“No.” Worthington grinned. “Then again, I vote the way he would.”
Hound’s teeth. That must be where Thea got her ideas from. What else did she believe? Dom set his glass down. “I would like to see Miss Stern now.”
His cousin waved his hand in the direction of Stanwood House. “Be my guest. I have no idea if they are home.”
That was too much. A man should keep track of his women. “I’d think you would make it a point to know.”
“If you imagine,” Worthington said dryly, “I am going to drive myself to Bedlam trying to keep up with their schedules during the Season, you’ve gone mad. I go where I’m told and try to make myself useful the rest of the time. Or have you forgotten that Grace and I still have ten at home and her brother, Stanwood, at school.” He paused for a moment and took a sip of brandy. “Come to think of it, I believe I said good morning to your mother and her companion before I left the other house today.”
How was that possible? Dom had seen his mother earlier at breakfast. She hadn’t mentioned going out. “I shall stop by just in case.”
“Do as you please.” Worthington picked up his pen. “As soon as you sign the settlements, that is.”
Dom took the pen, scribbling his signature before leaving the room.
What was his mother doing? Not that he minded her spending time with Thea. In fact he should have suggested it. Still, Mama ought to have at least told him she was going out. What if he had needed her? He strode across the square and knocked on the door of Stanwood House, where Worthington’s family resided this year.
The door opened and the butler bowed.
“I would like to see Miss Stern.”
“I’m sorry, my lord. The ladies are not at home at present. Shall I tell her you called?”
He shook his head. “No. I’ll come by later.”
The butler bowed again. “As you wish, my lord.”
He glanced at his watch. It was too early for morning calls. Where the devil could they be? And why had no one informed him?
* * *
“Oh, Madame Lisette, it is lovely.” Dotty stared at her reflection in the mirrors surrounding the platform on which she stood being fitted. The pale blue silk ball gown covered with silver netting had a lower neckline than what was considered appropriate for ladies just coming out. The puffed sleeves and flounce near the hem were trimmed with tulle. She’d never had anything like it. The gown was the first outward indication that her whole life was about to change. Even after Dom’s kiss, their betrothal hadn’t seemed real.
“Oui, d’accord,”Madame said. “Moi,I think it will do nicely.”
“May I show the others?”
“Naturellement. I shall call them in.”
A minute later, Grace, Charlotte, Louisa, and Lady Merton entered the small room.
“Dotty, you look wonderful.” Charlotte practically breathed it out.
Grace smiled approvingly. “It’s perfect.”
“Splendid, my dear,” Lady Merton agreed. “If you do not have any appropriate jewels, I believe I have just the thing to wear with it.”
For a moment, Dotty was stunned by the offer. “I don’t know if I should.”
“Nonsense. You will be the Marchioness of Merton in a few weeks and all the family jewels will be yours.”
Dotty rubbed her brow, earning a rebuke from the seamstress making adjustments to the garment.
“If you like,” Lady Merton continued, “you may return them after the ball.”
Turning only her head, Dotty glanced at Grace. “When is the ball to be?”
“I received a letter from your mother this morning. She will be in Town by next Friday.” Grace laughed. “She had to promise the doctor she would not dance, and that she would stay off her leg as much as possible.”
