When a Marquis Chooses a Bride (5 page)

He entered his house, giving his hat and cane to Paken. “Is her ladyship in?”

“Yes, my lord. I believe she is drinking tea in her parlor.”

Merton took the stairs two at a time, something he had not done since his youth when he'd been reprimanded for it by his uncle. A moment later, he burst into the parlor without knocking. “Mama.”

She turned, a shocked expression appeared on her face. “Dominic?”

Of course, he'd been too precipitant. “I'm terribly sorry, but I have a dilemma I cannot seem to solve.”

“My dear boy.” She patted the seat next to her. “Pray, what has got you so upset?”

“A lady. Well, rather a situation with a lady. I am trying to make up a party to the opera, and I can't seem to find the appropriate mix.”

“Indeed.” She seemed a little let down. “Perhaps I can help. You would not want to bring too much notice to her.”

“Exactly what I thought.” He did not like bothering his mother and made a habit not to do so, still the tension he'd been experiencing lessened.

“Have I heard of this lady?” Mama smoothed her skirts. “I mean, is she one of the ladies on your list?”

“No. I found none of them actually suit me. Her name is Miss Stern. She is residing with Worthington for the Season.”

“Oh, I see.” His mother blinked. “Or rather I shall.”

“What do you mean?” Dom shook his head trying to clear it. His mother wasn't usually so obtuse.

“I shall meet her on the night of the opera, of course, if not before. You must ask her to dine with us. In the meantime, I will put my mind to who else should be invited.”

He felt as if a weight had been removed from his shoulders. There was nothing to worry about after all, and he had been right in asking his mother. “Thank you. Do you plan to attend Almack's this evening?”

“Why, yes, if you would like to escort me. Shall we leave at nine?”

Dom smiled as his mother handed him a cup of tea. “If you wish.”

Almack's would give him the opportunity to see Miss Stern in a neutral setting. He would quite like to dance with her, perhaps even a waltz. His uncle hadn't approved of the German dance, but Dom enjoyed it; at least he would with Miss Stern.

Chapter Five

As Dotty clasped the single strand of pearls around her neck she looked to Grace for approval.

“Very nice,” she said. “Just the thing for Almack's. Remember, you may not waltz until one of the Patronesses approves you.”

“How will I know who they are?” Her mother had impressed upon Dotty how important it was to make a good impression at the exclusive assembly. The ladies in charge made exceptions for no one. Even the Duke of Wellington had been denied entrance when he failed to wear knee breeches. Normally, Dotty did not have a nervous disposition, but the name
Almack's
made her tremble in her beaded satin slippers.

Grace smiled. “There is no reason to be concerned. You will be with either Louisa's mama or me until a gentleman is recommended to you as a partner.”

A man had to
want
to dance with her? Dotty paled in earnest. “But, aside from Matt, I have only met three gentlemen.”

“Goose.” Grace laughed. “You have never been at a loss for partners. When it comes to the male sex, the ones in London are really no different than at home. Oh, to be sure, they have a bit of Town bronze, but a beautiful girl is a beautiful girl whether in the country or in London.”

That made Dotty feel better. She forced her lips into a smile. “Thank you.”

Grace put her arm around Dotty's shoulders. “Come. We must be leaving soon. Let's see how Charlotte and Louisa are faring.”

They joined the others in the Young Ladies' Parlor.

“Oh, Dotty, you are so beautiful,” Charlotte said. “I wish I could wear white.”

“Me, too,” Louisa agreed. “I think it is so elegant.”

“But I could never wear that shade of pink,” Dotty said to Louisa before addressing Charlotte. “Or green at all.”

“You girls look lovely indeed.” The Dowager Lady Worthington grinned as she made shooing motions with her hands. “Now come along. It wouldn't do to arrive after all the gentlemen have made other dance commitments.”

Matt was in the hall when they descended the stairs. Yet his eyes were only for Grace. “Don't you look enchanting?”

Giving her hand to him, Grace gazed up at him. “I think the girls look very pretty.”

He glanced at them and groaned. “I'll be beating them off all evening.”

Dotty frowned. “Why would you want to fight anyone?”

“He's referring to the gentlemen.” Louisa laughed. “I, for one, would like to have more offers than dances available.”

Charlotte nodded. “Grace, you must make him behave and not scare off any of our potential suitors.”

Taking Matt's arm, Grace's lips tilted up. “I shall do my best. Fortunately, Almack's is quite strict in who it will allow to attend.”

