“Perhaps my sister can better appreciate your observations.”
At the mention of her teacher, she brightened. Lady Northwick, who, with her husband, the duke, ran the school and always had wisdom to spare. The pair were guests of Lord and Lady Enderly and Dory would be leaving with them the next day for Silver Meadows, her father having made the arrangements. She was pleased she would be traveling directly to the school and not going home.
As she and Lady Sommerset approached the duchess, the lady in question held out both her hands. “Lady Dorothea, haveyou enjoyed your stay? I have heard that you have been quite popular.”
She took Lady Northwick’s hands and shrugged, not particularly pleased that Harewood had succeeded in making her so. “It has been very educational. Now, I am anxious to begin my second-year studies. Thank you for allowing me to return with you.”
Lady Northwick smiled warmly, her hazel eyes sparkling with delight as the single curl of dark hair brushed her shoulder. “We are very pleased to have you. Perhaps you can tell us all about your stay during our travels. I wouldn’t want to keep you from your final fete.”
As Lady Sommerset asked about their older sister, the Viscountess of Blackmore, who was with child, Lady Northwick relayed what was in her last letter. The two women chatted about all that had occurred since they last saw each other during the season. They appeared like the sun on a lake, Lady Sommerset in a pretty yellow dress and Lady Northwick in a bright blue, very close in shade to one Dory had planned to wear earlier instead of the deep maroon she wore now. The reddish color matched her somber mood much better.
Studying the room, she found Harewood talking to his father. He appeared bored, which she quite relished. Now that his experiment had succeeded, whatever would he do next? Suddenly, she remembered what he’d said about making all the ladies at school a success. She glanced at Lady Northwick. She was fiercely protective of her school. What would she think of that?
A small pleasure rippled through her mind at the prospect of thwarting Harewood’s plans. Now, if only the night would end quickly so she could leave for Silver Meadows and tell Lady Northwick about everything. Then she could leave the problem in her capable hands and be among her friends again, in a placewhere she wouldn’t have to count her sentences. Not that she’d said much to anyone over the past half hour.
She moved her gaze over the room. Lady Rose grimaced at her as she danced side by side with Mr. Retfield, no doubt to please her mother. Lady Arabella was partnered with Lord Manning in the same dance. Lady Matilda conversed with Lady Enderly, who appeared a bit distracted. Interestingly, Lord Leighhall had not approached her. She’d expected some untoward action to separate her from her chaperone. It was the final night, after all. Either that or he planned to make an announcement to everyone that he’d seen her leaving Harewood’s room.
She barely held back a snort. What would Harewood think about that? Part of her wished Leighhallwouldtell everyone, so Harewood’sexperimentwould be a failure. Waiting for Leighhall to say something or for her mother to do something had worn on her nerves and now she was tired with all of it. It was as if she were dead inside and all that kept her breathing was her fury at Harewood.
“Lady Dorothea, you look lovely this evening.”
At Lord Dearling’s words, she turned toward him, not having seen him approach. He wore the usual black trousers and tailcoat, which didn’t complement him. He was best suited to grays and tans.
“Thank you, Lord Dearling. You are quite skilled at the quadrille, I see.”
His neck turned slightly red at her compliment, though to be fair, she thought him no better than anyone else, but that was what she was supposed to say. Maybe he’d ask her to dance and she wouldn’t have to speak any more. She was sure she could continue to be polite even when she wanted to yell.
“That is kind of you to say so, but as you taught me by example, there is nothing wrong with admitting I’m only adequate.”
She smiled kindly, hoping that would be enough, her mind blank, no yarn, no twine, no lines of any kind, just empty. No, not empty. Her mind was like a great medieval hall with a fire burning at the center, one slowly growing.
“I had hoped you would be willing to take some air on the terrace?”
She stiffened. He would want to converse, maybe find out what event she would be at next. She didn’t want to attend anything. What if she said something completely out of character?
“With Lady Sommerset as well.” He smiled crookedly, as if he wished it could be otherwise.
“Did I hear my name?” Lady Sommerset turned her head and smiled at Lord Dearling.
“Yes, I wish to speak to Lady Dorothea on the terrace, where it is a bit quieter, and was hoping you could accompany us.”
Dory crossed her fingers behind her back in hopes that Lady Sommerset would demure.
“I would be very pleased to. Allow me to wave down my husband, as he very much enjoys the terrace at night.”
As Lord Dearling’s face lit, Dory pasted on a smile, gritting her teeth. Mayhap she could simply listen. The conversation would be short if she didn’t respond. She looked about the room as if searching for Lord Sommerset as well, but her gaze caught upon Harewood, who conversed with the Duke of Northwick.
As Lord Sommerset strode over at his wife’s wave, Lord Dearling offered her his arm. Seeing no way to avoid it, she laid her gloved hand upon it and allowed him to lead her. They traversed the edge of the ballroom, since the dance floor wasquite filled. Not only were the house guests attending, but also a number of neighboring families.
“Are you enjoying the evening so far? I noticed you haven’t danced as yet.” Lord Dearling’s question held deeper meaning that she was far too distracted to contemplate.
“I have been enjoying conversation with my instructor, the Duchess of Northwick.” It was hardly the truth since she’d not added a single comment between the sisters, but truthfully, she heard the entire conversation and actually caught a few points that seemed to leave her head as soon as they’d entered.
They strolled through the doors behind Lord and Lady Sommerset, the slightly cooler temperature the only recognition that they were outside, as the terrace was lit brighter than the ballroom. Maybe Lady Enderly had wanted it to appear as if sunrise were approaching.
“I do hope I can make your evening far more enjoyable.” Lord Dearling leaned in, and his breath tickled her ear.
She forced herself not to raise her shoulder in defense. Did he mean to infer that the duchess was not thoroughly interesting? He well knew that she was a student at the school, as they had discussed it many times. Did he think it a chore to attend? It was the only home she—
