“‘Unhappy’ is not having enough money to live on. At least your portion is safe.”
“Yes, it is a good thing my grandfather had the sense not to allow my father to handle it. I wish I could marry for love.” Elizabeth blinked, keeping the tears at bay. “Still, I have an obligation to my family. We need to think of something and fast.”
“You aren’t the only one who has had to sacrifice.”
Elizabeth nodded. Lavvie had been made to marry a man that ignored her for the most part then blamed her for not giving him an heir.
“Enough of that,” she said bracingly. “What’s done is done.” She moved to rap her feathered fan against one hand. “Let me think about it. I am sure to come up with a scheme.”
Elizabeth pressed her lips into a thin line. Sometimes her cousin’s plans were not the best, yet what choice did she have? “As long as it does not ruin my reputation in the process.”
* * *
After Lord Merton left, Dotty danced every set. Finally footsore, she rejoined Grace and the others. “What a wonderful evening this has been.”
Louisa smiled and Charlotte said, “You are a success. I wonder if the gentlemen will think of a silly name for us.”
Louisa cocked her head to the side. “What do you mean?”
Dotty laughed. “Last year in our home county, Charlotte and I were dubbed Sun and Moon.”
“Ah”—Louisa’s eyes brimmed with laughter—“I understand. Well, I would love it if they thought of something for the three of us.”
Behind them Matt made a growling sound. Charlotte and Louisa started to giggle. He was so protective. It really was very funny.
“He’s never going to make it through the Season at this rate.” Grace took his arm. “Come, my love. There is a brandy waiting for you in the drawing room.”
In fact, wine, biscuits, fruit, cheese, and brandy awaited when they returned home.
Louisa took a glass of wine and fell on the biscuits. “I am famished. There is nothing but bread and butter at Almack’s.”
“It has always been that way.” Grace dipped her spoon into a roll of Stilton. “Which is the reason for this. I do not know how one can expect to dance all evening without nourishment.”
Dotty ate a few strawberries and a soft white cheese. “I agree. I am ravenous.”
“We may have to add some bread and meat,” Matt said, getting up.
After their hunger was assuaged, Dotty, Louisa, and Charlotte went upstairs to their parlor. Tears of joy suddenly pricked the back of Dotty’s lids. Being here with Charlotte was everything she’d hoped it would be. It did not even matter that Merton had ignored her the rest of the evening. “I am so happy I’m here.”
Charlotte hugged her. “I’m glad, too. The Season would not have been the same without you.”
“I agree.” Louisa opened the door. “The three of us will have so much fun.”
Dotty took a seat on the sofa as she reviewed the evening. Lord Harrington had stood up twice with Charlotte. Lord Bentley asked Louisa several times, but her dance card had been full. She confided in Dotty that even if it had not been, she would not stand up with him more than once.
Still, Dotty was impressed. “It looks as if the two of you have already made conquests.”
Louisa plopped down on a chair. “Please do not say that. Lord Bentley is very kind, but I feel nothing for him other than friendship.”
“Poor Bentley.” Always softhearted, Charlotte pulled a face. “You will break his heart.”
“I don’t want to do that. If only he would take my hints.” Louisa sighed. “Being too direct with him would be like kicking a puppy.”
“Perhaps we can come up with something,” Dotty said. “Charlotte, what about you? Do you wish Lord Harrington would take himself off?”
“No.” She smiled softly. “As I said before, it is early days yet, but I think I may have found my match.”
A few moments later, Dotty yawned. “I am for my bed. I shall see you in the morning.”
