“Have Fred go to the stables and describe the lad to the grooms. If they can get a hold of the child, I want him brought here.” He looked at Dotty. “Go with Fred. I’ll have you driven around to the back of Stanwood House. There will be no more walking between here and Merton House until we sort this all out.”
At least she was not in trouble. “I understand. Thank you.”
Matt’s lips twisted into a wry smile. “Don’t blame yourself too much. I expected something of the sort might occur. If we’re lucky, we shall discover who wants what and with whom.”
“If they are using a child, perhaps it’s the same group who took Tom.”
“That is possible, but many gangs use children for all sorts of things.” Placing his elbows on the desk, he steepled his fingers. “Dotty, about you and Merton.”
She pulled her bottom lip between her teeth. “Yes?”
“If you want to call it off . . .”
Tears gathered at the back of her eyes, and her throat closed painfully. “And truly create the largest scandal of the Season?”
“We can delay the wedding. Your mother’s health could be used as a reason.”
After this morning, part of her wanted to grab at the chance of more time, yet her heart ached at the thought. Surely there was a way to make Dom see how wrong he was, and if she didn’t do it, who would? “I’ll give it some thought.”
* * *
Dom stared after Thea as she strode down the corridor. He started after her, then felt his mother’s hand on his arm.
“She is very angry right now, my dear. Give her time to calm herself.”
He stabbed his fingers through his hair, again. He had never done that before he met Thea. Oh God. What if she jilted him? That didn’t even bear thinking of. “If only she wasn’t so stubborn.”
“Dominic.” His mother’s brows drew together. “In my opinion, she was correct in her thinking. You shall have to apologize to her.”
His jaw dropped. “Me? Apologize?”
“Indeed.”
He turned to Horton still propped up against the mantel.
The major shook his head. “Don’t look at me for help. I agree with her ladyship and Miss Stern.” He straightened. “I must get back and assure the ladies you are searching for another house.” As he passed by Dom on his way to the door, he grinned. “Don’t worry too much about your betrothed. It’s clear the two of you are in love. A little groveling on your part will help matters considerably and flowers wouldn’t hurt as well.”
Horton entered the corridor whistling.
“Very good advice,” Mama said as she rose and followed the major.
“Hell and damnation!” Dom swore softly as he crossed to his steward’s office. “Which of my estates would be an appropriate place for the ladies and Major Horton to reside until the renovations on the Richmond house are completed?”
Jacobs tapped his fingers on the desk for several moments. “There is the one near Oxford.”
Dom shook his head. “Too near the university.”
“St. Albans?”
“Find the information. It’s been a long time since I’ve seen the property.”
Dom took a seat as Jacobs set the file in front of him.
“Twenty bedchambers, my lord. Sufficient parlors. A nice park and gardens for them to walk in.”
“Do you think it is far enough in the country to limit any talk?”
“My lord, we’ll have to hire more servants than are there now. Before the ladies arrive, we could put it about that they are war widows and wives of deployed military officers.” Jacobs gave one of his rare smiles. “I’ll write the couple in charge of the house telling them of your new charitable endeavor.”
