After she was settled, the housekeeper handed her one of the lists.
“Most of this one is just what you’d expect,” Mrs. Sorley said. “Now the one her ladyship has is hangings and curtains.”
Lady Merton gave Dotty the paper. “You will have a free hand in decorating. Do not think you will hurt my feelings if you want to make changes. Most of it hasn’t been changed since my late mother-in-law’s time. Dom’s papa and I spent more time at Merton Hall than in Town.”
It took much longer than Dotty had thought to inspect the large old town house. By the time they’d finished and discussed new fabrics, it was time for her to return to Stanwood House. She hadn’t had any time alone with Lady Merton to ask her questions.
Dom arrived home as Dotty waited for the coach to be brought round. He grinned and kissed her on the cheek. “I’m glad you’re still here. Come with me.” He ushered her into a rarely used front parlor and drew a small package from his waistcoat pocket. “This took longer than I expected, but it is finally ready.”
Dotty waited until he opened the wrapping.
He took her right hand. “This was the one I thought you would like best.” The ring he slipped on her finger was a wide gold band, set with a large square emerald in the center and studded with smaller emeralds on each side. “Tell me if I was right.”
She held out her hand. The center stone caught a ray of afternoon light coming through the window and blazed. “You were exactly right. I love it.”
He wrapped his arms around her, drawing her close to him. As she tilted her head back to gaze into his eyes, his lips covered hers. Their tongues danced and stroked, causing flames to flicker through her body. She worked her hand under his coat and caressed his strong back. If only there was a way for them to be alone together. Perhaps, when her parents arrived, she could convince him they need not wait for their wedding night.
* * *
That evening Dotty received a hand-delivered note from her grandmother.
My dearest Thea,
I have arrived. I shall expect you tomorrow at three o’clock at the Pulteney.
Much love,
Grandmamma
The Pulteney was every bit as opulent as Dotty had heard. She was escorted over thick Turkey carpets that muffled her steps to a room with royal blue velvet drapes pulled back with gold cords, allowing the afternoon sun to warm the chamber.
“Grandmamma!” Dotty rushed forward to hug the stately woman seated next to a gilt-trimmed fireplace. Though her grandmother’s hair was pure silver, her eyebrows and lashes were still as black as her own.
“Thea!” Grandmamma gave Dotty a brisk kiss on each cheek before studying her. “You are the picture of a beautiful young woman. Tell me, have the gentlemen made up any silly names for you yet?”
Dotty grinned. “Louisa heard someone call us the Three Graces.”
Nodding approvingly, Grandmamma pointed to the stool in front of her. “Very apt, I’m sure. I’ve not seen Lady Louisa, of course, but if she’s got any of her mother’s beauty, she’ll do well indeed. I’m told Charlotte is even lovelier than she was as a girl.”
Sinking onto the stool, Dotty took her grandmother’s still-strong, capable hands. “Yes. They are both very beautiful and dear friends.”
Grandmamma was quiet for a moment. “I received a letter from your mother that you are betrothed to Merton. She seems to think that there is a chance you will end up with a love match. I must say, the reports I have heard belie her opinion. However, you must tell me if it is true. Can you love him and more importantly, will he love you? No matter what has occurred, I refuse to allow you to wed a man who will not make you happy.”
One of the best things about Grandmamma was one could tell her anything. Dotty related how Dom had helped her rescue the cats and Tom, about the brothel and, with a warm face, about the kisses.
At the end of her story, she frowned. “The only thing that bothers me is the minute he realizes he’s having fun, he stops. I truly do not know what to do. Until you came to Town, I’ve had no one to confide in.”
Drawing her brows together, her grandmother looked thoughtful for several moments. “I’m glad to see he has something of his father in him. I did wonder if Lord Alasdair would drum it all out.”
If her grandmother knew about the family, it would be much better than asking Lady Merton. “What can you tell me about what happened to Merton as a child?”
Grandmamma smiled wistfully. “Your Merton’s father was a wild rogue. Up to every rig and row in Town. There wasn’t much he wouldn’t do for a lark, and he accomplished it all with such good-natured charm, everyone forgave him even his most outrageous stunts. Lord Alasdair was Merton’s complete opposite. How the two of them became friends I’ll never know. Their relations were stretched almost to the breaking point when Merton fell in love with Eunice, Dominic’s mother.”
A knock came on the door and a maid brought in tea. They moved to a table on the other side of the room. Once Dotty poured and added milk and sugar to the cups, she glanced at her grandmother. “What happened to cause the problems?”
Grandmamma took a sip then set down her cup. “Alasdair thought Merton would never be faithful to Eunice and didn’t want to see her heart broken. Yet Merton surprised everyone. He immediately gave his mistresses their congé.”
Dotty quickly swallowed tea. “He had more than one at a time?”
