When a Marquis Chooses a Bride (4 page)

“I would say rather insufferably aware of his own consequence,” Louisa remarked. “Someone needs to bring him down a peg or two, but if he marries Miss Turley,
that
won't happen.”

Charlotte nodded. “Very true. She hangs on him like gold coins come out of his mouth. Which is ridiculous. He has not an original thought in his head, and what he has, all spring from half a century ago.” She turned to her sister. “Grace, do we attend the Featherington ball on Friday?”

“Yes, we must also make some morning visits so that Dotty can be introduced. Lady Thornhill is having a drawing room on Thursday, and I received Dotty's vouchers for Almack's from Lady Jersey yesterday.”

Charlotte turned to Dotty. “You will love Lady Thornhill. She has the most interesting guests.”

“I'll look forward to it.” Dotty pressed her fingers to her lips and tried to hide her yawn. “I am sorry.”

“Not at all.” Grace smiled. “It has been a long day for you. Get a good night's sleep and we'll see you in the morning.”

Once in bed, Dotty's mind cast back to Lord Merton. It was a shame his family disliked him so much. Even Charlotte, who was the most loving of creatures, seemed to accept that Merton was not worth even trying to improve. Perhaps he was insecure, yet he didn't seem as if that were a problem, though one never knew what a person hid deep inside.

She hoped he would pick a lady he could love. That might be exactly what he needed. With the right encouragement, anyone could reach their full potential. But would he?

The next morning, Dotty was awakened by what sounded like a herd of horses. Considering she was in a new place, she had slept surprisingly well. After ringing for Polly, Dotty rose. Warm water was already in the pitcher and the fire had been stoked. Polly arrived only a few minutes later. “That was fast.”

“I've been up and about for a couple of hours, miss. Lady Charlotte's maid, May, is teaching me new ways to do your hair and the like. On our day off, we've been promised a trip to see some of the sights.”

Polly and May had grown up together. It must seem like a reunion for them. “That sounds like fun. I hope I get to see something of London as well.”

“Oh, you will. I'm sure of it. The younger children are downstairs breaking their fast. I'm to tell you tea and hot chocolate will be served in the Young Ladies' Parlor.”

Dotty grinned. “So that was what I heard coming down the stairs.”

“They make quite a racket, don't they?”

When Dotty entered the parlor, Charlotte handed her a cup of hot chocolate. “We thought you would sleep longer. Did the children wake you?”

Dotty took the cup. “Yes, but I slept well and long enough. What are the plans for today?”

“We'll start out with a trip to Bond Street. You will want to subscribe to the circulating library. After that Louisa and I will take you to Phaeton's Bazaar. We like to replenish our stockings and gloves from there. It is much less expensive than other places. They also have a number of other interesting things to see. Then we have morning visits. After that . . .”

Charlotte rattled off a list including another walk in the Park and concluding with this evening's ball. As much as Dotty had anticipated this Season, she truly had not had a good appreciation of what was involved. Yet, she felt prepared. Thank goodness Mama had insisted Dotty attend the local assemblies and perform on the pianoforte when they had company.

She looked forward to strolling in the Park again and wondered if Lord Merton would be there.

* * *

After breakfasting alone, Dom spent the rest of the morning on his correspondence and accounts. Although his steward, Mr. Jacobs, was a competent man, Dom's uncle and guardian until he'd attained his majority, Lord Alasdair, had always said it was Dom's duty to review everything. Which Alasdair had done since Dom's father's death when he'd been six years old.

During the rare times he had chafed at not being allowed to attend school, instead of having an array of tutors, his uncle reminded him it was his duty to learn more than was taught at Eton. One must jealously guard his estates, show to advantage in all the gentlemanly sports, be loyal to the Crown whether one agreed or not, and ensure the succession. One must also marry a suitable lady.

Before Merton attended Oxford, his uncle introduced him to five young men whose ideas were to have been compatible with Merton's duties. However, Reggie had been sent down after impregnating the daughter of a don. Joss and William went into the army, and now there was only Alvanley and Fotherby left. The first was increasingly being drawn into the Prince Regent's debauched circle, and Fotherby cared for nothing but fashion. It was not easy for Dom to make new friends and lately he had felt very much alone.

He tugged the bell pull and the door opened immediately.

“My lord?” the footman bowed.

“Tell Mr. Jacobs I would like to see him.”

The servant bowed. “Yes, my lord.”

A few minutes later, Jacobs knocked on the open door and entered. “You wanted me, my lord?”

Dom rubbed his forehead. “Yes, please have a seat. I've been reviewing your request to attend a seminar at Holkham Hall. You do know that the family supported the Americans in their war against us?”

