When a Marquis Chooses a Bride (24 page)

Chapter Twenty

A few days after Lady Thornhill's drawing room, Major Horton had requested an urgent meeting with Dotty, Dom, and his mother.

The major leaned against the mantel in the study, his form tense. Lady Merton sat on the chair next to Dotty's in front of Dom's desk.

“How bad was it?” he asked the major who had arrived shortly after breakfast with the news that the ladies must be relocated sooner than planned.

“Woke the whole house up and scared the”—he glanced at her and Lady Merton—“scared everyone to death. Fortunately Mrs. Oyler was able to calm everyone, but it spooked the lot of them and had my wife nervous as well. The woman who screamed said she heard men talking outside her window.”

Dom had an impatient look on his face. As if he truly did not understand the gravity of the problem. “They are well guarded, and we replaced all the locks. Simply tell them there is no reason to be frightened.”

Dotty sucked in a sharp breath, then let it out. Mrs. White was in Newgate awaiting trial. Fortunately, the Runners had enough evidence against her that none of the ladies would need to testify. Miss Betsy, though, had somehow escaped, and no one knew who the scoundrels were who had helped Mrs. White.

Major Horton's posture hadn't changed, but he seemed even more rigid. “It's the second time in a week this has occurred. The women will never feel safe in that house.”

He was right, and it probably wasn't safe. Even though Dom had stationed footmen in the house, who knew what type of violence the criminals were capable of? Housing remained a problem. Although Dom's steward had located a suitable-sized manor house near Richmond, it required renovations that were far from being complete. “We must move them.”

Dom's gaze switched from the major to her. “With everyone in Town for the Season, there are no proper rentals to be had, and the landlords would be suspicious of a house full of young, comely, single ladies. They would have the exact impression we are trying to avoid.”

“There must be something we can do,” Lady Merton said. “Perhaps one of the country estates would do until the house is finished.”

Dotty glanced at the major. “How soon do we lose you?”

“With Boney loose, my assignment's been put on hold, but chances are I shall be back on the Continent before too long. I don't want to leave my wife on St. George Street when I leave.” He grinned suddenly. “A place in the country would suit me perfectly.”

Raking a hand through his already disheveled hair, Dom leaned back in his chair. “Let me talk to my steward and see what the most viable option is. Have you had any word of Tom's father?”

“Nothing.” The major shook his head. “As you know, his expected date of return is in December. I sent a letter with the official post, but it is too soon for him to have received it. How's the boy doing?”

That might be the only bright spot in this whole predicament. “Tom's well and happy. He is taking lessons at Stanwood House and has a drawing master.” Dotty smiled as she thought of his joy in being with Matt and Grace's brothers and sisters. “He has a great deal of talent.”

“Unfortunately,” Dom said, “we have had no luck contacting his grandfather, and when I drove by Viscount Cavanaugh's town house yesterday afternoon, the knocker was off the door. I sent a letter to his estate, but have not heard from him.”

The major rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Did you ever consider the lad might be better off remaining with you until his father returns?”

As if a candle had been snuffed out, Dom's face went from genial to scowling. “I have a duty to return the boy to his family.”

The major folded his arms across his chest. “You still don't know the reason Cavanaugh left his wife in Town alone. What if they take the boy and mistreat him?”

Dotty thought the major had a very good point. In fact, Tom would be much better off living at Merton House until his father returned.

“He is a peer of the realm.” Dom's jaw clenched. “He would not mistreat a child. Aside from that, he has a duty toward his grandson.”

She stared at him, hardly able to believe what she had heard. This was not the man she was coming to love, but it was absolutely the one her friends disliked so much. Well, his mistaken beliefs could not go unchallenged. “Merton, you cannot seriously believe that? He has not done his duty thus far and, based on his past behavior, I do not trust him to do it now.”

“Thea,” he practically snapped, “you will leave Tom's welfare to me.”

How could he be so pigheaded? And how dare he speak to her in that tone of voice and with the major present? Glaring at him, she rose. “Not if you plan to give him to people he does not know and who do not want him.”

His face shuttered, and she no longer knew what he was thinking. “We will discuss this later.”

He had never used that cold, hard tone with her before. Dotty's chest heaved, her temper held by a rapidly fraying thread. “Very well.”

She turned and strode through the door.

“Thea, stop,” Dom commanded.

She'd had enough of his high-handed ignorance. Whirling, she pointed her finger at him. “No, you wait. You seem to think a peer can do no wrong. Open your eyes and take a look around you. Peers are just as likely to mistreat their wives, and children, and dependents as anyone else. I have had enough.”

“Remain where you are. I shall escort you to Berkeley Square.”

“Do not bother. I need the walk.” She bit her lip and left the study. Unable to get away from him fast enough, she strode rapidly down the corridor, stopping before entering the hall. She took a deep breath, assumed a polite smile, entered the hall, and called for her footman.

Fred arrived in just moments. “Is there anything wrong, miss? I thought you were staying for luncheon?”

“There has been a change of plans.” She finished buttoning her spencer and addressed Paken. “Could you please have some of Master Tom's clothing sent to Stanwood House? He will be staying there for a few days.”

The butler bowed. “Yes, miss. Would you like a carriage called?”

“No, thank you, Paken. The air will do me good.” Lots of fresh air and a chance to work off her anger.

She walked quickly down Brook Street, turned on to Carlos Place, and from the corner of her eye, caught something move swiftly away. The back of her neck prickled, as if someone was watching her. Slowing, she turned, surveying the area, but no one was there. “Fred, did you see anything?”

“No, miss. Why?”

She was tempted to shake it off as a bird or squirrel, but it couldn't have been an animal. “I think someone may have been watching us.”

