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Chapter 8
The two friends were silent as they went upstairs into Dorothy’s bedchamber. Putting the book on the bed – it was far heavier than she expected, and now she was regretting getting it – Dorothy turned to Frederica.
“Can you lock the door?”
“Why?”
“Because I don’t want Teresa suddenly coming in just yet.”
Frowning, Frederica turned the key in the lock. Then she crossed to her friend.
“Alright, now talk. What’s going on? What happened to make you scream earlier?”
“I … I fell off the ladder.”
“What?” Frederica’s eyes widened. “Did I hear you correctly?”
“I’m afraid you did. The ladder came down with me, and … well …” Dorothy gestured at her chest. “I’m sure you can see by now.”
Frederica peered at her friend’s chest. Even though they had known each other a long time, Dorothy still felt uncomfortable having Frederica look at her breasts. Frederica whistled.
“That’s going to be a fun-looking bruise.”
“That’s what I was thinking.”
“How far did you fall for that to happen?”
Dorothy grimaced.
“From the top of the ladder.”
“What?” Frederica reeled back. “You mean … how are you still walking?”
Dorothy sighed and sat heavily on the bed, almost sitting on her book. She awkwardly shuffled it aside before slumping onto the mattress.
“Lord Dashwood was there. He … he caught me.”
If Frederica’s eyes got any rounder, they would be popping out of her face. Her mouth fell open.
“I … I can’t believe what I’m hearing. You were alone with Dashwood?”
“Not intentionally. I’m glad he was there, though, or I’d probably be lying in bed broken and waiting for the doctor.” Dorothy shook her head. “Although I’m glad nobody saw us like that, it is a bit shocking that nobody came looking to see what was going on.”
“I did hear it, but everyone was laughing very loudly at that point, so it pretty much got drowned out.” Frederica bit her lip. “Do you want me to get Aunt Annabelle? I’m sure she’s got some salve or something …”
“No, don’t. I don’t want to explain what happened and how foolish I was.”
“I’m sure she’ll call you daft, but she won’t comment further.”
“Any commenting is too much commenting. And I don’t want to be scolded for climbing a ladder.”
“She won’t need to. I’ll be doing it for her.” Frederica snorted. “Honestly, Dorothy, you know going up a ladder would be precarious for ladies. Which is why we’re not supposed to do it.”
“We’ve done it before! Both of us!”
“Because there was someone else to hold the ladder! This is what happens when someone’s not holding the ladder. This is your fault.”
Dorothy winced.
