“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 nameAlmack’smade 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 towantto 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 bytonstandards, 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.
