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Before Frederica could answer, Dorothy heard voices. She turned, wondering who was walking on her father’s property. It was probably a couple of the gamekeepers making sure the property was clear. But it wasn’t.
Dorothy’s jaw practically dropped to the ground when she saw Pierce Cowper and Lucas Dashwood walking towards them. Both looked as if this wasn’t unexpected, being so far away from their own estates.
Neither of them looked to be shocked to see her. If anything, when Dashwood looked at her, he looked pleased.
What was going on?
#
Lucas felt his heart lighten when he saw Dorothy, although her expression said she wasn’t too happy about it. She looked like someone had just slapped her.
Given how they parted, it was to be expected, and Lucas wanted to change that.
“This had better be worth us not going to Wales immediately,” Pierce muttered as they approached the women. “I don’t want our time to be wasted.”
“It’s not going to be wasted. Besides,” Lucas shot him a grin, “you wanted an opportunity to be around Frederica Colt, didn’t you? Well, you get that as well.”
Pierce’s face went bright red, and Lucas had to hold back his laughter. It was quite amusing that Pierce had ended up gravitating towards a woman as well, although given what Frederica Colt was like, it shouldn’t really be a surprise. The two were quite similar in personality and had similar interests, plus the attraction was pretty clear despite Pierce trying to hide it.
Lucas wouldn’t be surprised if his friend decided to court as well.
“Let’s just get this over with,” Pierce muttered.
“Don’t make this sound like a chore, Pierce.”
“Well, I’m doing this for you as a friend. We’re missing out on our trip to Wales. So this had better work.”
Lucas shook his head.
“Honestly, you’re a right pain at times.”
“I was going to say the same about you.”
They had reached the ladies by now, and Lucas had to fight back the urge to reach out and touch Dorothy. He wanted to pull her into his arms and hold her as he wanted. But from her expression, he didn’t think she would welcome it.
Instead, he bowed to her.
“Lady Dorothy. Good afternoon.”
“But … but …” Dorothy spluttered, and then she shook herself. “I thought you were in Wales. You said you were going to spend time near the coast.”
“That’s still happening, but we’re delaying it for a while.”
“Why would you do that? I don’t understand.”
Lucas glanced at Frederica, who nodded and let go of her friend’s arm. He held out an arm to her.
“Shall we walk?”
“No, we won’t walk. I’m going to stand here and find out what you’re up to.” Dorothy folded her arms and glared at him. “So, tell me what’s going on and why you enlisted my friend to get us to meet.”
Sighing, Lucas lowered his arm. He glanced at Pierce, who nodded and held out a hand for Frederica.
“Come on, Frederica. Let’s leave these two to talk. How about we go for a walk on our own?”
“Alright.” Frederica took his hand, giving Dorothy a sharp look, speaking softly, but Lucas still heard her. “Don’t mess this up.”
Dorothy was still glaring after her friend as Frederica and Pierce walked away. She shook her head.
