He was right, and it probably wasn’t safe. Even though Dom had stationed footmen in the house, who knew what type of violence the criminals were capable of? Housing remained a problem. Although Dom’s steward had located a suitable-sized manor house near Richmond, it required renovations that were far from being complete. “We must move them.”
Dom’s gaze switched from the major to her. “With everyone in Town for the Season, there are no proper rentals to be had, and the landlords would be suspicious of a house full of young, comely, single ladies. They would have the exact impression we are trying to avoid.”
“There must be something we can do,” Lady Merton said. “Perhaps one of the country estates would do until the house is finished.”
Dotty glanced at the major. “How soon do we lose you?”
“With Boney loose, my assignment’s been put on hold, but chances are I shall be back on the Continent before too long. I don’t want to leave my wife on St. George Street when I leave.” He grinned suddenly. “A place in the country would suit me perfectly.”
Raking a hand through his already disheveled hair, Dom leaned back in his chair. “Let me talk to my steward and see what the most viable option is. Have you had any word of Tom’s father?”
“Nothing.” The major shook his head. “As you know, his expected date of return is in December. I sent a letter with the official post, but it is too soon for him to have received it. How’s the boy doing?”
That might be the only bright spot in this whole predicament. “Tom’s well and happy. He is taking lessons at Stanwood House and has a drawing master.” Dotty smiled as she thought of his joy in being with Matt and Grace’s brothers and sisters. “He has a great deal of talent.”
“Unfortunately,” Dom said, “we have had no luck contacting his grandfather, and when I drove by Viscount Cavanaugh’s town house yesterday afternoon, the knocker was off the door. I sent a letter to his estate, but have not heard from him.”
The major rubbed his chin thoughtfully. “Did you ever consider the lad might be better off remaining with you until his father returns?”
As if a candle had been snuffed out, Dom’s face went from genial to scowling. “I have a duty to return the boy to his family.”
The major folded his arms across his chest. “You still don’t know the reason Cavanaugh left his wife in Town alone. What if they take the boy and mistreat him?”
Dotty thought the major had a very good point. In fact, Tom would be much better off living at Merton House until his father returned.
“He is a peer of the realm.” Dom’s jaw clenched. “He would not mistreat a child. Aside from that, he has a duty toward his grandson.”
She stared at him, hardly able to believe what she had heard. This was not the man she was coming to love, but it was absolutely the one her friends disliked so much. Well, his mistaken beliefs could not go unchallenged. “Merton, you cannot seriously believe that? He has not done his duty thus far and, based on his past behavior, I do not trust him to do it now.”
“Thea,” he practically snapped, “you will leave Tom’s welfare to me.”
How could he be so pigheaded? And how dare he speak to her in that tone of voice and with the major present? Glaring at him, she rose. “Not if you plan to give him to people he does not know and who do not want him.”
His face shuttered, and she no longer knew what he was thinking. “We will discuss this later.”
He had never used that cold, hard tone with her before. Dotty’s chest heaved, her temper held by a rapidly fraying thread. “Very well.”
She turned and strode through the door.
“Thea, stop,” Dom commanded.
She’d had enough of his high-handed ignorance. Whirling, she pointed her finger at him. “No, you wait. You seem to think a peer can do no wrong. Open your eyes and take a look around you. Peers are just as likely to mistreat their wives, and children, and dependents as anyone else. I have had enough.”
“Remain where you are. I shall escort you to Berkeley Square.”
“Do not bother. I need the walk.” She bit her lip and left the study. Unable to get away from him fast enough, she strode rapidly down the corridor, stopping before entering the hall. She took a deep breath, assumed a polite smile, entered the hall, and called for her footman.
Fred arrived in just moments. “Is there anything wrong, miss? I thought you were staying for luncheon?”
“There has been a change of plans.” She finished buttoning her spencer and addressed Paken. “Could you please have some of Master Tom’s clothing sent to Stanwood House? He will be staying there for a few days.”
The butler bowed. “Yes, miss. Would you like a carriage called?”
“No, thank you, Paken. The air will do me good.” Lots of fresh air and a chance to work off her anger.
She walked quickly down Brook Street, turned on to Carlos Place, and from the corner of her eye, caught something move swiftly away. The back of her neck prickled, as if someone was watching her. Slowing, she turned, surveying the area, but no one was there. “Fred, did you see anything?”
“No, miss. Why?”
