When a Marquis Chooses a Bride (21 page)

He groaned and his mother reached across and patted his hand. “Everything will be fine, Dominic. Dorothea is a sensible young lady. I only wish I'd had her courage and strength of mind when I was younger.”

His mind rebelled. He couldn't stand the thought of her knowing how ugly the world was. His uncle had always said he had to protect women. Keep them safe from things they couldn't understand. Dom didn't know how in the hell he was supposed to do that when she went willy-nilly throwing herself into the fray. He'd gladly donate whatever amount he had to in order to keep her from being involved in anything like this again. But how in damnation would he stop her without her hating him for it?

* * *

Dotty couldn't help grinning when Dom stood at the head of the stairs to the ballroom and searched through the crowd. He met her gaze and smiled.

Within a few moments, he was with her, kissing her fingers one by one. “Good evening.”

Warm tingles skated up her arm. “My lord.”

He raised his eyes to hers. His warmth and desire captured her as it had the first time. If only they weren't in public, he would kiss her on her lips.

A gentleman coughed. “Miss Stern, I believe you are promised to me for this set.”

She glanced over at Mr. Garvey. “Yes, of course.”

Dom held her hand fast. “Garvey, go away.”

Louisa turned away with her hand over her mouth to hide her laughter.

“My lord, I did promise to stand up with Mr. Garvey.”

Dom kissed her hand again. His tone was a low growl. “Have you agreed to dance with anyone else?”

Her heart flitted around making her breathless. Was it possible he was jealous? “No.”

“Good. Don't.” He relinquished her hand to her partner. “I shall expect Miss Stern back immediately after the set is over.”

Mr. Garvey's eyes twinkled merrily. “Dash, if I don't believe I'll take Miss Stern for a stroll around the room afterward.” Before Dom could answer, Mr. Garvey whisked her into the line forming for the quadrille. “Don't know what you've done with him, Miss Stern, but it's a vast improvement.”

Dotty was tempted to protest, but both Charlotte and Louisa had said something similar at dinner. After hearing of Dom's part in Tom's rescue, even Theodora, Matt's youngest sister, had stopped calling Dom “his marquisship.” “Have you known Lord Merton long?”

The pattern of the dance separated them, when they came together Mr. Garvey responded, “We should have known each other all our lives, but once his father died, his uncle kept him isolated from any of the other children in the area. I ran into him at Oxford, but we were never close.”

“I can see why you would not be.” Dotty couldn't imagine why a child would be kept secluded. Perhaps that was what caused Dom to be so stiff around most other people. “Can you tell me what he was like when you knew him?”

“He was a normal boy. His father was a great gun. When he was alive, Merton and I saw a great deal of one another and got into all the scrapes boys do. After old Lord Merton's death, my father and I stopped by to pay our respects and had the door shut in our faces.”

She couldn't believe either Dom or his mother would have allowed such a thing. “But why?”

“The uncle didn't approve of us.”

“Thank you for telling me.” Today, Dom had been everything she could have hoped for, yet perhaps it was time for her to ask Lady Merton about Dom's guardian.

“Miss Stern, I see a great deal of Merton's father in him. It's a shame he didn't live.”

She smiled. “I appreciate your honesty, Mr. Garvey.”

When the dance ended, he placed her hand on his arm. “I was about to suggest a stroll, but I see Merton has other ideas.”

Dom plucked her hand from her dance partner's arm and put it on his. “Come, my dear. You look thirsty.”

Mr. Garvey chuckled as Dom led her away.

He grabbed two glasses of champagne from a footman's tray as they strolled to the terrace doors. “It's warm in here, don't you think?”

Her lips quivered as she tried to stop a giggle from bursting forth. “Indeed, quite uncomfortable.”

Once on the terrace, he steered her toward the end where a large trellis supported a profusion of roses. She took one sip of wine before he set the glasses on the stone balustrade.

“Thea,” he whispered as he caught her to him, his lips descending to hers. “I've wanted to do this all evening.”

She wrapped her arms around his neck pulling him closer and opening her mouth to his. His hands ran possessively over her derrière and back up her sides to cup her breasts. Flames flickered under his touch. He brushed his thumb over her breasts; her nipples hardened and ached. She moaned as he kneaded them.

Sliding her fingers to his face, she tilted her head, melding her lips to his, deepening their kiss as his palms and fingers elicited a spiraling heat that struck her to her core. If only they could at least take their gloves off. She wanted to feel his bare hands on her.

