“But you are not a fortuneteller.”
No wonder the man didn’t participate in charades. It was as if he shied away from having fun for the simple sake of it. “I’ve studied up on it.”
His shoulders relaxed, but he remained doubtful. “They allow you to study fortunetelling at your school?”
She refused to answer. Instead, she held her gloved hand out and waited.
He finally seemed to understand how determined she was and set his bare hand in hers.
She bit back a grin at the fact that he placed it palm down. Turning his hand over, she focused on the deep lines in his palm. His hands were smooth, as were those of most men of her class, and it was easy to see every crease. The heat of his hand penetrated her thin summer glove, making it difficult to concentrate. “This is your heart line.” She ran her index finger along it. “See here?” She pointed to a place where a crease intersected it. “This is your first love.” Even as she said it, she wished she hadn’t. She hadn’t meant to mention past sorrow.
His hand stiffened, but he didn’t pull away.
Trying to keep her words as vague as a fortuneteller’s, she moved her finger to another crease farther along his heart line, the movement sending a small thrill through her. “Someone else will come into your life and stir your heart.” At least she thought that was the meaning. It could mean he would travel across the ocean and enjoy adventure, but her first interpretation sounded so much better and might even give him a bit of hope.
She quickly moved her finger to another long line in his palm. “This is your head line. It is very strong. It leads you, but here, it grows confused where this crease between the heart and head intersects.”
She moved her finger to the long line that outlined the part of his palm where his thumb was anchored. Slowly, she traced the line, not a little excited by the feelings the movement evoked. She wished she could remove her glove. “This is your life line. You will live a long life.” At least she that’s what one book stated, though the other said it had to do with experiences. She stopped, a chill racing across her shoulders. “Your children are not clear.” It was actually as if he were to have children and then they disappeared, only to reappear. “I cannot tell how many.”
She heard the step behind her, but before she could drop Lord Harewood’s hand, he wrapped his fingers around her own.
“What is it that goes on here?”
Lady Sommerset’s amused tone had Dory turning. She smiled guiltily. “Please don’t tell anyone I was telling fortunes. Mother would be very upset.” She tried to release her hand, but Lord Harewood held firm.
“Fortunes. I did not know you had such a skill. I promise not to tell if you grant me a session.” The lady’s secret smile appeared.
“There is no need for blackmail, Lady Sommerset. I have no doubt that Lady Dorothea will be happy to”—he released her hand gently—“allow you the sameentertainmentshe gave me.”
From his tone, it was clear he still questioned the enjoyment of being told a fortune, but at least he didn’t frown as he said it.
“Wonderful. I look forward to it. I have been sent by Lady Enderly to request you gather the gentlemen who are interested in the races and begin setting them up.”
Lord Harewood stood then held his hand out to help Dory rise. Once again, as their hands connected, a strong heat coursed through her, but it was far more than the thrill of before. She gazed up at him. “Thank you.”
“Of course.” No humor shone in his eyes, only studious focus. “I hope our coming race will be entertaining for you.”
She couldn’t quite make her voice work, so she nodded. Then he let go and strode off.
“Telling fortunes?” Lady Sommerset’s doubt was obvious.
Not wishing to make Lord Harewood uncomfortable with the countess’s continued speculation, Dory immediately smiled. “Yes. I studied it. Your sister has two books on it at school.”
Lady Sommerset rolled her eyes. “I should have guessed. Of course she would. Between her and her husband, they have two books on everything.” She chuckled. “Then maybe this evening you can be the entertainment and give fortunes.”
“Me?” The thought of giving fortunes to everyone was a bit intimidating.
“Well, at least for those who wish them.”
She was a bit relieved by that, but couldn’t imagine holding other men’s palms in her hand. “I can if the ladies want, but it must be at a side table, where no one else can hear. That makes it more mysterious.” She wiggled her brows.
Lady Sommerset laughed. “We shall make all the arrangements to give you the right atmosphere. Now we should join the other ladies gathering to watch the races.”
She glanced to the right and noticed not only ladies, but a few gentlemen as well. “I see not all the men are racing?”
They walked toward the standing stone, where everyone had gathered. “Yes. Lady Enderly limited it to only eight so they wouldn’t go on and on. There will be two races of four and then the first- and second-place winners of those races will race for the prize.”
She had no idea what the prize was, but she planned to ask Rose.