He glanced around. “Let's get you home.”

Dotty nodded and continued on, walking with the long strides she used in the country.

Not many minutes later they rounded the corner into Berkeley Square. “Come, I'll treat you to an ice.”

Fred's face turned a deep red. “Miss, really I couldn't. It wouldn't be—”

“Keep an eye out for anyone following us.”

“Ah, right, miss. I'm sorry, but why would anyone be following you?”

“When we went to Mrs. White's, Lord Merton used his name. I am not so naïve as to think there might not be repercussions. You must agree that it would not do to lead anyone to Stanwood House.”

The footman tapped the side of his nose. “Very canny you are, miss.”

She hoped Matt had hired the footmen for their brains as well as their brawn. Slowing to a stroll, she walked to the far end of the square and ordered ices.

“Miss Stern?” Miss Featherington waved at her from a table not far from the window. “Come join us, won't you?”

Dotty greeted the younger woman and her mother, Lady Featherington, who was busy going through a list. “Thank you. I am sorry, but I cannot stay long.”

“I understand perfectly.” Miss Featherington smiled. She was the opposite of her more taciturn older brother. “I just wanted to tell you that Mama received the invitation from your grandmother for her ball. I am so excited. I've never been to the Pulteney.”

In an attempt to cover her surprise, Dotty busied herself removing her gloves. “It is my grandmother's favorite place to stay when she's in Town.”

“You appear very calm. I would be frantic if a ball was being held in my honor only two days before my wedding.”

She took a spoonful of the ice. “Oh no,” she said with perfect truthfulness now that she had gotten over the initial shock. “I'll have nothing to do with it you know. Grandmamma likes to take care of the details herself.” Or rather, her companion and secretary would oversee all the preparations. Yet, just once Dotty wished her grandmother would consult the person involved before planning an event. She glanced at Fred who stood outside the door, his attention captured by something or someone, and took the last bite of the ice. “Thank you again for asking me to sit with you, but I really must be going. Lady Worthington will wonder where I've got to.”

“Thank you for joining us,” Miss Featherington enthused. “I so look forward to the ball.”

Dotty rose and made her way to the door. Fred opened it for her. “Anything?”

“A young boy has been watching you from behind that big tree by the street. We might want to go to Worthington House first.”

Until Worthington House, which was situated directly across the square from Stanwood House, was livable for the family, Matt kept his only office there. He would be able to advise her.

“An excellent idea.” Pretending she had nowhere in particular to go, she weaved a path through the square, then to Worthington House.

The butler, Thornton, opened the door and escorted her to Matt's study.

He rose as she entered. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”

“Oh, Matt.” Dotty sighed with relief. “I've gotten us all into a mess.”

He signaled for her to take one of the chairs in front of his massive partner's desk. “Has this anything to do with Merton?”

“Only a little.” Sitting, she smoothed her skirts. “We had a disagreement and I left his house more than a little annoyed with him.”

“Do you mean to tell me he did not offer his coach?” Matt's tone was dangerously calm, boding ill for his cousin.

“He did.” She bit her lip. Perhaps she'd been a little too hasty. “But I was so angry, I decided to walk.” She paused for a moment. “I was followed.” She told him about the boy who had been watching her. “Fred suggested we come here first.”

Matt tugged the bell pull; a few moments later Thornton answered. “My lord?”

“Have Fred go to the stables and describe the lad to the grooms. If they can get a hold of the child, I want him brought here.” He looked at Dotty. “Go with Fred. I'll have you driven around to the back of Stanwood House. There will be no more walking between here and Merton House until we sort this all out.”

At least she was not in trouble. “I understand. Thank you.”

Matt's lips twisted into a wry smile. “Don't blame yourself too much. I expected something of the sort might occur. If we're lucky, we shall discover who wants what and with whom.”

“If they are using a child, perhaps it's the same group who took Tom.”

“That is possible, but many gangs use children for all sorts of things.” Placing his elbows on the desk, he steepled his fingers. “Dotty, about you and Merton.”

She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. “Yes?”

“If you want to call it off . . .”

Tears gathered at the back of her eyes, and her throat closed painfully. “And truly create the largest scandal of the Season?”

“We can delay the wedding. Your mother's health could be used as a reason.”

After this morning, part of her wanted to grab at the chance of more time, yet her heart ached at the thought. Surely there was a way to make Dom see how wrong he was, and if she didn't do it, who would? “I'll give it some thought.”

* * *

Dom stared after Thea as she strode down the corridor. He started after her, then felt his mother's hand on his arm.

“She is very angry right now, my dear. Give her time to calm herself.”

He stabbed his fingers through his hair, again. He had never done that before he met Thea. Oh God. What if she jilted him? That didn't even bear thinking of. “If only she wasn't so stubborn.”

“Dominic.” His mother's brows drew together. “In my opinion, she was correct in her thinking. You shall have to apologize to her.”

His jaw dropped. “Me? Apologize?”

“Indeed.”

He turned to Horton still propped up against the mantel.

The major shook his head. “Don't look at me for help. I agree with her ladyship and Miss Stern.” He straightened. “I must get back and assure the ladies you are searching for another house.” As he passed by Dom on his way to the door, he grinned. “Don't worry too much about your betrothed. It's clear the two of you are in love. A little groveling on your part will help matters considerably and flowers wouldn't hurt as well.”

Horton entered the corridor whistling.

“Very good advice,” Mama said as she rose and followed the major.

“Hell and damnation!” Dom swore softly as he crossed to his steward's office. “Which of my estates would be an appropriate place for the ladies and Major Horton to reside until the renovations on the Richmond house are completed?”

Jacobs tapped his fingers on the desk for several moments. “There is the one near Oxford.”