When he broke the kiss, they were both panting. He feathered kisses along her jaw. “Dom, I want more.”

His tongue teased a sensitive spot near her ear. “More what?”

She rubbed her hands over his chest. “I am not sure. I thought you might know.”

He'd nudged her chin aside to nibble her neck, then stopped. “Good Lord, what am I doing? We still have two weeks until the wedding.” He straightened. “I'm sorry. I should not have started this.”

She searched his face, but could see nothing in the dark. “I wanted to kiss you.”

He smoothed the fabric of his coat, before straightening her gown with quick efficient movements. “Remember who you are,” he mumbled, more it seemed to himself than her. “Thea, you are the only woman who has ever tempted me so much. I shall try to restrain myself.”

No, no, no. That is not what I want!
“You don't have to.” “You are an innocent.” He pitched his head back and blew out a breath. “You do not understand what this could lead to. I, on the other hand, do.”

She lowered her lashes, but couldn't quite bring herself to play the coquette. Although the way he had suddenly cooled, she might have to work on that. “You like kissing me.”

He glanced down, but instead of taking her back in his arms, he rubbed her shoulders. “
That
is part of the problem. We both like it. Yet I cannot have any hint of scandal attached to you.”

When he took her arm and led her back toward the ballroom, Dotty could have stamped her foot with frustration. Why did he have to turn stuffy now after he had done so well all day? It was almost as if he couldn't allow himself to have fun. Well, he must learn. She would simply have to teach him.

Chapter Eighteen

Dotty sat on the small sofa in the Young Ladies' Parlor. The late-morning sun entered the room at an angle, creating a path in which the two gray kittens slept. A silver salver holding three stacks of neatly arranged missives lay on a low table before her. She picked up the ones addressed to her. Mama and Henny had written, as well as her brother Harry. Selecting her mother's letter first, Dotty slid the small knife under the seal, opening the sheet of neatly crossed lines.

Charlotte lifted her head from whatever she was writing. “Have you heard from your mother yet?”

Holding up the paper, Dotty nodded. “The doctor said she is not progressing as she should, and he won't allow her to travel for another week, but Grandmamma Bristol is coming.”

Charlotte's smile turned quickly to a frown. “Will she want you to stay with her?”

“I doubt it.” Shaking her head, Dotty grinned. “She won't want to chaperone me. She says Almack's is insipid and missish young ladies give her hives. My mother says Grandmamma will stay at the Pulteney where she can bully the staff.”

“Who is bullying the staff?” Louisa asked from the door.

“My grandmamma. She doesn't really do it. Though she is very particular and says the Pulteney is the only place that understands her. Even when my uncle Bristol is in Town, she stays at the hotel.”

Charlotte's brows drew together. “I thought that was because she and your aunt do not get on.”

“Oh yes.” Dotty giggled. “They cordially dislike each other. If ever they are in the same room, it becomes so cold, one requires a shawl.”

Louisa bent to pick up her missive and stopped. “Bristol? The Duke of Bristol?”

Turning her note sideways to read the crossed lines, Dotty replied, “Yes.”

“I didn't know he was a relation.”

“Papa says it is nothing to brag about. My uncle tried to stop my parents from marrying, which caused a schism in the family. It's a long, involved story, but suffice it to say my grandfather arranged my uncle's marriage, which my grandmother said ruined my uncle's happiness. So she opposed every match Grandfather tried to make for my mother, until she was of age and could marry Papa. She did the same for their other children as well.”

Louisa tilted her head. “Are the rest of them happy?”

Dotty nodded. “Everyone except Uncle Bristol, so it must have worked. I do hope she approves of Merton. I would not like to be at loggerheads with her. She is my favorite relative.”

“I hope she asks us to visit.” Charlotte grinned. “She is such a grand old lady.”

“I wonder when she'll arrive,” Dotty mused. “We never have any prior warning.”

Charlotte eyed the large stack of cards on the salver. “I suppose we should go through the invitations and choose the entertainments we wish to attend.”

They each took several of the notes.

“Lady Bellamny is having a Venetian breakfast,” Louisa said. “That should be fun.”

“Here is one for a masque.” Charlotte held up the card. “Do you think Grace will allow it?”

“Grace might.” Louisa grimaced. “Matt won't.”