They arrived about twenty minutes later. Once at the assembly rooms the doorman looked at their vouchers. Matt accompanied the ladies into the large rectangular room with long windows. A small balcony jutting out over the dance floor held the musicians. A few of the chairs arranged along the walls were filled with older ladies in colorful turbans decorated with feathers and birds. Though it was still early by
ton
standards, the rooms were filling quickly as any latecomers were turned away. Grace touched Dotty's elbow, guiding her to a group of chairs.

Charlotte and Louisa were claimed for the country dance beginning to form and Dotty prepared to take a seat next to Grace, when a gentleman came up and addressed Matt. “Worthington, may I be introduced?”

Matt grinned, clearly amused. “Miss Stern, may I introduce a friend, Mr. Featherington. Featherington, Miss Stern is a close neighbor of my wife's in the country.”

Mr. Featherington bowed and took the hand Dotty held out as she curtseyed. “My pleasure, Miss Stern. Will you join me for this dance?”

Dotty smiled. Grace was right; that had not been hard at all. “It would be my pleasure, Mr. Featherington.”

He led her to where the other couples were forming the set. She glanced around and wondered if she'd see Lord Merton here this evening and if he would ask her to stand up with him. Perhaps she could even waltz with him.

* * *

Dom escorted his mother and cousin to Almack's. After showing them to a group of chairs, he scanned the room. Worthington and his wife were present but Dom did not see any of the young ladies. Then a flash of shimmering white caught his eye. There she was, Miss Stern. He sucked in a breath as if he'd been hit by Gentleman Jackson himself and couldn't help but stare.

God, she was lovely. Dressed all in white with a simple strand of pearls, she was easily the most elegant woman in the room. When the pattern of the dance brought her closer he could make out the silver thread embroidered on her gown. That's where the shimmer came from.

“Dominic?”

He turned to his mother. “Yes?”

“Who is that young lady you're looking at so intently?”

“I am not doing any such thing.”

She raised a brow.

A flush rose in his neck. Thank God for cravats. “It is Miss Stern. The lady I told you about. I met her the other day at the Park. Nevertheless, I am not watching her. That would be unseemly.”

His mother's lips twitched slightly. “What do you know of her?”

That was a question he hadn't even asked himself. Somehow it had not been important. “As I said before, she is residing with Worthington for the Season. Some friend of Lady Charlotte's.”

“Well, she ought to be unexceptional then. I shall be pleased to make her acquaintance.”

Much to his annoyance, he found himself shuffling his feet. What the devil was wrong with him? “Mama, you don't expect me to introduce her?”

Why had he said that when he had asked his mother to form the opera party? Naturally, she would expect to have Miss Stern presented to her. He wasn't making any sense, even to himself.

Mama's eyes started to sparkle in a way he'd never noticed before. “Could you procure Matilda and me glasses of lemonade, my dear?”

“My pleasure.” He was glad to have something to do, besides stare at Miss Stern. As he made his way to the refreshment table, he wondered if she had been approved for the waltz and strode toward Countess Esterhazy.

“My lady.” He bowed over her hand. They made small talk for a few minutes, before he judged it safe to ask his question. “There is a young lady, a Miss Stern who has arrived with Lord and Lady Worthington. Can you tell me if she is allowed to waltz?”

Lady Esterhazy gave Dom a curious look. “Not yet.”

He resisted a strange urge to run a finger between his neck and cravat and wondered how it would be taken if he requested Miss Stern be given permission. It might look too singular. He bowed again. “I see. Thank you.”

He was about to turn away when she placed her hand on his arm. “I am happy to perform the introduction, if you would like.”

Well, as long as the countess offered, it would be rude to refuse. He would not wish to harm Miss Stern's reputation by not dancing with her. “You are very kind.”

Countess Esterhazy raised a brow. “I am rarely accused of that, but I will forgive you. Meet me at the end of this set.”

He bowed for the third time. “Thank you, my lady.”

Resuming his way to the refreshment table, his steps were lighter. Dom shook off any thoughts that he was singling Miss Stern out. He was simply going to be the first gentleman to waltz with her. Someone had to be. Why not him? He hadn't been this pleased since he'd popped his first hit against Jackson.

* * *

Dotty curtseyed to Mr. Featherington when the dance ended, and he escorted her back to Grace.

“Miss Stern, may I fetch you a glass of lemonade or orgeat?”

She smiled. This was all going so well. “Lemonade, please.”

Charlotte and Louisa returned and their escorts also offered to fetch drinks.

“How do you like it so far?” Charlotte asked.

Dotty tamped down her excitement. “Very much.”

“Most of the gentlemen complain that it's dull.”

That was surprising. “But why?”

“Because they cannot play cards or drink wine or other spirits,” Louisa replied. “I am glad. It makes them dance more often.”