Jacobs squirmed in his seat for a moment. “I'd heard something about that, but the reason I want to go is to learn more about the agricultural innovations being made there.”

Merton drew his brows together. He didn't like the idea that his house could be associated with a Whig family. “Is there not another place you could go to study?”

“No, my lord. All the most modern methods are being used at Holkham.”

“Everyone goes there now, my lord. No politics are discussed, only farming.”

Merton was unconvinced about new ideas. His uncle had always told him the old ways were the best. Still, Jacobs had never asked to do anything like this before. “What is the reason for this sudden interest?”

“Our yields have not kept up with others in the areas, on all the estates. When I talked to one of the other stewards, he mentioned the new ways being tried in Norfolk and how they helped him.”

It was a sound idea and good for his lands and tenants. “Very well. Make your plans.”

Jacobs stood. “Thank you, my lord. You won't regret it.”

Still not entirely convinced, Dom lifted a brow. “It is your duty to see I shall not.”

After bowing, Jacobs closed the door behind him, and Dom was left alone with his thoughts. New innovations. There seemed to be a deuced lot of them lately. That steam engine they had on display had blown up, but there were rumors the inventor hadn't given up. Talk of canals being cut to move coal and tin. What would his uncle think of it all? Unfortunately, his uncle was no longer alive to ask. Until recently, it had not occurred to Dom how much he'd relied upon his former guardian. He would have to start making his own decisions as he just had with Jacobs.

After finishing his reviews, Merton put his pencil down and left his study. Perhaps a stroll would help clear his head. He might meet Miss Stern again. The thought made him smile. He must discover if she was even an eligible candidate for the position of his wife.

Chapter Four

“The Marchioness of Merton,” Royston intoned from the door to the morning room.

“Oh, ma'am.” Grace rose from her desk to greet Eunice. “I am so happy to see you. It has been an age.”

“Grace, my child.” Eunice took the outstretched hands and kissed Grace's cheek. She had grown into such a beautiful woman. “Yes, indeed. Much too long. How have you been doing?”

“I am well, as are the children.” Her lips pursed. “I didn't know you were in Town, or I would have called on you. Merton said . . .”

“I arrived just yesterday.” Eunice gave a small cough. “It was rather a surprise to him.” She held Grace out, studying her. “I am sorry I was unable to attend your wedding. However, allow me to congratulate you on your marriage. You look exceedingly happy.”

Grace smiled gently. “I am. We all are. Truly, I could not have picked a better man. Worthington is at the Park with the whole group now to give me a few moments to catch up on my correspondence.”

Eunice could not have been prouder of Grace if she'd been her own daughter. She had defied everyone's expectations when she'd won custody of her brothers and sisters. Then to have married so well. It was a miracle she had met a man who was up to it all. “Your mother would have been very happy to see you so well settled.”

“I think so.” Grace tugged the bell pull and ordered tea. “Come sit and tell me how you've been.”

Eunice sank into the offered chair. After settling her skirts, she took a breath. “I have come for your help.”

If Grace was surprised, she did not show it. “Anything I can do, of course I will. Besides being my mama's closest friend, you are now my cousin.”

“Thank you.” Eunice let out the breath she had been holding. She had spent hours last night thinking of how to approach Grace, and had come up with nothing. “It is not very difficult; at least I hope not.” Eunice paused, still trying to find a way of putting it. And, nothing came. “I have decided that I would like to be introduced to the more forward thinking members of Polite Society. It is something I should have done years ago, but while Alasdair was alive, I let him influence me. Too much.” Grace shook her head as if not understanding. Eunice continued. “By doing so, I allowed him to lead Dominic astray.”

Grace pressed her lips together and choked, but her eyes danced with merriment. “I do not think you need to worry that Merton is spending time in bad company. Quite the contrary I would imagine. I could ask Worthington, yet I seriously doubt he will have heard your son has been rambling around the gaming halls and flesh houses.”

And that was exactly the problem. “No, no, my dear, you mistake me. I would feel
better
if Dominic was behaving like a normal young man. Instead”—Eunice frowned—“he has never given me a day of worry.”

Grace chuckled, but quickly sobered. “Yes, I quite see your point. He would have been better off being allowed to get into some scrapes. Or rebelling and having to find his own way of viewing the world.”

“I'm so glad you understand.” Yet the question was would Grace help her? “When my brother was alive he instilled a fanatical notion of duty and self-consequence in Merton. I know Alasdair was only trying to be respectful of the family's heritage, but I do not think it has done Dominic any good at all. Rather, it has done him a great deal of bad.” Eunice balanced the cup of tea Grace handed her on her lap then took a sip. “He is not yet out of his twenties and a dead bore. Which would not have made his father at all happy. When I think of the larks David kicked up before we were married, well . . . Dominic should be having the same type of fun. I did have great expectations when he came on the Town that he would do
something
to create a stir, but my hopes were dashed.” Eunice could not stop herself from sighing. “Even his mistresses are dull.”

