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“You really need to stop gawking out the window. You’re going to look weird to the girls.”
“I’m just looking forward to seeing Frederica.” Pierce turned to him. “I don’t know how you can read right now.”
“What do you expect me to do? Pace around the room like a lovesick fool?”
“I’m surprised you haven’t got the book upside-down.”
Given how the words were running together, Lucas wouldn’t be surprised if it was. He was getting a headache trying to decipher everything. But it was better than bouncing his knee or walking around the room until he was dizzy.
God, he had to have been mad to think he could proposition Dorothy and then be confident about it. It felt like it was the first time he had slept with a woman again, and Lucas didn’t like it. He also wasn’t keen that Pierce knew what he was doing; something like this should be private, intimate.
But he needed his friend’s help. After all, Dorothy would have Frederica come with her as her chaperone. Her friend needed to be distracted so she wasn’t aware of what was happening. Pierce could easily keep her attention diverted.
An impulse request was now feeling incredibly convoluted, and Lucas was beginning to regret it.
Breathe. She’ll be here soon. And then you won’t regret it.
The sound of horses clattering right out of the window had Lucas sitting up. Pierce grinned and went to the door.
“At least they’re here. You just need to say the right words to woo her properly.”
“There are days when I hate you, Pierce.”
His friend simply winked at him and left the room. Lucas put his book aside and stood up, adjusting his jacket and hoping he didn’t look like a mess. He hadn’t slept much during the night, knowing what was happening, and he did wonder if everything was presentable.
Then he realised what he was doing and stopped. For goodness sake, he was getting paranoid over his appearance, something he hadn’t done in this capacity for a long time. He had been seeing Dorothy for a month and never had he felt the need to check himself so much.
Lucas knew he had to be going mad. Especially with how nervous he suddenly felt. That needed to stop. He had been with women many times before, so it wasn’t new.
But it was Dorothy Napier. She was different. And she was … something. Lucas knew it would be new for her and wanted to make it special. He just had to stop fretting over it himself.
He heard voices in the foyer and crossed the room just as the door opened, and both Dorothy and Frederica came in, both looking rather flushed. Although their flushes looked to be for different reasons, Frederica’s eyes were bright and sparkling, while Dorothy looked a bit more subdued. Something had definitely gone on between them.
“Lord Dashwood.” Frederica approached him and curtsied with a smile. “Apologies for our current state. Let’s just say it was an … experience to get here.”
“What?” Lucas looked at Dorothy. “What is she talking about?”
Dorothy glared at Frederica, who was still grinning as she turned and faced Pierce.
“Shall we leave these two for a … private discussion, Pierce. I think they have quite a bit to discuss, and I want to see if the cook has more of those delightful cakes left.”
“I’m sure we can find something.” Pierce held out a hand, flashing a sly look at Lucas. “We’ll be in the kitchen if you want us … My Lord.”
Lucas growled at him as the two left the room, and Dorothy closed her eyes with a sigh.
“Why do I get the feeling they know what’s going on?”
“Well, they are our friends. I’m sure they would have figured things out.” Lucas took Dorothy’s hand. “Are you alright? You’re looking rather agitated.”
“I’m just frustrated with Frederica. I think she’s finally got me into trouble.”
“How come?”
Dorothy’s fingers tightened around his as he led her to the settee and sat her down. He settled beside her, trying not to touch her beyond her hand. Dorothy sighed heavily.
“I came down for breakfast, and Mother informed me that Gabriel was coming for lunch.”
“What? Burville was coming to visit?”
