Strangely enough, it was Miss Allen who came to his social rescue. She chuckled as she turned a brilliant smile on Mr. Dickerson. “Never mind him,” she said with a wink. “I’m afraid I stepped on his toes and so he’s understandably surly.”
“You didn’t step anywhere you shouldn’t have,” he returned, feeling confused at the situation.
“No one ever says that about me,” she laughed. And with that, she curtsied to him before allowing Mr. Dickerson to lead her onto the dance floor.
He watched her go, feeling his insides twist. He couldn’t even identify what he was feeling except that it was upsetting. He didn’t want her smoothing things over with Mr. Dickerson or anyone else. Damn it, he didn’t want her anywhere but in hisarms explaining about her nightmares. And he would soothe her fears because that’s what a gentleman did.
But there was no help for it now. So he turned to the countess, bowed over her hand, and as he straightened, he mouthed words that only she would hear.
“Must speak. Tonight. Prinny.”
The countess’s eyes didn’t even widen. She took everything he said with the ease of a seasoned society woman.
“We shall be delighted, my lord.”
Chapter Seven
Sadie watched LordHeath bow to the countess, dance with several of the wallflowers, and then depart. She shouldn’t feel disappointed. He’d done exactly as he’d promised: one waltz with her. Just because she’d kept the last waltz open didn’t mean he needed to take it.
It didn’t matter. The countess pleaded exhaustion after the supper buffet even though her eyes sparkled with excitement. Sadie feared everyone could see that something was up, and so was quick to agree.
“Countess—” she began once they got into the carriage.
“When we get home, I want you to immediately take down your hair. Fluff it a bit, though so it looks…” Her hands waved vaguely at her bodice.
“You want me to appear in dishabille?”
“Not dishabille! That’s too much. But perhaps suggest it?”
“Who’s coming over?” she demanded.
“Lord Heath needs to converse in private. About Prinny.”
Prinny? Sadie’s heart jumped into her throat. What could the prince need with her? Or the countess? And what—
“Don’t panic. We won’t know anything until Lord Heath arrives. But I haven’t told you anything, so when you come downstairs to see what is happening, you should look partially in dishabille.”
Sadie understood exactly what the countess wanted, but had to caution the lady—and herself—against hope.
“He’s not going to propose. He has said that explicitly.”
“Tut tut!” The countess flicked her fingers in dismissal. “He’s an honorable man. If he beds you, he’ll marry you.”
Sadie gaped at the woman, shocked by what she’d just said. “You want me to… You think…” She shook her head. “You never suggested anything like this before!”
The countess rolled her eyes. “You’re Scottish, you’re notorious, and you have been on the market too long. Don’t do anything scandalous, but if he is your choice, then consider a calculated risk.” She fussed with her gloves as she spoke. “You needn’t do everything. Keep your virginity. I doubt it will take much before he feels honor bound to offer for you.”
“And you think I should want a marriage like that? One begun out of force?”
“Many successful marriages begin that way. But don’t do it if it’s against your morals.”
“Trapping a man? Of course it’s against my morals!”
“You can’t trap a man who willingly takes you to bed. He’s well aware of the consequences.” She stared hard at Sadie. “Just smash something. Topple a book or break a lamp. I’ll come running.”
Sadie shook her head. “You needn’t go so far to get rid of me, Countess. Send me home now and declare me unmarriageable. I can live off the rest of my dowry.”
The lady nodded, her head bobbing as she clearly thought to herself. “I suppose there is enough for a sparse living. I have no idea how expensive it is to survive in Scotland. It seems as if you all grow strong on hard cheese and cold winds.” She finally stilled as she looked at Sadie. “I shall leave you both alone for a time. It will allow for plain speaking. What you do with it is up to you.” Then her voice softened. “But do think about LordHeath. He has a good living, is as handsome as they come, and no obvious vices. I believe the two of you would make a great match.”
