The Dowager Lady Worthington isn't quite sure what to make of country-girl Dorothea Sterne. As the granddaughter of the Duke of Bristol, Dotty is schooled in the ways and means of the nobility. But her sharp wit and outspoken nature has everyone in a tizzy. Especially their cousin, Dominic, the Marquis of Merton.
Prematurely stuffy, Dom was raised by his cheerless uncle to be wary of a host of things, including innovation, waltzing, and most perilous of all: true love. Still, there's something about Dotty, beyond her beauty, that Dom cannot resist. But the odds are against him if he intends to win her as his bride. Will he choose loyalty to his familyâor risk everything for the one woman he believes is his perfect match . . .
Chapter One
Early afternoon sun poured through the windows of the large, airy school-room in Sterne Manor. The space was filled with bookcases, four desks, two sofas, and sundry toys.
Miss Dorothea Sterne sat on the larger of the much used sofas, threading a strand of rose silk through the embroidery needle. She had one more Damask rose to complete before the slippers she was making for her mother were finished.
But no matter how hard she tried, she could not escape the fact that the neighborhood was sadly flat now that her best friend, Lady Charlotte Carpenter, was gone. For years, they had planned to come out together, just as they had done everything else since they could walk.
In the meantime, there was a great deal to keep her busy. Since her mother's accident, Dotty had taken up Mama's duties. Dotty enjoyed visiting their tenants, talking to the children and their mothers and finding ways to help them.
“Dotty,” her six-year-old sister Martha whined, “Scruffy won't stay still.”
Scruffy, a three-legged dog Dotty had saved from a hunter's trap was resisting Martha's efforts to tie a ribbon on him. “Sweetie, boys don't like frills. Put it on your doll instead.”
Fifteen-year-old Henrietta glanced up from the book she was reading. “She took it off the doll.”
“Henny,” Dotty asked, “aren't you supposed to be practicing your harp?”
Her sister stuck her tongue out. “No, I'm supposed to be reading Ovid in Greek.”
Their father, Sir Henry, was a classical scholar and had been a rector before his older brother's death a few years ago. Much to Henny's dismay, he had decided to teach all the children Latin and Greek.
Dotty took in the book her sister held. The marble cover was a trademark of the Minerva Press novels. “
That
is not Ovid.”
Puffing out a breath of air, Henny rolled her eyes. “Aren't ladies supposed to be fashionably stupid?”
“No, they are supposed to appear stupid,” Dotty replied tartly. “Which is completely ridiculous. I refuse to marry a gentleman who thinks women should not have brains.”
“If that's the case, you may become a spinster,” Henny shot back.
“Lord Worthington likes that Grace is clever. I'm sure there must be other gentlemen who believe as he does.” Dotty resisted a smug smile.
Charlotte's older sister, Grace, was now the Countess of Worthington. She had taken all five of the younger children with her to London for Charlotte's come out. Shortly after arriving in Town, Grace had met and fallen in love with Mattheus, Earl of Worthington. They had wed three weeks later.
Not long ago, Grace and her new husband had returned to Stanwood Hall for a few days so that Lord Worthington, who was now guardian to her brothers and sisters, as well as his own sisters, could inspect the property.
Before Henny could retort, the door opened. “Miss,” Dotty's maid, Polly, glanced around the room, her gaze settling on Dotty, “her ladyship asked me to come fetch you.”
Dotty pulled the thread through, secured the needle, and set the slipper down. “Is she all right?”
“Oh, yes, miss.” Polly fairly jugged. “She got a letter from London and sent for you straightaway.”
Dotty hurried to the door. “I hope nothing is wrong.” There was nothing wonderful in receiving a letter from London. Practically everyone they knew was in Town for the Season. Mama and Dotty should have been there as well, yet the day before their planned departure her mother slipped and broke her leg.
“No, miss,” the maid said as she hurried after her. “Her ladyship was smiling.”
“Well, I suppose the sooner I get to her, the sooner I shall find out what she wants.” A minute later, she knocked on the door to her mother's parlor and entered. “Mama, what is it?”
