Dom took Dotty’s arm and accompanied her into the corridor where the butler stood ready to announce the first names.
As they reached Grandmamma, she leaned slightly toward Dom. “You’re becoming more like your father every day.”
Dotty held her breath, but for the first time, Dom responded easily, “Yes. Yes, I am.”
Not a quarter hour later, Lady Fotherby was announced. She curtseyed, then held her hands out to Grandmamma. “It’s so good to see you again, Your Grace.”
“You, as well, Catherine. I trust our little problem has been dealt with?”
“Yes, indeed.” Lady Fotherby’s eyes narrowed slightly. “Thank you for allowing me to handle it. You may rest assured my son will not be allowed off the estate until he has learned his duties.”
Grandmamma bussed her ladyship’s cheek. “I knew it was the right decision when my granddaughter suggested it.” She motioned to Dotty. “This is my granddaughter, Miss Dorothea Stern. I believe you are already acquainted with Lord Merton.”
“You will make a fine marchioness.” Lady Fotherby smiled at Dotty. “My lord, congratulations on your good fortune.”
Dom bowed, then placed his hand on the small of her back. “Thank you. I certainly have good fortune on my side.”
An inward glow started in her stomach and spread through her body, and she could not wait to begin their married lives.
Dom led Thea out for the first dance, which was fortunately a waltz. From the start, he held her closer than he ever had before. Years of worry over how he should behave fell away as he gazed into her brilliant green eyes. It was all he could do not to drag her off and find someplace to be alone with her. Fortunately, the ball was a crush, and there were so many couples on the dance floor that, during the turn, he was able to draw her against him. She moaned lightly as his leg moved between hers. “I need you.”
Desire lurked in her eyes as she gazed up at him. “Yes.”
That one word almost sent him over the edge. His member was harder than it had ever been. If he didn’t make love to her soon, he’d go out of his mind. Why the hell hadn’t he thought to reserve a chamber? Still, there must be somewhere they could go.
The set ended, and no sooner had they reached the side of the ballroom, Louisa, Charlotte, Miss Featherington, and another young lady descended upon them.
“Dotty.” Charlotte took her arm. “You must come with us for a moment.”
She cast him a chagrined look. “I won’t be long.”
His cousin and Miss Featherington giggled as they spirited her away from him. They must have planned it. He leaned against a pillar. If this was how the evening was to go, he may as well not even be here. A glass of champagne was pressed into his hand.
“Hide behind the plant.” Matt took a sip of wine. “If you’re caught not doing the pretty, one of the ladies will put you to work.”
Dom gulped half his drink. “What about you?”
His cousin gave a sly smile. “I’m married and a chaperone.”
“I’m betrothed. That ought to count for something.”
“Only if you keep your lady next to you.”
From the corner of his eye, he caught the sight of Lady Bellamny coming like a galleon in full sail toward him. “Damn. Which way did Thea go?”
“Across the room where the tall redhead is. I’ll try to detain Lady Bellamny until you’re away.”
Nodding, Dom slipped behind the large potted palm. He circumnavigated the room until he stood behind Thea. He didn’t know how she knew he was there, but she glanced over her shoulder and her face lit up.
“My lord, you are just in time to take a promenade with me.”
He bowed. “My pleasure, Miss Stern.” The other ladies giggled as they strolled off. “That is the last time I am letting you out of my sight this evening.”
Her eyes widened. “Why? What happened?”
He steered them slowly but purposefully toward the terrace doors. “I made my escape as Lady Bellamny was bearing down upon me.”
“Oh that”—her voice trembled suspiciously, as if she was trying not to laugh—“must have been dreadful.”
