Chapter 19

“Very well.” Lucy looked subdued.

For once.

“But I don’t see what’s so wrong about talking about it.”

But not for long.

“I like that he doesn’t wear such fancy waistcoats and trims as other gentlemen do.”

Now Nick was truly bewildered. “Doesn’t wear—?”

“I think it suits him to dress plainly and be natural. Perhaps Charlotte thinks he’ll make Violet dress plainly if they marry.”

Nick suppressed a smile when he finally understood Lucy’s interpretation of “natural son.” It was an enormous relief to know she wasn’t familiar with allof Society’s polite euphemisms. “You must never use the term ‘natural son’ again, Lu.” His voice was gentle, but firm. “Even at home in front of your sisters.”

“Very well,” she agreed, but with a quizzical look. “It doesn’t mean a gentleman who dresses simply, does it?”

“It does not,” Nick replied, then braced himself for her to ask what it didmean.