Waving a sheet of paper in her hand, her mother smiled broadly. “Unexpected and wonderful news. You shall have your Season after all!”
Dotty's jaw dropped. She closed it again and made her way over to a chair next to her mother. “I don't understand. I thought Grandmamma Bristol couldn't sponsor me because of Aunt Mary's confinement.”
“
This
”âMama waved the letter through the air againâ“is from Grace.”
Dotty's heart began to beat faster, and she clasped her hands together. “Whatâwhat does she say?”
“After dear Charlotte received your missive telling her you could not come to Town for your Season, she prevailed upon Grace to invite you. She says”âMama adjusted her spectaclesâ“having you would be no bother at all. She is bringing out Charlotte and Lady Louisa Vivers, Worthington's sister, you know, and one more in a household of ten children will hardly be remarkable. She comments that your good sense will be very welcome.” Mama glanced up. “Not that I disagree with her. You do have a great deal of sagacity, but I am sure Grace said that for Papa's benefit. You know how he does not like to be obliged to anyone.” Mama went back to the letter. “And it would be a great shame for you not to come out with Charlotte as you girls have planned for years.” Mama set the paper down with a great flourish and grinned. “What do you think of
that
?”
For what seemed like a long time, Dotty could think of nothing. Her mind had never gone blank before. It was almost too good to be true. She shook her head, and finally managed to find an answer. “I never thought . . . Well, I mean I knew Charlotte was going to ask Grace, but I never even imagined that Lord Worthington would agree. Although her last letter said she missed me dreadfully. Lady Louisa, Worthington's sister, even wrote saying she had heard so much about me that she felt as if she already knew me and wished I was going to be in Town.”
Suddenly, the fact that Dotty was actually going to Town hit her. She jumped up, rushed to her mother, and hugged her. “I wish you could be there as well.”
Mama patted Dotty's back. “Yes, my dear. I wish I could go too, but Grace will take good care of you.”
“When shall we tell Papa of Grace's offer?” What if her father refused to allow her to go? That would be horrible. “I'm not sure he will be as happy as we are.”
Her mother glanced briefly at the ceiling and let out a sigh of long suffering. “If he had his way, you would not come out until you were at least twenty. He has gone out somewhere. I left a message to have him attend me as soon as he returns.” She pushed herself up against the pillows. “We have no time to lose. There is so much to discuss. Polly,” Mama said to Dotty's maid hovering in the door. “Have the trunks brought down from the attic and start getting Miss Dotty's clothes together.”
“Yes, your ladyship.”
Once the door closed, Mama leaned forward a little and lowered her voice. “Papa will dislike the idea of you going to London without me at first, but don't worry, dear, I'll talk him round.”
Dotty sat back down and folded her hands in her lap. They trembled a little with excitement. She was really going to be able to come out with her best friend in the whole world! “I should write to Charlotte and Grace to thank them.”
“Yes, after it is all settled.” Mama opened her pocketbook and wet the tip of the pencil with her tongue. “We must think of who will accompany you. Papa will not allow you to travel with only Polly. I believe Mrs. Parks said her sister was going to Town to visit a friend. I shall ask if she will look after you. After all, it will save her the trouble of booking and paying for another coach.”
Dotty nodded. “Yes, Mama. I believe Miss Brownly is leaving in a few days. She planned to take the mail.”
“Then she will be glad for a chance to ride in a private coach and break the journey at a good hostelry. Run along now and help Polly. I shall send for you after I have spoken with Papa.”
Dotty kissed her mother before running in a very unladylike fashion up the stairs to her room. Four trunks already stood open and her wardrobe cabinet was empty. She started folding the clothes she found on her bed. “Polly, I do hope Mama prevails.”
The maid paused to think for a moment. “I don't think Sir Henry has a hope against her ladyship.” She gave a decisive nod. “She'll get her way.”
Dotty smiled. Her mother usually did. “Still . . . I'll feel much better when I know for sure that I'll be going.”
