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?”
