Matt glanced over at them. “I seem to recall a coaching inn not far from here. If you'd like, I can go ahead and make the arrangements.”
Just then, she glanced up the road to see a coach bearing down on them. “Move to the side!”
To her surprise the coachman pulled up the carriage and hailed them. “My lords.”
“We didn't expect to see you for at least another half an hour,” Dom called out.
“Mr. Paken told me to get to you as soon as I could.” The coachman tapped his nose. “I know every toll keeper around.”
She breathed a sigh of relief. “Well, thank Heaven. Sweetheart, let me down.”
Once she was in the carriage, he made to climb in after her. “Tie my horse on the back.”
“Oh no, you don't,” Matt said. “You're not married yet. Get back on your horse.”
Dom swore under his breath. “But we're betrothed. It is perfectly acceptable.”
“I don't care.”
She put her hand over her mouth to keep from laughing. “Dom, just get on your horse, so we can go home.”
“Two days.”
“Yes.” She nodded. “Then you may ride in the coach with me all you wish.”
He gave her a swift kiss and remounted his horse. “There is no point in arguing. We have a betrothal ball to attend this evening.”
“Now, ye just wait a minute there.”
Dotty's eyes widened. Oh no! It was Mr. Whitaker. She would not go back to that house. “I did not expect to see you again. I wanted to say that I amâ”
“No doubt about that, Missy. He pointed his rifle at the coachman. Ye just get down from there. I'm taking you back until your father comes for you.”
“Look here.” Dom's tone was haughtier than she had ever heard it. “Miss Stern told me what Fotherby said. It is a lie. I am the Marquis of Merton, and she is betrothed to me. Her parents are at my house in Town.”
Mr. Whitaker scowled. “I know all about you lords. You can be anything you say you are and still be a fortune hunter.”
“Here is my card.” Dom reached into his pocket, and flushed. “I must have forgotten them, but this gentleman is the Earl of Worthington.” Dom glanced at Matt. “Give him your card.”
“I don't think I have them with me either.”
Mr. Whitaker smirked. “Marquis this and Earl that. Sounds like a Banbury story to me. I'll just take the lady with me, and she'll be safe with my wife until it's sorted out.”
For Heaven's sake! At this rate, she would miss her grandmother's ball. “Mr. Whitaker. If you do not believe them, come with us. I assure you, my mother and father, Sir Henry and Lady Stern, as well as Lord Merton's mother will swear to you that I did not run off. Our betrothal ball is this evening. My grandmother, the Duchess of Bristol is giving it and we must not be late.” She paused for a moment and frowned at the older man. “And no shooting anyone.”
Mr. Whitaker scowled, clearly undecided as to what to do when the coachman said, “Whitaker, is it?”
He nodded.
“I can vouch for their lordships and the lady. As they said, she was snatched from the Park this morning. But there is no need to take my word for it. You come up here and ride with me. Wouldn't want you to think you hadn't done your duty.”
“Thank ye.” Mr. Whitaker lowered his rifle. “I'll do that.”
Dotty breathed another sigh of relief. “Take me home.”
Chapter Twenty-Five
Dom rode next to his cousin in front of the coach. “I've decided being a marquis is not such a great thing after all.”
“It's all what you do with it,” Worthington said. “I wouldn't give up being an earl. I'm not ashamed to admit I like the privilege that comes with the title. But there are responsibilities as well, not only to my estates and dependents, but to society at large. It's something your father knew that your uncle never understood.”
Dom mulled the thought over for a few moments. His cousin was five years older than he. “You knew my father?”
“Our fathers were friends.”
That was a surprise. There were so many things he was just discovering. “I never knew.”
“No. My father was another person of whom Lord Alasdair didn't approve.”
They fell silent for several minutes, giving Dom a chance to think. How much had he missed? How much did he have to make up for? If Thea hadn't come into his life, he might never have found love, Tom would probably have been transported, and Cyrille would be dead. Not to mention the women they had saved. “I'd like to talk to you about legislation to help the poor.”
His cousin gave a slow smile. “I'd like that as well. What do you have in mind?”
They turned into Grosvenor Square and pulled up to Merton House. Footmen ran out to attend to them. Whitaker was ushered in through the front door. Dom started to have Sir Henry or his mother called down, but after meeting Paken, Whitaker quickly decided Fotherby had lied.
Once Dotty disappeared to her chamber to see their mothers and ready herself for the ball, Dom led Worthington to the study and called for wine.
“What, no brandy?” Worthington joked.
