“Indeed you are.” If she thought he actually knew what he was doing, she would have been more than gratified. Yet, he swayed a little as he stood before her. She suspected it was the brandy talking, and wanted to roll her eyes. She stepped back, further onto the terrace, and he followed.
At present, she must find a way of making him leave the ball before he caused a scandal. Otherwise, Miss Smyth would have the prestige of the Marquis of Merton making a figure of himself. Nothing was more likely to ensure the success of her ball.
She caught Lady Merton’s eye. “One dance.”
Her ladyship nodded. “I shall go back inside. Follow as soon as you are able.”
“Find Grace,” Dotty mouthed before bringing her attention back to Dom. With luck, the fresh air would do him good. “Let us stroll for a bit.”
Tucking her hand in the crook of his arm, she kept him in the light of the ballroom and far away from any shadows. The Lord only knew what mischief he would get up to in his present state. In a few moments, he began slowing and leaning heavily on her.
“Dorothea?” His mother’s steps grew near.
“I need some help.”
“Here.” Matt appeared, taking Dom’s other arm. The silly man merely blinked and grinned.
Shaking his head, Matt guided them through a parlor, down a set of narrow stairs, then to the main hall.
“You must know the house well.” She allowed the butler to place her cloak over her shoulders.
“I had to sneak out of it once upon a time.”
A few minutes later, Dotty and Lady Merton sat facing the front of the coach with Matt and Dom across from them. The outer coach lanterns cast just enough light for her to be able to make out his features.
Lady Merton gave a small sniff.
Dom lurched forward and would have fallen if his cousin hadn’t steadied him. “Mama, are you all right?”
She waved her hand a bit, but her voice wobbled. “Yes, dear, I’m fine.”
He sat back, but a moment later mumbled, “Must take care of you.”
Suddenly more alert, she stared at him. “What did you say?”
“Nothing. Mustn’t bother you. I’m Merton now.” Dom looked at his mother and frowned. “You don’t want to go to Bath again, do you?”
Lady Merton’s brows drew together. “No, dear. Why do you ask?”
“Uncle said it’s better for you to be in Bath. No point in me crying. Don’t cry now though.”
“No, you do not.” She glanced at Dotty. “What else did Uncle say?”
Dom swung his head toward his cousin. “Always wanted to go to school. Never had anyone to play with. Even Garvey stopped coming round.”
“Who knew,” Matt drawled, “that Merton would be an introspective drunk? This could prove interesting.”
Dotty scowled at him. “Matt, shush.” Reaching out, she covered Dom’s hand, wrapping her fingers around it. “Garvey and his father came to see you. He said your uncle wouldn’t allow him in.”
Her betrothed’s frown deepened. “Didn’t approve of Garvey. Didn’t approve of anyone.” Dom glanced at her. “Wouldn’t have approved of you.”
She did not doubt that in the least.
He grinned boyishly, and said in a loud whisper, “But I’m going to marry you no matter what he says.”
Matt groaned. A movement that appeared suspiciously like Lady Merton’s leg striking out caught Dotty’s eye.
Dom grabbed her hands and stared at her with an intensity she’d never seen in him before. “Thea, I want you.”
