Emilia said.
“That’s exactly what I will be doing,” Kitty replied. “I’m not going to enjoy any part of it.”
“But you should,” Emilia said. “This should be something that brings both of you pleasure and brings you two closer together.”
“They don’t have that kind of marriage,” Lilly argued. “The most she can hope for is that it doesn’t last beyond a few minutes.”
Emilia glanced between them for a moment then relented. “Yes, I suppose in her situation, that is the best she can hope for. What a shame. It’s much better if you want to take your time and enjoy it.”
“I don’t know,” Lilly said. “It’s fun to get so excited that it’s fast.” Her gaze went to Kitty. “Though, I understand it won’t be exciting in any way with Aaron. The exciting part for you will be when he leaves.”
Kitty couldn’t even imagine what Aaron would do with her, but she agreed that the sooner he finished, the better. So, when the dreaded moment came, she would be smart to already have her clothes off. Then Aaron could do whatever he needed to, and then she could kick him out of the bedchamber. And have Miss Britcher come back in. She resisted the urge to sigh in frustration. Whether it be Aaron or Miss Britcher, she would have no peace. She wasn’t going to have any peace until she gave birth to a boy. Only then would she be allowed to go to her own townhouse.
“If you give Aaron that scowl, he won’t want to try for an heir,” Emilia said, interrupting her thoughts. “You’ll scare him off. That might work to your advantage. If you do that every time he comes near you, he’ll eventually give up and let you move to your own townhouse.”
“You really think giving Aaron a sour look will be enough to get him to leave me alone?” Kitty asked, wondering if it could be that easy.
“It would be one thing you could do,” Emilia replied.
“What other ways can I dissuade him?” Kitty asked.
“I don’t know,” Lilly replied. “From what Roger says, Aaron is determined to have an heir. He doesn’t want his cousin to get his title.”
“The cousin can’t be worse than he is, can he?” Emilia asked.
“I don’t know anything about his cousin,” Lilly said. “All I know is that Aaron doesn’t want to be around him.”
Kitty wasn’t surprised. Aaron was the most unpleasant person she’d ever been around. It was to be expected that he didn’t like anyone. She was surprised he’d managed to have any friends.
Kitty finished her tea then set the cup down. “I want to go out and do something. I’m tired of being inside, especially on a day as nice as this.”
Ever since Miss Britcher became her chaperone, she hadn’t gone out for a walk, and that was one activity she loved most. She didn’t suppose she could talk the lady into staying here while she went to the park with her friends. Probably not. The lady stayed in the room while she dressed and tended to more private matters.
“I don’t suppose you two would be willing to go to Hyde Park with a grouchy chaperone walking behind us?” Kitty asked, shooting them a pleading look. She really didn’t want to walk alone with Miss Britcher.
“I’d be willing to,” Emilia said.
“I don’t think I can in my situation.” Lilly gestured to her belly.
“Slip a cloak on,” Emilia said. “People who don’t know you’re with child will assume you’re plump.”
Lilly sighed. “I don’t know. It’s warm out there, and I’m hot enough as it is.”
Emilia shrugged. “What’s a little heat? You faced a ballroom of angry people after you kissed Roger. I doubt it’d be worse than that.”
“Well, that’s true. Nothing could be as awful as having Lady Cadwalader and her friends physically pick me up and throw me out of a townhouse,” Lilly replied.
Emilia waved for her to stand up. “Come on then. If we’re fortunate, Aaron will find out and assume Kitty’s asking you about carrying a child. Put on a light cloak and come along. We’ll have a good time even though the harpy will be with us.”
Feeling better about going for a walk, Kitty joined the others and got ready to head out.
***
Aaron made it to the entrance of White’s and spun around so that he could face Mr. Stonewall. “Here we are. Now you know I’m not going to a lady’s townhouse. You can stay out here while I go inside.”
In his excitement to