The change in subject gave Thel enough time to recover himself, and in doing so, he realized why Olivia had stepped in.
Confidence radiated off Dawson in waves. He was not perturbed by the less-than-gracious reception.
Then it hit him. It was as Olivia had warned. If he disapproved overtly, Dawson would become the victim and elicit sympathy from Constance.
He had almost played into Dawson’s hands.
Thankfully, Dawson wasn’t looking so confident anymore. He frowned at Olivia. “I would not think it appropriate for a lady to engage in business matters.”
She waved her hand. “Where I choose to invest is of no concern to society.” She leaned forward. “I have significant funds I could dispense, given the right opportunity.”
Dawson’s eyes widened. “Indeed?”
That one small interaction told Thel everything he needed to know about Dawson’s relationship with money. This was not a man who was accustomed to wealth.
“Oh, Lady Allen!” Constance said. “John has agreed to wait until I am one-and-twenty to marry. Isn’t that wonderful?”
“How lovely,” Olivia said in a strangled voice.
Thel’s explosive response was stifled by Olivia stomping his foot. He tucked his hands behind his back and balled them into fists. Everything was happening too quickly. Constance had only attended half a dozen events, but she had already chosen her husband.
“‘Lovely’ is not precisely the word I would use,” he said.
Dawson leaned forward. “Do you disapprove, my lord? Your daughter and I are in love. Marriage is the natural consequence.”
Constance grinned. “Isn’t it wonderful, Father? I have found my true love.”
The sharp edges of the trap closed tightly around Thel’s heart. Everything Olivia had predicted was coming true. Constance clung to her inappropriate suitor tighter than a shipwreck survivor around a chunk of flotsam. The moment he made his displeasure known, he would lose her.
Dawson had won.
“I only meant that ‘lovely’ is not strong enough to express my delight,” Thel said, forcing the words out. “This is marvelous news. A spectacular turn of events.”
Dawson’s smile faltered. “Ah, yes, well.” He tugged at his collar then continued in a louder voice. “I must applaud your bravery, my lord. Few men would be comfortable associating with a woman who has such a”—he shot Olivia a triumphant look—“sordid past.”
The sudden change in tone and topic made Olivia’s jaw drop, but Thel was not similarly affected.
“Being a widow is not in the least scandalous,” Thel said. “Mr. Dawson, you must learn these things if you are to blend in with theton.”
The thunderous look on Dawson’s face nearly undid him.
Olivia flicked open her fan and used it to hide what was visible of her face behind her mask.
“A widow, perhaps,” Dawson said scathingly. “But only because he died before she could petition for divorce.”
Olivia gasped and clutched Thel’s arm. “How did—how dare you!”
“Let us not forget that these accusations are mere gossip,” Thel said loudly. “No proof has been levied against Lady Allen.”
Dawson inclined his head. “Of course. I apologize for my outburst. I am only concerned about the welfare of your daughter. I would not want any improper rumors to become attached to her.”
Thel’s rude response was lost in the opening notes of the orchestra. He clenched his hands and stepped forward, but Olivia held him back.
“Why are you doing this?” she asked Dawson.
“My dear Lady Allen.” He leaned in and whispered in her ear, “I’m giving you exactly what you deserve.” Then he swept Constance into his arms and merged into the flow of dancers.
Chapter 19