“No.” Charlotte sighed. “You are probably right.”

“Here is one from Baroness Merton, who has that lovely bluebell wood. She's having a picnic next week,” Louisa said. “It's such a shame she is not related to us. We'd be able to visit the garden at any time.”

“Merton is her family name?” Dotty asked.

Charlotte and Louisa nodded.

“We should accept in any event. Bluebells are always delightful.”

“I'll add that to the acceptances.” Louisa placed the card on the appropriate stack.

Once they'd completed their task, they sent the list down to Grace for her approval.

A few minutes later, Dotty glanced at the clock and rose. “I'll see you later. Lady Merton's carriage will be here for me soon. We are going shopping.”

“How busy you are. We hardly see you anymore.” Charlotte hugged Dotty. “Are you happy?”

She wished she could confide her concerns to Charlotte, but it wasn't possible. She had been much better about not criticizing Dom, but with any provocation, she'd take Dotty's side against him. She gave her friend a smile. “Yes, I am. I think Lady Merton will be a wonderful mother-in-law, and I care for Merton a great deal.”

“Then I am happy for you.”

Dotty hugged her friend. “Perhaps you'll be here when I return.”

She left the parlor quickly as tears pricked the back of her eyes. She was happy. Last evening, she had been sure that he was so close to telling her he loved her. If only Dom wouldn't hide himself in his shell, everything would be perfect. She would take the time she and Lady Merton had alone to ask about his upbringing.

Dotty was descending the stairs when one of the footmen came to fetch her. But once in the town coach, she was told Lady Merton would like her to come to Merton House first so that she could resume the tour.

Tom greeted her by throwing his arms around her legs again. “You'll never guess what I got today.”

Hugging him back, she said, “You're right. I have no idea.”

“My toys.”

“Oh, Tom. That's wonderful.” How kind of Mrs. Horton to send them over. “When I am finished with Mrs. Sorley, you shall have to show them to me.”

Taking Dotty's hand, he led her toward the morning room. “And guess what else? Mrs. Sorley found Lord Merton's toys, and he said I could play with them as well.”

Dotty's heart filled with joy. Dom had not allowed Tom to go to the Park as he didn't know if the scoundrels who had taken him might try to get the boy back. “That was very kind of him. Did you remember to thank Lord Merton?”

“Yes, miss, and he said I did a good job of it.”

Mrs. Sorley was with Lady Merton when Dotty entered the morning room.

“Have a seat, my dear.” Lady Merton indicated the chair next to her at a small table. “We are going over some of the household items that need to be replaced.”

After she was settled, the housekeeper handed her one of the lists.

“Most of this one is just what you'd expect,” Mrs. Sorley said. “Now the one her ladyship has is hangings and curtains.”

Lady Merton gave Dotty the paper. “You will have a free hand in decorating. Do not think you will hurt my feelings if you want to make changes. Most of it hasn't been changed since my late mother-in-law's time. Dom's papa and I spent more time at Merton Hall than in Town.”

It took much longer than Dotty had thought to inspect the large old town house. By the time they'd finished and discussed new fabrics, it was time for her to return to Stanwood House. She hadn't had any time alone with Lady Merton to ask her questions.

Dom arrived home as Dotty waited for the coach to be brought round. He grinned and kissed her on the cheek. “I'm glad you're still here. Come with me.” He ushered her into a rarely used front parlor and drew a small package from his waistcoat pocket. “This took longer than I expected, but it is finally ready.”

Dotty waited until he opened the wrapping.

He took her right hand. “This was the one I thought you would like best.” The ring he slipped on her finger was a wide gold band, set with a large square emerald in the center and studded with smaller emeralds on each side. “Tell me if I was right.”

She held out her hand. The center stone caught a ray of afternoon light coming through the window and blazed. “You were exactly right. I love it.”

He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close to him. As she tilted her head back to gaze into his eyes, his lips covered hers. Their tongues danced and stroked, causing flames to flicker through her body. She worked her hand under his coat and caressed his strong back. If only there was a way for them to be alone together. Perhaps, when her parents arrived, she could convince him they need not wait for their wedding night.

* * *

That evening Dotty received a hand-delivered note from her grandmother.

The Pulteney was every bit as opulent as Dotty had heard. She was escorted over thick Turkey carpets that muffled her steps to a room with royal blue velvet drapes pulled back with gold cords, allowing the afternoon sun to warm the chamber.

