You might act the part of host without shooting.

Can't you walk about with anybody except Lady Rosina De Courcy ?" "I was walking about with Sir Orlando Drought last Sunday, and I very much prefer Lady Rosina." "There has been no quarrel ?" asked the Duchess sharply.
"Oh dear, no." "Of course he's an empty-headed idiot.

Everybody has always known that.

And he's put above his place in the House.

But it wouldn't do to quarrel with him now." "I don't think I am a quarrelsome man, Cora.