Another burble of laughter escaped Grace.

“Go ahead and laugh, my dear, but I saw one of them. You cannot imagine what a depressing sight it was. She was dressed like a governess.”

“But, ma'am, perhaps it wasn't his mistress. It might
have
been a governess or some other poor relation.”

Eunice shook her head. “
Dominic
in a sporting carriage with a
governess?
No matter how gently bred she was, he's much too high in the instep for that. Aside from that, he had no reason to be with either a governess or a poor relation. He would have handed her immediately over to me.”

Grace went into whoops. At least someone could see the humor in Dominic's behavior. To the best of Eunice's knowledge, he had never even been in his altitudes.

Finally Grace brought herself under control, though her voice was a bit shaky. “Naturally, I am glad to be of assistance. But how will my introducing you to the more liberal set influence Merton?”

Eunice waved her fingers in the air. “He escorts me to all my entertainments, no matter how tedious. Therefore, if I attend a party or musical, he will as well. I just hope it is not too late to save him.”

Grace was quiet for a few moments, then said, “Lady Thornhill's drawing room.”

“Ah, yes.” Eunice had heard that name before and tried to place it. “Is she the bluestocking who has poets, painters, and other artists at her home?”

“The very one.” Grace nodded and leaned forward, obviously warming to the scheme. “If you think that might be too much of a shock for Merton, I am sure any of my friends would be happy to send you cards to their balls. Truth be told, despite how Worthington and his sisters feel, Merton
is
extremely eligible and can be trusted to behave. All the entertainments I am attending with the girls will have a number of young people present. I can send round a note or two if you would like. Once the hostesses know you are interested, you should begin receiving invitations.”

“That would be the perfect place to start.” Rising, Eunice held her hands out to Grace. “Thank you so much. I knew I could depend on you.”

“For your sake, I hope it works. I shall have to remember to tell Worthington not to make fun of Merton.” Grace had a doubtful look on her face as if she would have difficulty with the task.

There was nothing for it. Eunice might as well let Grace know that she knew how bad the situation between their families was. “I heard what his sisters call Dominic.”

“Indeed.” She looked as if she had eaten a particularly sour lemon. “I do not know that we will ever be able to convince Theo to stop, but the others know I expect better behavior. Unfortunately, he did an excellent job of aggravating Worthington's stepmother.”

“Obviously, it is past time I stepped in.” Eunice blamed herself. She should never have allowed her grief over her husband to separate her from her son.

* * *

Later that afternoon, her butler held out a silver salver. She picked up the envelope and opened it. As she had expected, Grace had been prompt. It was the promised invitation to Lady Featherington's ball on Friday evening. Next was a small packet, which Eunice recognized as her vouchers for Almack's. “Thank you, Paken.”

She briefly wondered what Dominic would think of attending an entertainment not filled with Tories, and shrugged. He would simply have to get used to it. She refused to allow him to marry a milksop, or a toad-eater, or a woman who would never love him.

* * *

Merton had walked around Rotten Row twice. He had seen many of his acquaintances, but not the young lady he sought. Just as he started his third circuit, he caught sight of Miss Stern and his cousins. She was delightfully lovely in a pale yellow muslin walking gown. The well-cut spencer showed off the outline of her breasts, causing his blood to race. A parasol shaded her porcelain complexion. She smiled when he hailed her. Then Louisa said something, and Miss Stern nodded, the wide smile fading from her lips.

He was damned if he would allow his cousin to intimidate him. “Good afternoon, Miss Stern.”

She curtseyed so gracefully, he thought his heart would stop.

“Good afternoon, my lord.”

When she glanced at him her eyes were the color of the new leaves in spring. He bowed and lightly kissed her gloved hand, all the while wanting to touch her bare skin. “How fortuitous to see you again.”

A light blush painted her cheeks. She inclined her head only slightly. Such dignity of manner. She must be the daughter of a viscount.

“It is my pleasure as well, my lord,” she replied.

She had a low, pleasing voice. One he could listen to for hours, definitely over the breakfast or dinner table, and at night, especially at night. He swallowed. In bed, when her inky curls caressed her shoulders, and her lips, those deep rosy lips . . . More than anything he would love to kiss them and feel them on his . . . Oh Lord, was he really having
those
thoughts about an innocent young lady? Gentlemen were supposed to take their pleasure with mistresses and not burden their wives with such primitive urges.

He must be going mad. This had to stop. “May I accompany you ladies on your walk?”