Dotty drew her brows together slightly. “Speaking of dancing, I wonder when I shall be allowed to waltz.”

As she spoke, Charlotte's lips formed an “O.” “I don't think you'll have to wait long at all.”

Dotty turned in the direction her friend was gazing. Merton and a young matron with an elaborate headdress were coming toward them. “Who is the lady?”

Charlotte answered. “Countess Esterhazy, one of the Patronesses. Her husband is the Russian ambassador.”

“Oh.” Dotty glanced at Grace, who smiled and nodded encouragingly. By the time Dotty looked again, Charlotte and Louisa were curtseying. Hastily, Dotty did the same.

“Miss Stern?” the countess asked.

“Yes, my lady.”

“May I recommend to you the Marquis of Merton as an acceptable partner.” It was phrased as a question, but was not.

“Thank you, my lady.”

Merton bowed. His hair seemed to turn gold under the many candles in crystal chandeliers.

The violins started the prelude to the set, and he offered his arm. “Miss Stern, if I may?”

Dotty let out the breath she'd been holding. “Thank you, my lord.”

The touch of his hand, even through their gloves, was electric. When she glanced up, his deep blue eyes, the color of twilight, sparkled, as if he had just accomplished a difficult task.

He smiled as they took their places. Merton really was very handsome.

“Miss Stern, may I say you are the loveliest lady here this evening.”

And charming. Was it proper to compliment a gentleman as well? “Thank you. You are extremely elegant.”

His eyes seemed to warm. “Thank you.”

He twirled her around the room as if she was on air. Despite everything she had been told, to her Merton was a very kind man. Louisa and Charlotte had to be wrong about him.

Dom didn't think he had ever danced with a lady of such poise. She fitted perfectly in his arms. As if he was holding a feather. Her laugh was like a tinkling of bells, and he did not think she found him amusing solely because he was a marquis. “May I take you for a ride in my curricle tomorrow?”

She glanced down shyly for a moment before raising her gaze to his. “If Grace has no objections, I accept.”

He hid his groan. Worthington would make him suffer for this. Yet it couldn't be helped. He had to see her again. “Then I shall apply to her.”

“No.” Miss Stern lifted her chin. “I shall do it.”

She was not at all like Miss Turley or any of the other ladies he'd been thinking of marrying. They had preferred that he talk to their parents. Yet, perhaps it was because Miss Stern knew about the estrangement with his cousin, and was trying to save him from having to approach Worthington.

By the end of the set, when he returned her to his cousin, Merton would have done almost anything for another waltz. Yet he knew very well what a catch he was and that would bring too much attention to her.

She took Grace aside and spoke in a voice too low for him to hear, then turned back to him. “Please come for me at five tomorrow.”

He slowly let out a breath he had not realized he was holding. “Until then.”

As he was strolling toward his mother, Alvanley stopped him. “How is the wife hunting going?”

Merton struggled not to glance back at Miss Stern. “Slowly.”

“Well if you plan to get married this Season, you should stop wasting waltzes on squires' daughters.” His friend stopped to take a pinch of snuff from his enameled box. “Care to try my new sort?”

Dom took the box and inhaled. “Too much Macouba.”

Miss Stern was a baronet's daughter? He never thought to even ask, though who he could have gotten the information from he did not know. What else did his friend know?

“Though I suppose,” Alvanley continued, “you were forced to dance with her due to your relationship with your cousin.”

Merton raised a brow indicating his friend should continue.

“Old family. Had the property for centuries.”

The hairs on his neck prickled. Surely Alvanley was not interested in . . . “Indeed, why did you think to inquire?”

“Good-looking chit. Thought if her dowry made it worth the while I'd give it a go.”

“And does it?”

“No, just barely respectable. Not enough to tempt me to put on a leg shackle.”

God, Dom was holding his breath a lot tonight. He needed to find someone else to dance with so as not to make his dance with Miss Stern appear remarkable. “I see Lady Mary. I think I'll ask her to join me in this set.”

Alvanley bowed. “Good hunting.”

He did ask Lady Mary to dance and Lady Jane. He avoided Miss Turley, even though her stare bore holes into him. Finally he decided it would be churlish not to stand up with her. He bowed. “May I have the honor of this dance?”

She smiled politely, but her blue eyes were hard as ice. “Of course, my lord. Such a good thing you waited until the evening was almost over, I would have had to refuse you earlier.”

“Then it is my good fortune to find you free.” He returned her smile. It was a dashed good thing he'd already decided not to marry her, else he'd probably not have discovered what a cat she was until it was too late.

After the set he returned her to her cousin. “I must go to my mother. She will wish to depart soon. I bid you a good evening.”