The corners of Lavvie’s lips trembled as she attempted a smile. “I was just getting a bit of air. The room seemed terribly close for a moment. I did not think to see you again this evening.”
“You wouldn’t have if Merton hadn’t caused such an uproar. The ball is ending. No one can bear to be the last to relay the happy tidings to anyone not present. I am off to my club.”
After Lord Manners left, her cousin gave Elizabeth a slow, wicked smile. Dear heavens. That was the same expression Lavvie had when coming up with the plan to trap Merton. What was she thinking of now, and how was Elizabeth to talk her out of it? Even if she told Lavvie the truth, she would be hard to stop.
Chapter Ten
By the time Dom reached the hall with Thea and his mother, the town coaches were waiting. He had been shocked then pleased when she’d taken control of the situation by ordering both him and his cousin to cease. She had determination and command that was rare in a woman her age and station.
He and Thea rode with his mother, telling her what had happened as they traveled the short distance to Berkeley Square.
“That was very brave of you, my dear.” His mother nodded approvingly. “Not many ladies would follow their conscience as you did.”
In a very few minutes they were all gathered in the Stanwood House drawing room where wine and brandy were served. No champagne, he noted. In fact, the only person who seemed willing to accept the possible marriage, other than Thea, was his mother. She’d had a wistful look on her face since she learned of the betrothal.
Once again, Thea had to explain what had occurred. Even after hearing her explanation Worthington still scowled. “I’ll kill him.”
“No. You. Will. Not.” Grace frowned heavily at him. “Merton must be betrothed to Dotty. It was not his fault, or hers.”
“If anyone is to blame,” Thea said, “it is the ladies who planned to trap him. Maybe I should not have tried to warn him, but what they wanted to do was wicked.”
A low growling sound emanated from Worthington but other than that, he remained silent.
Grace glanced at Dom. “Do you have any idea who it could have been?”
“Possibly Miss Turley.” He had known she wanted to marry him. Obviously, he had underestimated her determination. “Her cousin, Lady Manners, was with the group that came upon us. She was clearly surprised when she saw Miss Stern with me.”
“Then what happened to Miss Turley?” Thea asked.
“I saw her arguing with her brother,” Charlotte replied.
Dom’s mother leaned over and patted Thea’s hand. “It is a good thing Miss Stern intervened. I do not want Miss Turley for a daughter-in-law.”
He’d never in his life heard his mother say anything like that before. “Mama!”
“It is the truth.” She gave him an unrepentant look. “If the young lady is this deceitful now, what would she be like as a wife?”
“I do not want to believe Miss Turley could behave so badly.” Charlotte took a sip of wine. “Unless she was forced into it. Sheisvery biddable.”
“I do not think we have anything to worry about.” Louisa set her glass down. “After the Season is over, Dotty may call it off. By the time the Little Season comes around, the incident will be forgotten.”
Worthington rose and poured another brandy. “And that is exactly what will happen.”
Holding himself on a tight rein, Dom clenched his hands.
Not if I have anything to say about it.
His betrothal to Thea might not have been planned. He had been so conflicted over her, he did not even know if he would have asked her to marry him. Yet now that it was done, he knew to his bones she was exactly the woman he wanted to take as his wife.
To hell with his cousins and his uncle. All Dom had to do was convince Thea that he was the husband she wanted.
“I am afraid jilting Lord Merton will not be a possibility.”
They turned to the door where the Dowager Lady Worthington stood with Lady Bellamny. Age had clearly not lessened the older woman’s power in theton.
Lady Worthington focused on him and Thea before continuing. “I did not see what occurred between the two of you, and I doubt the story circling is true; nevertheless, there must be a wedding. We must avoid a scandal at all costs.”
“A month should do it.” Lady Bellamny nodded, her chins jiggling. “Don’t want it to appear rushed. Good thing you kept your wits about you, Merton. And you too, Miss Stern.”