The mere thought made him ill. “Not this early, at any rate.” Dom wasn't used to this type of bonhomie with his cousin but decided he enjoyed it. “Worthington, I don't know how to thank you for accompanying me today.”
“You can start by calling me Matt. We are family.”
“Yesâyes, we are. A fact I will not forget.”
Matt raised a brow. “You'll probably not get a chance. Remember, Dotty is best friends with Charlotte and Louisa.”
“How could I forget?” Dom grimaced. “I trust Louisa will eventually forgive me for marrying Thea.”
“I believe she already has.” Matt cleared his throat. “I am almost sure I heard something about a kiss.”
Dom blushed. There was no other word for it. “Um, yes. I have a hard time seeing anyone else when Thea's in a room.”
“So I've noticed. I have a similar failing with Grace. It must be a Vivers fault.”
“Originally, a Bradford fault if I remember correctly.” Dom grinned
“Indeed.” Matt set his glass down and stood. “I must go home. Tom has probably told everyone that Dotty was taken, and they'll be worried. However, I'll see you tonight.” He shook Dom's hand and clapped him on the back. “I haven't said it before, but congratulations on your marriage. Whether we call ourselves Vivers or Bradford, Dotty will make a good addition to the family.”
“I agree, wholeheartedly. Thank you, again.”
Dom sat twirling his wine for a few minutes after his cousin left, mulling over all that had happened in the past few days. He still hadn't had a chance to speak with Thea alone. Tonight, after the ball, he would tell her everything. Most importantly, that he would never shut her out of his life again.
Chapter Twenty-Six
“Miss,” Polly mumbled, “stop your fidgeting while I get this last comb in place.”
Dotty ceased trying to see how her hair was coming along and sat still until her maid stepped back.
“There now.” Polly canted a second mirror. “Look all you like.”
Finally, Dotty was able to make out the elaborate knot of coils and braids. “It is lovely. Where did you learn to do that?”
Polly grinned widely. “We looked at one of those magazines. May didn't think I could do it. My only regret is that she won't ever see it.”
“Well”âDotty barely kept herself from laughingâ“my hair has never looked so elegant.”
Her maid handed Dotty a flat square case. “This is from his lordship. He asked if you'd do him the honor of wearing it.”
“Did Lady Merton leave something? She said she was going to.”
“Yes, miss. A pair of earbobs. I'll get them next.”
Dotty took the case, opened it, and blinked at the delicate gold necklace set with diamonds. “Oh dear. I have never seen anything so exquisite.”
Polly handed her the earrings, also diamonds.
“How perfect they are with this gown.” Dotty fixed them to her ears.
She drew her gloves on, while Polly placed a spangled shawl over her shoulders, then handed her a painted fan and a reticule in the same fabric as her gown.
Polly nodded with approval. “That ought to knock his lordship out of his shoes. You'll be the prettiest lady there.”
Dotty did wonder what Dom would think. She descended the first level of stairs to the landing overlooking the large hall. He stood at the bottom, impressively dressed in black evening clothes. His cravat was perfectly tied. His only ornaments a pocket watch, quizzing glass, and a heavy gold signet ring.
He glanced up at her and his jaw dropped. “You are enchanting. Exquisite.”
“Thank you, my lord.” Dom's intense blue gaze warmed her, reminding her of last night when they had made love. Goodness, if his thoughts matched hers, they would be lucky to make it through the evening. She reached the bottom tread, and he took her hand. “The necklace is perfect. How did you know?”
“The image of you in diamonds”âDom raised her fingers to his lipsâ“has teased me for a while now.” He leaned closer and spoke in a deep, soft tone. “Though in my mind, they were the only thing you wore.”
This was definitely an improvement. Perhaps being abducted hadn't been such a bad thing after all. “Perhaps”âheat rose in her cheeksâ“your dreams can become reality.”
His grip on her hand tightened. “Allow me”âhis voice was a low growlâ“to undress you tonight.”
If only she could. “Soon we'll be married and you may do so every night.”
She thought he would step back as he'd done previously when he allowed himself to desire her. Instead, he brushed his lips across hers. “That is a promise I will make sure you keep.”
“Dominic?” Lady Merton said from the door to the drawing room. “Bring Dorothea and come in here. Sir Henry wishes to discuss what occurred today.”
“Oh dear.” Dotty glanced at Dom. “We forgot to consult Papa before sending the note to Grandmamma.”
Dom rolled his eyes to the ceiling. “That was an oversight. I hope he agrees with us. Something tells me I don't want to be on your father's bad side.”
