The bell for dinner was rung, and she looked toward the garden doors, but her mother was not there. While she wished her mother would behave in another manner, she also understood she was deeply unhappy.
“Come, you must dine with us.” Elsbeth hooked her arm.
Thankful that her friend understood her dilemma as they had talked about her mother’s activities at length, she moved forward with them, making their way to the dining room. As they entered, she was relieved to see numerous tables were set with no particular seating order, which allowed her to remain with Elsbeth. It was always a bit awkward when the seating arrangements placed her next to or across from her mother and her mother was not present.
As they ate their meal, she couldn’t help glancing toward the table with Lord Harewood. He sat with his friends the Earl and Countess of Sommerset, his sister, Rose, and his parents, the Marquess and Marchioness of Enderly. Though he was quite solicitous of his family, he did not smile once. She found that rather odd. Did he not find anything amusing? The others at his table smiled. In fact, he was a stark contrast to them, not only in his clothing, but also in his demeanor. Did he dress so to allow them to be noticed more? Hedidsay that black helped to bring out the beauty of brighter and lighter colors.
“Dory, if you keep glancing at Lord Harewood, people will have you two married by the end of a fortnight.”
At Elsbeth’s whispered words, Dory whipped her head around to face her companions. “I did not mean to be noticeable in my interest. I just find Lord Harewood to be a puzzle.”
Her friend groaned. “Not another puzzle. It would be best if you left this one unsolved. Remember what happened when you didn’t understand why the vicar allowed the curate to perform the Sunday service at Easter?”
She felt heat rise to her cheeks. She’d been so sure it had been because he would surprise them all with a special guest, like the bishop. Hearing he was at home had prompted her to pry far too much, only to discover he’d decided to take the day to tup not one, but two townswomen. “You are correct, of course. I will allow the puzzle of Lord Harewood to remain just that, a puzzle.”
“I’m relieved to hear that. Now, do tell me about the play last night. I’ve never seenMacbethperformed. Only read it. Was it as bloody as it sounded?”
As she described the play, she had to force herself not to look at Lord Harewood’s table. Unfortunately, that made her discussion wander a bit. When she finally paused, Elsbeth had the usual look of bafflement on her face. “I confused everything, didn’t I?”
“Yes, but I caught enough to know that I would enjoy it very much.” Elsbeth’s kind smile was a balm to her soul.
“Since I am trying to keep my attention here, can you tell me if you see my mother?”
Elsbeth nodded sagely. “Of course.”
As her friend surreptitiously reviewed those in the room, Dory took another sip of her wine, daring a quick look toward Lord Harewood’s table, only to discover he was no longer there. If he had left the ball, it would make it much easier to avoid looking at him.
“I do not see Lady Preston. When did you last see her?”
She shrugged, not surprised her mother was still missing. Her mother’s growing dissatisfaction over the years had manifested in her penchant for finding other bed partners, but she was usually a bit more circumspect. “After I danced with Lord Harewood. She was making her way out into the gardens.” She kept her voice low, as not a few people seemed to be finding a great interest in their table.
“Not to worry. You are welcome to be our guest tonight. You did wish to see our new portrait.”
She’d all but forgotten that Elsbeth and Lord Mabry had had their portrait painted by Lady Sommerset. The lady’s paintings were becoming quite sought after. “Is little Marianna in it?”
Elsbeth’s face softened at the mention of her stepdaughter. “She is.” She leaned in to whisper. “Lady Sommerset said she would add the baby after it arrives.”
“She can do that?” It was not well known yet that Elsbeth was to have a child. Once it was, Elsbeth would withdraw from all public social events, which could make things difficult for Dory. It was fortunate that the season was almost over.
“Yes. She planned for it when she decided how we should be arranged.”
“Be honest.” Lord Mabry’s lips quirked up. “This is dear Lady Dorothea, after all.” He turned from Elsbeth to her. “I did not know how particular my cousin could be. She had us in three different poses, all sketched, before finally deciding which was best.” He shook his head. “I am thankful that I have no such tendencies toward perfection. Except, of course, in my choice of a wife.”
Elsbeth waved off her husband’s flattery. “Truly, Teddy, there is no need to sing my praises. I am your wife now.”
“All the more reason.” He grinned. “It reflects rather well on myself.”
At the banter between the couple, she couldn’t help but feel a bit left out. She couldn’t imagine what it must be like to have a loving marriage. Her own parents proved it was not the norm, as did most of her classmates’ parents. It must be particular to the Mabry family, as they all seemed quite happy. For herself, she simply wished to make a match before her mother forgot herself and caused a serious scandal. Unfortunately, she had no offers.
“There you are, Dory.”
At the sound of Eleanor’s voice, she turned, just as Ellie, Sophie, and Georgie converged on their table.
Her classmate continued. “I know you want to fix your hair. Come with us.”
It could be hard to gainsay Ellie, but in this instance, she was happy to join her friends. She looked to Elsbeth. “Do you mind?”
“Of course not. Go. You can find us in the ballroom when you have finished tidying up. I’m sure you have much to discuss.” Elsbeth winked.
