Suddenly, the fact that Dotty was actually going to Town hit her. “I really am going to have a Season!” She jumped up, rushed to her mother, and hugged her. “I wish you could be there as well.”
Mama patted Dotty’s back. “Yes, my dear. I wish I could go too, but Grace will take good care of you.”
“When shall we tell Papa of Grace’s offer?” What if her father refused to allow her to go? That would be horrible. “I’m not sure he will be as happy as we are.”
Her mother glanced briefly at the ceiling and let out a sigh of long-suffering. “If he had his way, you would not come out until you were at least twenty. He has gone somewhere. I left a message to have him attend me as soon as he returns.” She pushed herself up against the pillows. “We have no time to lose. There is so much to discuss. Polly,” Mama said to Dotty’s maid hovering in the door, “have the trunks brought down from the attic and start getting Miss Dotty’s clothes together.”
“Yes, your ladyship.”
Once the door closed, Mama leaned forward a little and lowered her voice. “Papa will dislike the idea of you going to London without me at first, but don’t worry, dear, I’ll talk him round.”
Dotty sat back down and folded her hands in her lap. They trembled a little with excitement. She was really going to be able to come out with her best friend in the whole world! “I should write to Charlotte and Grace to thank them.”
“Yes, after it is all settled.” Mama opened her pocketbook and wet the tip of the pencil with her tongue. “We must think of who will accompany you. Papa will not allow you to travel with only Polly to look after you. I believe Mrs. Parks said her sister was going to Town to visit a friend. I shall ask if she will look after you. After all, it will save her the trouble of booking and paying for another coach.”
Dotty nodded. “Yes, Mama. I believe Miss Brownly is leaving in a few days. She planned to take the mail.”
“Then she will be glad for a chance to ride in a private coach and break the journey at a good hostelry. Run along now and help Polly. I shall send for you after I have spoken with Papa.”
Dotty kissed her mother before running in a very unladylike fashion up the stairs to her room. Four trunks already stood open and her wardrobe cabinet was empty. She started folding the clothes she found on her bed. “Polly, I do hope Mama prevails.”
The maid paused to think for a moment. “I don’t think Sir Henry has a hope against her ladyship.” She gave a decisive nod. “She’ll get her way.”
Dotty smiled. Her mother usually did. “Still . . . I’ll feel much better when I know for sure that I’ll be going.”
* * *
Two hours later, Sir Henry Stern frowned at the letter in his hand as he ambled into his wife’s parlor. “This is from Lord Worthington. I suppose you have one from Grace.”
Lady Stern smiled. She loved her husband dearly, but there were times his self-sufficiency went too far. She had no intention of allowing him to spoil Dotty’s Season. “I do indeed. I do not think I have ever been so pleased for Dorothea. She and Charlotte have dreamed of their come out for years, and all the new gowns we bought for her . . . Well, I would hate for them to go to waste.”
Her husband appeared unconvinced. “Worthington promises to take care of Dotty as he would his sister Lady Louisa and Charlotte”—his scowl deepened—“but, Cordelia, we would be entrusting her to his care.In London. And we do not know him that well.”
“Henry”—Cordelia used her most patient tone—“we know Grace, and Worthington was perfectly amiable when she invited us to Stanwood Hall to dine during the few days they were here. He has a good reputation. Nothing smoky about him at all, as Harry would say.” Her husband’s lips folded together, and Cordelia rushed on. “Besides, Grace would not have trusted him withherbrothers and sisters if he were not a good man.”
“But looking after three young ladies?”
She almost laughed at the look of horror on his face.
“You forget Jane Carpenter, Grace’s cousin, is still with them, and the Dowager Lady Worthington as well. The girls will be well chaperoned, and Grace commented on Dotty’s good sense.”
“Yes, well.” He glanced at the missive and drew his brows together so that they touched. “As the Season is well under way, Lord Worthington asks for an immediate reply. I suppose I should write to him.”
Cordelia smiled again. “Does that mean you’ll allow Dorothea to go?”
A bit of humor entered her husband’s eyes. “I know you, my love. If I say no, I will never hear the end of it. You are every bit as determined as your mother. How do you propose Dotty make the journey?”
“You cannot complain about that, my dear. If we were not strong-willed, you and I would never have been allowed to marry.” Cordelia struggled to keep the triumph out of her voice. It was fortunate that the Sterns had been friends with the Carpenters for generations. “I shall make all the arrangements.”
“Very well, then. I know you’ll send Dotty off as soon as possible. I do want a word with her.”
“Of course, my love.” Cordelia tugged the bell pull and called for her daughter.
* * *
Dotty’s steps faltered as she entered Papa’s study. Her stomach lurched as she took in his grim countenance. He was not going to allow her to go to Town. She may as well make the best of it. Getting into a state would not help. She took a breath and readied herself for the bad news. “Yes?”
“Your father wishes to speak to you.” She whipped her head around, seeing her mother lying on a sofa. This must be important if Mama had had herself moved.