Papa stood next to the sideboard pouring a glass of wine as she and Dom entered the drawing room. Her father held up the decanter, and she and Dom nodded. Once they were all seated, Dotty told them how the abduction had taken place and who had done it, as well as their decision to inform Fotherby's mother.
“Only because we don't wish to flee the country, sir,” Dom said. “My first instinct was to kill the blackguard, but Thea came up with this idea.”
Lady Merton nodded thoughtfully. “I agree with your plan. There is no one better to deal with Fotherby than his mother.” She lifted her wineglass. “I doubt you will see him again until he can behave.”
Suddenly, Dom had a wicked look on his face. “That's right. Lady Fotherby holds the purse strings.”
What they were saying didn't make sense. “I do not understand,” Dotty said. “Fotherby is of age and a peer.”
If anything, his smile broadened. “Yes, but until Fotherby is forty or married to a lady his mother approves of, all the funds are in trust. He's on an allowance and a pretty small one if he's to be believed. All she has to do is demand he rusticate.”
“Well, then,” Mama said, “when do you wish to approach Lady Fotherby?”
Dotty smiled ruefully. “I sent a note to Grandmamma asking her to do it. With the rest of the family arriving tomorrow, and the wedding the next day, I decided that was the best way to handle it.”
Papa leaned back against the chair cushions and chuckled. “You're a devious puss, I'll give you that. It'll be interesting to hear the result.”
“I think,” Dom said, “I'll take a look in at White's tomorrow.”
Papa slapped his thigh and stood. “I think I'll go with you, my boy.” He turned to Dom and lowered his brows. “Then we'll stop in at Brooks's and start your membership process.”
Silence fell and Dotty tightened her fingers around Dom's hand.
He squeezed them in return. “Whatever you say, sir.”
* * *
When they arrived at the Pulteney, Dom was still a little dazed at Sir Henry's proposal he join Brooks's. There was a good chance he'd be rejected. Yet, while he and Matt had ridden back to Town, they'd begun working on legislation to help the poor. A matter that would not endear him to his own party in the least. It might be time for more changes. Still, he could worry about that when he returned from his wedding trip. Speaking of his honeymoon, he'd not had any time alone with Thea since he helped her into the carriage earlier that day. The moment they'd arrived home, she'd been spirited away to dress. He'd not even been allowed a kiss, and he wanted much more than that.
However, the Pulteney, which was the former home of the Marquis of Bath, was very large. Surely there must be somewhere he could be alone with her. And Dom didn't care what anyone said. He had every intention of remaining next to her all evening.
His party was the first to arrive at the large salon set up as a drawing room. He glanced through the double doors leading to the dining room. A waiter handed them glasses of champagne as the duchess waved them over to a grouping of chairs and sofas. Matt and Grace accompanied by Charlotte, Louisa, and the Dowager Lady Worthington were announced not a quarter hour later. Lady Bellamny arrived with the ever elusive Lord Bellamny, a tall raw-boned man with red hair and a large smile. They were accompanied by a well turned out gentleman who looked to be in his mid-forties.
“I wonder how the devil he does it,” Dom said to Matt in a low voice as Lord Bellamny greeted the duchess.
“Does what?”
“Keeps his wife in line.”
Matt choked on his champagne. “He probably gave up the fight years ago.”
They were called over to greet the new arrivals, and Dom noticed that Lord Bellamny looked at his wife like the sun wouldn't shine without her. Did Dom have the same expression on his face with Thea?
“And this is Viscount Wolverton.” Lady Bellamny smiled as she introduced the gentleman to the other ladies. “He's been a friend for a long time, though he hardly ever comes to Town.”
“Well, my dear,” Lord Bellamny said, “you couldn't be here so often if it wasn't for his help.”
Dom, his attention caught by the quick, intense glances exchanged between the Dowager Lady Worthington and Lord Wolverton, missed Lady Bellamny's repost, though it made everyone else chuckle.
The next to arrive were Lord and Lady Thornhill.
Frowning at her guests, the duchess announced, “The numbers are not even. Some of you gentlemen will have to escort two of the ladies.” She turned to Charlotte and Louisa. “I didn't wish to give any of the young gentlemen the idea they were being singled out for you.”
Charlotte turned a becoming shade of red, while Louisa thanked the older woman.
Dom made his way back over to Thea. Each time he'd attempted to keep her by his side, someone drew her away. Soon the men were in one group and the women in another. Across the room, Dotty blushed charmingly. “What can they be discussing?”
“The ladies?” Lord Bellamny asked, then continued before Dom could answer. “You're better off not knowing. It might embarrass you.”