* * *
Two hours later, Sir Henry Sterne frowned at the letter in his hand as he ambled into his wife's parlor. “This is from Lord Worthington. I suppose you have one from Grace.”
Lady Sterne smiled. She loved her husband dearly, but there were times his self-sufficiency went too far. She had no intention of allowing him to spoil Dotty's Season. “I do indeed. I do not think I have ever been so pleased for Dorothea. She and Charlotte have dreamed of their come out for years, and all the new gowns we bought for her . . . Well, I would hate for them to go to waste.”
Her husband appeared unconvinced. “Worthington promises to take care of Dotty as he would his sister Lady Louisa and Charlotte”âhis scowl deepenedâ“but, Cordelia, we would be entrusting her to his care.
In London
. And we do not know him that well.”
“Henry”âCordelia used her most patient toneâ“we know Grace, and Worthington was perfectly amiable when she invited us to Stanwood Hall to dine during the few days they were here. He has a good reputation. Nothing smoky about him at all, as Harry would say.” Her husband's lips folded together, and Cordelia rushed on. “Besides, Grace would not have trusted him with
her
brothers and sisters if he were not a good man.”
“But looking after three young ladies?”
She almost laughed at the look of horror on his face.
“You forget, Jane Carpenter, Grace's cousin is still with them and the Dowager Lady Worthington as well. The girls will be well chaperoned, and Grace commented on Dotty's good sense.”
“Yes, well.” He glanced at the missive and drew his brows together so that they touched. “As the Season is well under way, Lord Worthington asks for an immediate reply. I suppose I should write to him.”
Cordelia smiled again. “Does that mean you'll allow Dorothea to go?”
A bit of humor entered her husband's eyes. “I know you, my love. If I say no, I will never hear the end of it. You are every bit as determined as your mother. How do you propose Dotty make the journey?”
“You cannot complain about that, my dear. If we were not strong-willed, you and I would never have been allowed to marry.” Cordelia struggled to keep the triumph out of her voice. It was fortunate that the Sternes had been friends with the Carpenters for generations. “I shall make all the arrangements.”
“Very well, then. I know you'll send Dotty off as soon as possible. I do want a word with her.”
“Of course, my love.” Cordelia tugged the bell-pull and called for her daughter.
* * *
Dotty's steps faltered as she entered Papa's study. Her stomach lurched as she took in his grim countenance. He was not going to allow her to go to Town. She may as well make the best of it. Getting into a state would not help. She took a breath and readied herself for the bad news. “Yes?”
“Your father wishes to speak to you.” She whipped her head around, seeing her mother lying on a sofa.
Papa came around from behind his desk and took Dotty by her shoulders. “You may join Charlotte for your Season. However, you know my feelings about this. You are still young, and there is no reason you must marry anytime soon.”
She kept her face as serious as her father's. “I know, Papa.”
He cleared his throat. “If a young man is interested in you, have him apply to Lord Worthington first. He will know best if the gentleman is suitable.”
Dotty nodded. Relief and excitement rushed through her. Yet her father wasn't done yet. She waited for him to continue.
“With the number of inhabitants already in Worthington's household and the dogs, you must promise me not to bring stray animals or people to Stanwood House. They won't appreciate it.”
“I promise, Papa.”
“Now, I must make sure the coach is ready.”
As soon as her father closed the door, she gave a little shriek and hugged her mother. “Oh, Mama! Thank you so much. I shall never be able to repay you.”
She patted her Dotty's cheek. “Yes you will, by having fun. Though mind what your father said. With all those children and
two
Great Danes, the Worthingtons do not need three-legged dogs or half-blind cats, not to mention homeless children.”
“Yes, Mama. I'll do my best.” Dotty grinned. Everyone loved Scruffy. The cat was the best mouser they ever had, and Benjy was turning into a fine groom. People and animals only needed a chance in life. Nevertheless, her parents had a point. Bringing strays home to Sterne Manor was one thing, taking them to someone else's house quite another matter altogether. Dotty said a quick prayer that she would not meet anyone in need of help.