She was tempted to shake it off as a bird or squirrel, but it couldn’t have been an animal. “I think someone may have been watching us.”
He glanced around. “Let’s get you home.”
Dotty nodded and continued on, walking with the long strides she used in the country.
Not many minutes later they rounded the corner into Berkeley Square. “Come, I’ll treat you to an ice.”
Fred’s face turned a deep red. “Miss, really I couldn’t. It wouldn’t be—”
“Keep an eye out for anyone following us.”
“Ah, right, miss. I’m sorry, but why would anyone be following you?”
“When we went to Mrs. White’s, Lord Merton used his name. I am not so naïve as to think there might not be repercussions. You must agree that it would not do to lead anyone to Stanwood House.”
The footman tapped the side of his nose. “Very canny you are, miss.”
She hoped Matt had hired the footmen for their brains as well as their brawn. Slowing to a stroll, she walked to the far end of the square and ordered ices.
“Miss Stern?” Miss Featherington waved at her from a table not far from the window. “Come join us, won’t you?”
Dotty greeted the younger woman and her mother, Lady Featherington, who was busy going through a list. “Thank you. I am sorry, but I cannot stay long.”
“I understand perfectly.” Miss Featherington smiled. She was the opposite of her more taciturn older brother. “I just wanted to tell you that Mama received the invitation from your grandmother for her ball. I am so excited. I’ve never been to the Pulteney.”
A ball? When had Grandmamma decided to host a ball?
In an attempt to cover her surprise, Dotty busied herself removing her gloves. “It is my grandmother’s favorite place to stay when she’s in Town.”
“You appear very calm. I would be frantic if a ball was being held in my honor only two days before my wedding.”
She took a spoonful of the ice. “Oh no,” she said with perfect truthfulness now that she had gotten over the initial shock. “I’ll have nothing to do with it you know. Grandmamma likes to take care of the details herself.” Or rather, her companion and secretary would oversee all the preparations. Yet, just once Dotty wished her grandmother would consult the person involved before planning an event. She glanced at Fred who stood outside the door, his attention captured by something or someone, and took the last bite of the ice. “Thank you again for asking me to sit with you, but I really must be going. Lady Worthington will wonder where I’ve got to.”
“Thank you for joining us,” Miss Featherington enthused. “I so look forward to the ball.”
Dotty rose and made her way to the door. Fred opened it for her. “Anything?”
“A young boy has been watching you from behind that big tree by the street. We might want to go to Worthington House first.”
Until Worthington House, which was situated directly across the square from Stanwood House, was livable for the family, Matt kept his only office there. He would be able to advise her.
“An excellent idea.” Pretending she had nowhere in particular to go, she weaved a path through the square, then to Worthington House.
The butler, Thornton, opened the door and escorted her to Matt’s study.
He rose as she entered. “To what do I owe this pleasure?”
“Oh, Matt.” Dotty sighed with relief. “I’ve gotten us all into a mess.”
He signaled for her to take one of the chairs in front of his massive partner’s desk. “Has this anything to do with Merton?”
“Only a little.” Sitting, she smoothed her skirts. “We had a disagreement and I left his house more than a little annoyed with him.”
“Do you mean to tell me he did not offer his coach?” Matt’s tone was dangerously calm, boding ill for his cousin.
“He did.” She bit her lip. Perhaps she’d been a little too hasty. “But I was so angry, I decided to walk.” She paused for a moment. “I was followed.” She told him about the boy who had been watching her. “Fred suggested we come here first.”
Matt tugged the bell pull; a few moments later Thornton answered. “My lord?”
