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Pierce sighed.
“The Wales excursion we can do any other time, yes, but I’m still smarting about it. And this thing with Burville was not part of the equation. You’re bringing it in yourself, and it’s getting annoying. Don’t get fixated on him.”
“Wouldn’t you if the woman you want had another admirer, and they’re acting like they’ve already claimed her?” Lucas demanded.
“You had an opportunity to claim her before, and you didn’t take it. If you manage to get Lady Dorothy to be with you properly, then that’s great. But if she doesn’t, and she refuses you repeatedly, then you know you’ve lost your chance.”
Pierce held up his hands. “I want to help, and I think the two of you would be good together, but you are making this tough on yourself. I’m just doing my part, that’s all. I didn’t plan on engaging with you talking like you’re doing to stamp your claim on her.”
Lucas shook his head.
“I don’t understand you sometimes, Pierce. Sometimes, you’re more confusing than Dorothy.”
“And I’ll carry on like that. Look, I’m glad you’re making a move to court a woman after all this time, and I know you’re serious about her. But you’re taking it a step too far. Maybe that’s scaring Lady Dorothy. Take a deep breath and ease back a little.”
“You do realise that you and your lady friend were the ones who suggested that I come to this part of the country.”
“And that’s as far as our involvement. Everything else is up to you. Just don’t mess it up again.”
A part of Lucas wondered if he had messed it up already. After all, he didn’t exactly have a good history with Dorothy. He couldn’t blame her for her attitude towards him; he did deserve it.
He just hoped he could talk her around.
The carriage pulled into the driveway and stopped with a jolt outside Bedford’s house. Lucas got out first, looking up at the house. In all his time being engaged to Dorothy, he had never been to her home. It had looked pretty from the hillside when they had been waiting for her the day before. Up close, it was almost as magnificent as the house his father had. Fresh and warm-looking and Lucas didn’t think that was possible.
He went up to the front door, only to realise that Pierce wasn’t with him. He turned and saw Pierce hovering by the carriage.
“Aren’t you coming in?”
“I’m going to wait around out here. You need to speak with her alone.” Pierce shrugged. “Besides, you don’t need me to come in with you, do you? You can handle things on your own, yes?”
Lucas sighed and turned away. His friend was getting very annoying. It took a while for the door to open, and the butler looked out. His wrinkly forehead creased in confusion when he saw Lucas.
“Lord Dashwood? Is that you?”
“It is.” Lucas stepped into the house, the butler shuffling aside to get out of the way. He took off his hat and handed it to the older man. “I’m here to see Lady Dorothy. Is she home?”
“She is, but …”
“But what?”
“She has a visitor already. Lord Burville came by a short while ago.”
So Burville was actually following through on his actions in the Peak District. Lucas wasn’t about to let that happen. He managed a bland smile.
“Well, it sounds like they’re in need of some … entertainment. Where are they?”
“On the terrace, but …”
“Then I’m sure they won’t mind another person.”
With the butler protesting behind him, Lucas started heading through the house. Almost at the back door onto the terrace, he heard someone behind him calling his name.
“Dashwood? Is that you?”
Lucas turned and saw the tall, lean frame of the Earl of Bedford coming out of his study. His expression was one of confusion as he took in the young man before him. Lucas gave him a slight bow.
“Lord Bedford. Apologies for coming without a calling card, but this couldn’t wait.”