“Grandmamma!” Dotty rushed forward to hug the stately woman seated next to a gilt-trimmed fireplace. Though her grandmother's hair was pure silver, her eyebrows and lashes were still as black as her own.

“Thea!” Grandmamma gave Dotty a brisk kiss on each cheek before studying her. “You are the picture of a beautiful young woman. Tell me, have the gentlemen made up any silly names for you yet?”

Dotty grinned. “Louisa heard someone call us the Three Graces.”

Nodding approvingly, Grandmamma pointed to the stool in front of her. “Very apt, I'm sure. I've not seen Lady Louisa, of course, but if she's got any of her mother's beauty, she'll do well indeed. I'm told Charlotte is even lovelier than she was as a girl.”

Sinking onto the stool, Dotty took her grandmother's still-strong, capable hands. “Yes. They are both very beautiful and dear friends.”

Grandmamma was quiet for a moment. “I received a letter from your mother that you are betrothed to Merton. She seems to think that there is a chance you will end up with a love match. I must say, the reports I have heard belie her opinion. However, you must tell me if it is true. Can you love him and more importantly, will he love you? No matter what has occurred, I refuse to allow you to wed a man who will not make you happy.”

One of the best things about Grandmamma was one could tell her anything. Dotty related how Dom had helped her rescue the cats and Tom, about the brothel and, with a warm face, about the kisses.

At the end of her story, she frowned. “The only thing that bothers me is the minute he realizes he's having fun, he stops. I truly do not know what to do. Until you came to Town, I've had no one to confide in.”

Drawing her brows together, her grandmother looked thoughtful for several moments. “I'm glad to see he has something of his father in him. I did wonder if Lord Alasdair would drum it all out.”

If her grandmother knew about the family, it would be much better than asking Lady Merton. “What can you tell me about what happened to Merton as a child?”

Grandmamma smiled wistfully. “Your Merton's father was a wild rogue. Up to every rig and row in Town. There wasn't much he wouldn't do for a lark, and he accomplished it all with such good-natured charm, everyone forgave him even his most outrageous stunts. Lord Alasdair was Merton's complete opposite. How the two of them became friends I'll never know. Their relations were stretched almost to the breaking point when Merton fell in love with Eunice, Dominic's mother.”

A knock came on the door and a maid brought in tea. They moved to a table on the other side of the room. Once Dotty poured and added milk and sugar to the cups, she glanced at her grandmother. “What happened to cause the problems?”

Grandmamma took a sip then set down her cup. “Alasdair thought Merton would never be faithful to Eunice and didn't want to see her heart broken. Yet Merton surprised everyone. He immediately gave his mistresses their congé.”

Dotty quickly swallowed tea. “He had more than one at a time?”

“Oh my, yes. I told you he was quite outré. Had a stable of them. Each with a different talent.” Grandmamma took another sip. “I was there the first night Merton saw Eunice. She was in the center of her court, and he walked straight into the circle, went down on his knee, and proposed.”

Dotty couldn't imagine anything so romantic. “What did she say?”

“She said it was the best proposal she'd had all Season and accepted. He never left her side after that night and remained faithful the rest of his life. He doted on her and Dominic. After his death, Eunice went into a decline. I heard she had lost the child she was carrying. All of that was bad enough, though in my opinion, Alasdair made it worse. He insisted she go to Bath and quack herself while he took over raising Dominic as he thought suited his station.”

Dom's behavior made much more sense now, losing both his mother and father at once. She'd always thought he behaved as if he had two people in him fighting for control. “What can I do about it?”

“Be yourself, and do not allow him to be less than what he is.” Grandmamma selected a biscuit from the plate. “Now, what do you have planned for the rest of this afternoon?”

“Lady Thornhill is having a drawing room.” Dotty grinned. “Lady Merton will attend as well,
and
Merton always escorts her.”

A twinkle entered Grandmamma's eyes. “Perfect. If you don't mind, I shall join you.”

* * *

Dom put down his pen and leaned back in the leather chair. The other evening with Thea he'd been so close to losing control. Too close. He had wanted to drag her off somewhere and teach her more about the pleasure they would share. His fingers had itched to caress her perfect breasts. Taste her warm, fragrant white skin. The knowledge that she would have welcomed him had caused his shaft to harden painfully.

His uncle's words had broken through his miasma of desire in the nick of time.