Hugh sat at the large desk in his residence in London wishing he was back at Eastbridge. It had been nearly a week since he had left the house party and had done little in regards to the next step in his profession as a barrister.

He had gone to Eastbridge hoping to take some time to contemplate what he wanted to do upon his return to London. Unfortunately, he had spent far too much time enjoying the house party and too little time thinking about being a barrister. All Hugh knew was that he would be much happier if he were back riding a horse through the trees and meadows near Eastbridge. Or at least out in the countryside somewhere.

When he had returned to from the house party, Hugh had found that he had received several letters in his absence regarding his selection as a barrister. He only needed to decide whether he wanted to accept a government appointment or present cases brought to him by solicitors. It should not have been a difficult decision.

Hugh suspected that his hesitance was borne of the knowledge that his father and brother would be involved, no matter which direction he chose. However, he did not want to spite himself in his attempt to distance himself from the interference of his family.

Hugh picked up one of the letters. Lord Fairburn had written to make him aware that a government position was available. Fairburn had requested that Hugh pay him a visit at Parliament by the end of the week. It was already Wednesday, so he would need to arrange a visit the next day as he did not want to offend Lord Fairburn. Surely, it would do no harm to talk to the man.

Hugh's thoughts were interrupted by the sound of knocking on his door. He had no idea who could be calling as he did not get many visitors. From the insistent knocking. Hugh discerned that it was most likely the delivery of another letter.

Hugh opened the door.

"Good afternoon, Hugh."

Hugh stood stock still for several moments somewhat shocked to find not the delivery boy that he had expected, but his father, the Duke of Castborough, standing tall at his doorstep. "Good afternoon, Father. Please come in."

"I apologize for not letting you know that I would be arriving." The duke smiled, though Hugh could tell he was not really sorry for dropping in unannounced. Hugh knew that his father wanted to catch him unawares. While Hugh knew to be wary, he did not know what his father was about quite yet.

Hugh followed his father into the small drawing room.

"I had forgotten how small this house is." Looking around with amusement, the duke steepled his fingers together and then took a seat near the window. Clearly, he was biding his time with small talk until he was ready to share his reason for being there.

Hugh smiled. "It is not that small. It certainly serves its purpose. I am very thankful for it."

"Yes, yes. Of course, you are." His father leaned back in the chair setting his hands on the arms of the chair, looking regal and stately. "I am glad that it served you well, and I am sure that you are looking forward to moving back into Repington House."

"Moving back?" Hugh repeated.

"Well, yes. You cannot be thinking of staying here when you could be living at Grosvenor Square," his father looked at him as though Hugh had clearly not thought the idea completely through. "If you are to be a barrister you should not be living in such a small house on the outskirts of London. Living in Mayfair will certainly play to your favour."

Hugh knew that he was right but hated that he had to concede to his father's interference.

"Yes, of course, Father. I had not thought of it that way. Once I have my affairs in order here, I will consider moving back. Thank you."

"Do not thank me yet. I have much to tell you." Hugh realized that they were about to get to the true reason for his visit.

"Oh?" Hugh asked calmly.

“Yes, while you were gone at your little house party,” the duke paused and Hugh endeavoured to ignore his father’s clear disdain for his sojourn. “I had some nice conversations with some other members of Parliament.”

Hugh closed his eyes briefly, hoping he was wrong about what his father meant. He nodded and said, “That is good. Have you and Wellington finally come to an agreement?”

“No, that old goat is the most stubborn man in all of England,” his father grumbled. He looked to go on but suddenly stopped, giving Hugh a sharp look. “ But as I was saying, in your absence, I spoke with many in Parliament. Lord Fairburn was rather forthright. There is a government position open and Fairburn is very interested in speaking with you about it.”

Hugh wanted to yell at his father but he tempered his words. “Father, thank you but I assure you it was unnecessary of you to talk to anyone on my behalf.”

“But—” The duke continued his thought, but Hugh would not allow him to go on.

"I have not made any decisions regarding my profession,” Hugh told him. “As soon as I do though, I will be most happy to let you know.”

His father sat stoic and quiet for what seemed an interminable length of time but most likely only truly amounted to a few moments. Finally, he looked up. “There is one other matter that I came to discuss, namely your courtship with Lady Priscilla.”

“There is no courtship, not with Lady Priscilla nor any other young lady.” Hugh smiled wanly. "There is much time left in the Season for that."

“I understand that you have only just been introduced but I believe that you and she would make a favourable match.”

Hugh took a deep breath set on arguing with his father but it became quite clear he did not trust himself to stay civil. Instead, he stood up looking at his watch. “My word! I did not realize that it was so late. Thank you so much for stopping by to deliver the news.”

His father did not move although he did appear somewhat confused. It was likely the fact that he was not used to being dismissed.

Hugh tried to look as apologetic as possible. “My apologies but I must get ready for my evening out.”

“Are you attending Almack’s this evening?”

Hugh had not thought about what night it was but his father was quite correct Almack’s would be in full swing. “Yes, now that I am back in London and my studies are complete, it is time for me to enjoy the social events of the Season."

His father finally stood up and began to follow Hugh out. “I am glad you will be there. Your sister and brother will be there, as well.”

“How fortuitous," Hugh said with a smile. "I am looking forward to seeing them.”

Hugh ushered his father out the front door, groaning as he did so. He had had no intention of going to Almack’s but would now have to attend. Henrietta would surely tell their mother and father that he was not in attendance.

“Lawks!” He kicked a table leg that was the closest to him and stalked out of the room to get dressed.