He waited, expecting Louisa to say something cutting; instead, Miss Stern smiled again. “Thank you, my lord. We would be honored.”

Since he couldn't take the arms of all three ladies, he stayed on the outside and offered his escort to Miss Stern. She very properly placed her small hand on his arm, and they resumed the promenade. “How do you like London so far, Miss Stern?”

“I barely know, my lord. I arrived only yesterday. Thus far, I am having a wonderful time. I shall not bore you with all the details, but today we went shopping. . . .”

Bore him? Never. Not with the way her hand heated his arm and her voice sounded like music.

“This evening we shall be at Almack's. It is my first time there. On Friday, we will attend Lady Featherington's ball.”

For a minute he was struck dumb. Lord Featherington was a
Whig
. Then he remembered; so was Worthington. Of course Miss Stern would attend
those
entertainments. Dom would never see her except in the Park. A few years ago, after he had made it clear to any hostess with Whigish leanings that
he
would not attend, the cards had ceased arriving. Yet now, the only lady he was interested in resided in a house of
liberals
. He repressed a shudder.

There was Almack's, of course, but that was only on Wednesdays. Perhaps he had been too hasty in considering Miss Stern as a marital prospect. Yet what was he to do when every other lady paled in comparison to her?

Dotty was surprised at how her hand seemed to warm on Lord Merton's strong arm. Perhaps he had a fever and was unaware of it. He made small talk about the weather, and she responded easily. Despite what Louisa and Charlotte thought, he was really very pleasant to be around and so handsome. His hat was set at a stylish angle and his golden locks glinted in the sun.

He took her elbow, helping her over a small rut in the path. “I would not want you to trip.”

As if she was a fragile maiden instead of a lady who frequently tramped for miles in the countryside. “Thank you, my lord. Without your help, I am sure I would have stumbled.”

Louisa gave a light snort. What else was Dotty to have said? Really, Louisa was much too hard on Merton. He was a perfect gentleman. He did not know she climbed over stiles and marched through deep uneven ground at home.

“Miss Stern,” he said, bringing her attention back to him. “Do you enjoy the opera?”

“I have never had the pleasure of seeing one, but I have heard arias. I am positive I would love it.”

“I have a box.” His chest looked as if it had grown larger. “Perhaps if I made up a party, you would be willing to join it.”

He glanced down at her as she looked up at him. He seemed so nervous. “I would have to ask Grace.”

“Yes, of course.” He sounded flustered. “Shall I send the proposed details to Stanwood House?”

Merton's behavior became stiffer. Perhaps he
was
a little shy. She nodded. “Please do.”

They had reached the point at which she and her friends had entered the Park. Charlotte and Louisa, walking a couple of steps away, stopped and waited.

Dotty gazed up at Merton's deep blue eyes. “I must go home now.”

“Yes, of course,” he said, but he did not let go of her hand. “Perhaps I'll see you tomorrow, Miss Stern?”

Dotty wanted to sigh when he kissed her fingers. “I shall look forward to it, my lord.”

He bowed again. She joined her friends, refusing to look back to see if he was still there.

“I wouldn't have believed it.” Louisa stared at Merton as he made his way down Rotten Row.

“Believed what?” Dotty asked.

Louisa grinned wickedly. “I think Merton is taken with you. What a surprise he is going to have.”

Dotty shook her head. She was very attracted to him, yet it was much too soon to think of anything between them. Nevertheless, her heart gave a little flutter. “I do not understand you. We barely know each other. And what if he is? Even if he did propose, I would not accept him solely because he is a peer. Any man I marry must have principles and believe in the same values I do, and we must be in love.”

Charlotte chimed in. “Dotty and I have discussed the type of marriages we both wanted for years now. I can assure you, she is quite set in her beliefs.”

Louisa's grin widened. “Exactly.”

* * *

As Merton strolled off, he resisted the urge to glance back at Miss Stern. He congratulated himself that their conversation had gone extremely well. He would invite her and his mother and . . . his mind blanked. Who else could he ask? If he had only Miss Stern and his mother in the party, it would be too singular. If he included Louisa and Lady Charlotte, he would have to invite two other gentlemen to keep the numbers even. Yet the only two he knew well were Alvanley and Fotherby. That would be a disaster of major proportions even if Worthington could be convinced to allow his sisters to attend. Alvanley spouted all the nonsense the Prince Regent did, and Fotherby thought of nothing but trying to distinguish himself in the most outlandish costumes. Charlotte was well behaved enough to put up with Fotherby, but Louisa would argue with Alvanley the entire evening. Dom considered every mix of people he knew, but couldn't come up with either the right numbers or the right persons to make up his party.