstart by the Ton, wholly beneath the gravitas of the established peerage, even the self-impoverished.<br/><br/>Within that context, and at the age of 27, Hugh had remained somewhat a disappointment to his family, as he had shown virtually no interest in the family’s business endeavors, and also failed to marry, much less marry well.  He did cut a dapper figure, at 5’11” with blue gray eyes and a face nearly all would agree was handsome.  Imbued with natural charm, he was popular at social gatherings, even though the Ton cast a wary eye in his direction.<br/><br/>Those like him with newer titles were relegated mainly to each other’s company, while those with more precedence collectively looked down their upturned noses upon them.  He can’t say that Lady Katherine had done so, at least overtly.  But neither had she shown any particular interest in his company, other than the occasional dance and exchange of pleasantries.  He of course had not pursued her, but then neither had he pursued anyone else.  Marriage had not been a priority for him, given that it would likely impede the pursuit of his own “special interests”.  He could hardly expect a Lady to tolerate such adventures, any more than she would be interested in partaking.  So it had simply been better all around for him to stay unmarried.<br/><br/>There was no scandal attached to his name, of course, as he had always been the very soul of discretion.  But His Lordship had been rumored in relationships, at one time or another, with both a widow of high standing, and a divorcee of relatively tainted social status.  It was also whispered that he had made discrete inquiries about the Thorned Rose Society, a shadowy club whose existence was rumored by many, though none proclaimed any knowledge of it themselves, or could even point out a single member.  But, all in all, the worst that has ever been associated with Baron Covington was that he was reportedly once observed entering a rather specialized house of ill repute.<br/><br/>The truth was a good deal more elusive than that, of course, since the Baron had taken up residence in the family’s country estate, while the Viscount and Viscountess remainecd in their spacious London townhouse.  He did entertain the occasional visitor, though such visits were often made under cloak of night.  But there were few who could, and none who would, say anything much about those comings and goings.<br/><br/>His unmarried situation, of course, did not suit his parents at all, given the need for an heir, so the pressure had been growing to the point where he had to take it seriously.  And when Lady Katherine’s name had been specifically mentioned, he had relented, though thinking it hardly likely that anything would come of the offer.  She was, after all, pretty and pleasant, and hadn’t patronized him in their brief conversations.  And she had the most remarkable blue eyes, not to mention an eye-catching bosom, even if she seemed just a bit frivolous.<br/><br/>Of course he hadn’t known then that his father was already involved in business negotiations with the her father, the Earl of Kent, whose fortunes had fallen somewhat upon hard times, or he might have been appalled by the subsequently arranged transaction.  In any case, Hugh had been told, in no uncertain terms that he was to marry, so he had been relieved when Lady Katherine had accepted, as he really hadn't yet considered approaching anyone else.  Still he had to wonder, though it has never even been hinted at in either of their correspondence, if Lady Katherine had been similarly dragooned by her father.<br/><br/>Their correspondence had actually been totally innocuous, taling about the weather and the doings of their very few mutual acquaintances.  Getting any fashionable young lady to talk about anything of substance was quite akin to finding four leaf clovers.  It simply didn’t happen, because their mothers drummed it into their heads that ladies are not supposed to voice opinions.  He’d learned that early on.  But, all in all, Hugh is keeping an open mind.  Despite his particular preferences, he believes in the institution of marriage, and also in the possibility of love, thought he has found that quality to be much more talked about than practiced in reality.<br/><br/>So all in all, as his valet carefully ties his silk cravat, Hugh is hopeful going into this grueling week of social gatherings that the women had insisted upon as appropriate to precede a country wedding.  At least they would only include those who were actually interested enough to make the trip.  Thankfully he still had sanctuary in his private wing of the hall, though he had planned no further private visitors, at least for the near-term future.<br/><br/>Thankfully, this first dinner would not be a grueling as the later ones, given that many of the attendees had traveled today.  So, while he is actually looking forward to seeing his betrothed again, and speaking with her for the first time in a while, he also has hopes of retiring early to marshal his resources for the later trials of the week.<br/><br/>In the absence of the Viscount, who will arrive tomorrow, Hugh is host for this evening, though he is certain that the hostess, The Lady Covington, will have little requirement of her son’s services other than greeting the guests and looking handsome and dapper, without being underfoot.  So perhaps he can get to know his bride-to-be a bit, if the women will allow it.<br/><br/>He can but try after all, and he is there in time to greet the first arriving dinner guests, which apparently surprises his mother.<br/>