Mama never came to the study. Dom kept his jaw from dropping, but couldn’t stop staring at her. Had everyone gone mad this Season?
She sat on the sofa and after pouring a glass of sherry for herself and brandy for him, smiled again. “You look out of sorts. Is there anything I can do to help?”
Taking the tumbler she handed him, he took a drink. He did want to talk with someone, but his uncle’s voice came back to him.
Don’t bother your mother, Merton. You’re the master now and must be strong for her. In fact, it might be better if she visited your aunt in Bath for a while.
“No. I’ll sort it out.”
She frowned slightly, then took a sip of sherry. “It has occurred to me that, perhaps, I left you too much to your uncle.”
His fingers tightened on the tumbler. “Why would you say that?”
“I do not think you and I are as close as we should be. Alasdair always seemed to know what was best, and after your father died, I was ill for a long time. Although lately, I have come to the conclusion that I should have taken more of an active role in your upbringing.”
“Hewasmy guardian.” And his uncle had been a force to be reckoned with. It would not have been easy for her to oppose him. In fact, Dom didn’t want to think about the problems that would have caused. “What are your plans this evening?”
“The Countess of Watford, an old friend of mine, is having a ball.”
Watford? Another Whig. What the devil was his mother up to? “Very well, nine o’clock?”
She rose. “Yes. Will you join me for dinner?”
He reviewed his alternatives. For some reason, his club didn’t hold the interest it once had. “It would be my pleasure.”
“I shall leave you to your work, but, Dominic, if you ever do need someone to speak with, I would be happy to lend an ear.”
He went to her and kissed her cheek. “Thank you, Mama.”
Once in the main hall, Eunice gave the order for a more regular tea to be served in her parlor.
As she opened the door, Matilda glanced up. “Well?”
Eunice felt like dancing a jig, but instead grinned. “He is definitely suffering. He ordered brandy to be brought to him. And he drank it, too.”
“Did he tell you what is bothering him?”
“No, unfortunately. Though I have a feeling it is Miss Stern. He took her driving again today.”
Matilda widened her eyes. “Did he? Well, that is good news indeed. Does that not make twice now?”
Eunice nodded. “Yes, and he will attend the Watford ball with us this evening.” Her skirts moved causing her to look down. The kitten, Camille, pawed the hem of Eunice’s gown. “Come, and I’ll hold you for a while.”
Crossing to her favorite chair, one in the French style with a wide seat and bolstered arms, she sat and patted her lap for the kitten to come up. “Grace assured me she will bring the girls, which means Miss Stern will be there as well.”
“If only Lord Worthington did not dislike Merton so much.”
“There is that.” Eunice stroked the cat. “Yet, to be fair, from Worthington’s point of view there is not muchtolike about Dominic.”
“Do you think Worthington will attempt to influence Miss Stern?”
“I am quite sure of it.” Eunice frowned. She must think of a way to counter his influence with the young lady if necessary. “Though in my opinion, if she decides she wants something, she will get it. I only pray she will want Dominic.”
* * *
After dinner with the children, Dotty and her friends repaired to their chambers to dress for the ball. Her gown for this evening was an ice pink trimmed with small flowers embroidered with seed pearls. She added the brightly painted fan she had bought that day and a reticule in the same color pink.
When she entered the parlor, Louisa, Charlotte, as well as their younger sisters, were present. The children, warned not to touch their sisters, exclaimed over the three of them.
