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“I suppose you knew about it as well, My Lady?”
“I heard about the engagement and how she never met the man in question. I didn’t know the name, though, just that he was the son of an earl.”
Lucas wasn’t sure whether to believe that or not, but he let it go; the shock on the marchioness’ face was enough to be convincing.
“Well, we ended up meeting last night.”
Derbyshire looked uncomfortable.
“Ah. This is awkward. If I’d known about this, Lucas …”
“You couldn’t have known. I was ashamed about being engaged without my consent at my age, and I’m sure Lady Dorothy thought the same thing. It’s no one’s fault.”
“Are you sure?”
“I’m sure.” Lucas sighed. “I suppose I’m going to have to find a way to keep apart from her for a week.”
Lady Derbyshire frowned.
“Well, given how many guests we have, I don’t think you’ll have a problem with that. But, please, can I ask for something, Lord Dashwood?”
“Of course.”
“Don’t be disrespectful towards Dorothy. She harbours some resentment towards you for the broken engagement. You did mess her around, and she came away with nothing.”
Lucas flinched. He felt like he was getting scolded by his mother.
“Understood.”
The marchioness sighed.
“I suppose it’s a good thing the engagement wasn’t announced; otherwise, the embarrassment would be even worse for her.”
“And it wasn’t embarrassing for me?”
Derbyshire shot him a sharp look.
“Just do as you’re told, Lucas. While I sympathise with your situation, the least you could do is not be disrespectful.”
Lucas could see their point, and he shouldn’t be arguing with his hosts over it. Sighing, he nodded.
“Alright, I’ll do that. I’ll be as respectful as I can. And I will keep out of her way as best I can manage.”
“We’ll make sure you’re not put in the same room if that’s what you want,” Derbyshire said.
“I’m sure that won’t be necessary. But I’ll keep my distance.”
As soon as he said it, Lucas wanted to break it. It was surprising how much he wanted to see Dorothy again.
“Good morning.”
Lucas turned and saw Lady Marcia coming down the stairs. She looked splendid in a butter yellow dress, everything perfectly in place. She smiled at them all, but her eyes were fixed firmly on Lucas.
Managing a slight smile, Lucas bowed.
“Lady Marcia. I trust you slept well.”
“Very well, thank you.” Lady Marcia bit her lip coquettishly. “Such a lovely … big … bed to sleep in on my own.”
