If Worthington hadn’t been glaring at Dom, he would have sighed with relief. This was a much better result. Dom would have his marriage with the woman he wanted and without all the dangerous emotions that would have attended a real courtship.
Unfortunately, the next thing he knew, Thea erupted. “I don’t understand. We did notdoanything. Our hands were clasped because I was trying to pull him back inside, but that was all.” She glanced at him. “Tell them.”
He did his best to give her a comforting look, but thankfully, Lady Bellamny spoke again.
“It doesn’t matter whatactuallyoccurred. We must deal with the perception.” Her countenance took on a stern demeanor. “I shall tell you, young lady. If Merton had not kept his head when those gossips came upon you, you would be facing ruin.”
Thea pulled part of her lower lip between her teeth, making him want to kiss her. “What—what are people saying?”
Lady Worthington came to Thea, taking her hands. “My dear, suffice it to say, it was more than what actually happened. We will make it right. Merton’s statement that he was proposing is also circling. Still, the betrothal must be announced, a ball planned, and a wedding date set.”
More reluctantly than Dom liked, Thea nodded. “I understand.”
Lady Bellamny lowered her bulk onto the chair next to his betrothed. “Notice has been taken of Merton’s interest in you and yours in return. Many a successful marriage has begun with less.”
Thea glanced at him, uncertainly, but resolved. “Very well. I agree we shall marry in one month’s time.”
He sucked in a slow breath and realized how frightened he had been she would refuse. “I shall make immediate plans to visit your father.”
Matt lounged back on the sofa next to Grace, a slow smile forming on his lips. “No need for that, Merton,” he drawled. “Sir Henry has given me his power of attorney to negotiate the settlement agreements.”
By Jove’s beard!Worthington would put Dom through hell just for the fun of it. He could have easily taken a swing at his cousin, but this was no time to lose his temper. After all, he was getting Thea, and there wasn’t anything his cousin could do about it. He inclined his head. “Very well. Send me a draft when you have it ready.”
“You’ll have it in a day or two. I will notify you when we have been told where Sir Henry wants the ceremony held.”
It seemed Worthington was going to make everything as difficult as possible. Dom’s jaw clenched. “I would prefer it to be either St. George’s or the chapel at Merton.”
Thea rose, placing her fingers on Dom’s arm. “I don’t know if my mother will be ready to travel. You do remember she has a broken leg.”
It wasn’t what he wanted, but he covered her hand with his. “I’m sorry, my dear, I’d forgotten. We shall marry wherever your father wishes.”
Lady Bellamny frowned. “If your mother can make the trip to Town, St. George’s would be the best site.”
“I shall write Lady Stern.” Grace’s lips pursed in thought. “We shall send one of our traveling coaches. The seats make into beds and it is well sprung. She’ll have a comfortable ride.”
Dom gave a slight bow. “I shall leave the arrangements to you ladies. At the moment, I would like to speak with Miss Stern alone.”
He almost grinned when Worthington scowled again.
Despite everything, her lips curved in a tentative smile, and his heart seemed to stop.
He closed his fingers possessively around hers. “We shall be back in a few minutes.”
Relative silence greeted Merton’s words. Matt, Charlotte, and Louisa frowned. Lady Merton, who had been very quiet, nodded encouragingly. The Dowager Lady Worthington and Lady Bellamny, who were speaking quietly with Grace, didn’t even glance up.
Dotty led Merton to a front parlor, and a footman hurried in to light the candles.
Once she and Merton were alone and the door had been closed, she turned to face her betrothed. His arms went around her and his throat worked as if he was having trouble swallowing. Finally, he said, “I shall do my best to make you a good husband.”
“I’m so sorry.” Tears pricked Dotty’s eyes, and she blinked them back. “If only I had let well enough alone you would not be in this mess.”
He stroked her cheek with the pad of his thumb. She was surprised to find it slightly calloused.
“And I would be marrying Miss Turley instead of you.”
Which is what he probably wanted. He had already been considering Miss Turley. Why had she involved herself? “But—”
“No.” He stopped her before she could continue. “I am glad it is you, Thea.”