“Indeed, my boy.” Sir Henry cracked a laugh. “There are some things about which we should not inquire.”
Dom glanced at Matt to find him staring at Wolverton who seemed to have a hard time tearing his gaze from Matt's stepmother. “I wonder what that's about.”
“I don't know, but I'll find out.”
When the duchess's personal butler called them for dinner, Matt strode to Grace and was about to offer his stepmother his other arm when Wolverton beat him to it.
As the highest ranking man, Dom made his way to the duchess, but she waved him away. “Go find Thea. We are sitting informally this evening.”
That was a welcome surprise. He bowed. “Thank you, Your Grace.”
“You'd better start calling me Grandmamma.”
It had been a long time since he'd had a grandmother and he grinned. “Thank you, ma'am.”
Thea found him first and twined her arm in his. “Well, this is turning out to be an interesting evening.”
They took their place behind the duchess. “Wolverton?”
She slid him a look. “Indeed. I'll tell you what I've learned later.”
Covering her hand with his, he bent his head so no one could hear him. “I'm fairly certain that is not what I will wish to discuss.”
Her breasts rose more rapidly, and her lips formed an “O.” “No, perhaps not.”
“Thea, I need to be alone with you.”
Dotty's heart thudded harder. She wanted that as well.
“Merton,” Lady Worthington said, “have you decided where you are going on your wedding trip?”
“Yes, ma'am. We shall spend a fortnight or so at a small estate I have near Penzance.”
“After which,” Dotty added, “we shall tour each estate. The trip could take several weeks.”
Lady Bellamny glanced at the clock. “Do you plan to return for any of the Season?”
“Not if I can manage it,” Dom muttered under his breath.
Dotty schooled her countenance to keep from laughing. “We don't know yet. It will depend on how the estate visits go.”
Thankfully, the conversation turned from her and Dom to politics and philosophy. Grandmamma had the centerpieces removed to encourage talk across the table. Dom seemed a bit startled at first, but soon fell into the way of things. It seemed like no time at all before the butler announced that Grandmamma must prepare for the ball guests.
The group rose, and Dom took Dotty's hand. “Come with me. We should have a good half hour before the dancing begins.”
“Dorothea, Dominic.”
She turned to face her grandmother. “Yes, ma'am?”
“You two will join me in the receiving line.”
He let out a low groan.
She tugged his arm. “Have you ever done it before?”
“No, Mama doesn't give large entertainments.”
“Then it will be a good experience for you.”
His breath and possibly his lips as well brushed past her ear, causing a shiver to streak through her.
“I'd rather practice something else.” His voice was a deep whisper.
She beat down the heat rising in her breast. Not a week ago, Dom would have stiffly agreed to do his duty, instead of making suggestive remarks to her. His fingers caressed the back of her neck, and she swallowed. “Nevertheless.”
“Come, you two.” Grandmamma stood with one dark brow raised, but a small smile hovered on her lips.
“There really isn't any way out of this, is there?”
Dom took Dotty's arm and accompanied her into the corridor where the butler stood ready to announce the first names.
As they reached Grandmamma, she leaned slightly toward Dom. “You're becoming more like your father every day.”
Dotty held her breath, but for the first time, Dom responded easily, “Yes. Yes, I am.”
Not a quarter hour later, Lady Fotherby was announced. She curtseyed, then held her hands out to Grandmamma. “It's so good to see you again, Your Grace.”
“You, as well, Catherine. I trust our little problem has been dealt with?”
“Yes, indeed.” Lady Fotherby's eyes narrowed slightly. “Thank you for allowing me to handle it. You may rest assured my son will not be allowed off the estate until he has learned his duties.”
Grandmamma bussed her ladyship's cheek. “I knew it was the right decision when my granddaughter suggested it.” She motioned to Dotty. “This is my granddaughter, Miss Dorothea Stern. I believe you are already acquainted with Lord Merton.”
“You will make a fine marchioness.” Lady Fotherby smiled at Dotty. “My lord, congratulations on your good fortune.”
Dom bowed, then placed his hand on the small of her back. “Thank you. I certainly have good fortune on my side.”
An inward glow started in her stomach and spread through her body, and she could not wait to begin their married lives.
Dom led Thea out for the first dance, which was fortunately a waltz. From the start, he held her closer than he ever had before. Years of worry over how he should behave fell away as he gazed into her brilliant green eyes. It was all he could do not to drag her off and find someplace to be alone with her. Fortunately, the ball was a crush, and there were so many couples on the dance floor that, during the turn, he was able to draw her against him. She moaned lightly as his leg moved between hers. “I need you.”