Lady Sommerset patted her hand. “I understand your feelings and will respect them. I’m more concerned with you. I can have my husband send a message to your father immediately telling him Lord Dearling is not a good match.”
Now this was a topic she felt particularly well versed in and could keep her heart out of it. “Lord Dearling is a perfect match. He is an earl in his own right and as the oldest will inherit his father’s title of marquess. The man is also not a gambler, a rake, or of mean disposition. He is fit and his breath does not smell. To be honest, if I hadn’t been distracted by Lord Harewood, I would have looked very kindly upon this proposal.”
“But if you hadn’t been distracted by Lord Harewood, would you havereceivedthis proposal?”
The truth of Lady Sommerset’s statement did not sit well with her. “If you mean for me to be grateful to him, I cannot.”
“No, I do not mean for you be grateful.” Lady Sommerset gave her a sad smile. “I hope you will be angry. But I also want you to be happy. Which man would you be happier with if given the choice?”
She wanted to cry as the truth emerged from deep in her heart.
“All I ask is that you understand that begging off on a proposal can be weathered, but a life with the wrong man can be debilitating. I know of what I speak. My own biases almost cost me Andrew. I could not imagine my life if I had done what I’d thought was correct instead of following my heart.”
Surprised, a small hope fluttered in her chest before she squashed it like a boulder on a daisy. “But your husband loved you, correct?”
Lady Sommerset nodded. “I understand what you’re thinking, but there are other men who may be interested in you and you them after your heart has healed. Are you sure you wish to rush into this marriage?”
No, she didn’t want to. Could she risk another season of her mother’s behavior? As much as she wanted to, her instinct told her that her mother was becoming far less careful, not more. “It’s not that I wish to, but I must. If I don’t, I could well be a spinster and living at the will of my brother…or worse. At least by marrying, I will have my own home and a comfortable life.”
Lady Sommerset rose, walked over to her, and embraced her. “You are a far braver woman than I could ever be.” She let go and stepped back. “Did you want to forgo the rest of the ball?”
She stood and nodded. “I do, but I won’t. I don’t believe that making an enemy of Lady Enderly would be wise.”
“True. I truly wish Harewood could see what a wonderful woman you are.” She opened her arm to indicate they should leave the library. “Now to remind my husband that I’m always right.”
Dory tried to smile, but couldn’t manage it. Perhaps if she hadn’t had such high hopes as to marry Harewood, she’d be truly happy now. But she had, and now she was to be married to Lord Dearling instead. Surely, there were far worse fates than that.
As they reentered the ballroom, Lady Enderly greeted them at the opening. “Ah, there you are. I was just telling my son he needs to dance with Lady Dorothea. You will accept, won’t you? He’s danced with all the ladies of my house party except you. I wouldn’t want them to think he held any ill will.”
Before Dory could respond to the surprising request, though to be sure, from Lady Enderly’s perspective, it made perfect sense, Lord Harewood stepped forward.
“I think, Mother, that we have depended too much upon Lady Dorothea’s goodwill to help make your party a success.”
He didn’t look at her as he spoke, which fanned the flames of her resentment. “I’d be pleased to dance with Lord Harewood, as it is you, my lady, who requested I do so.”
“My dear, I cannot begin to express my gratefulness for all you have done to assist us in our endeavor to provide happy entertainment to so many.” Lady Enderly’s voice was sincere, proving her kind intentions.
“It is I who am grateful toyouto have been invited to such a wonderful fete.” She glanced at Harewood, who appeared distracted. Maybe because the musicians wound down into silence after a waltz.
Lady Enderly placed her hand on her son’s arm. “I believe another quadrille is next. Do take Lady Dorothea onto the dance floor. Now where did your sister disappear to?”
Dory sensed more than heard Lady Sommerset step closer. As Lady Enderly bustled off, Harewood finally met her gaze. “My lady, if you do not wish to dance, you need not on my mother’s account. I noticed you have yet to dance this evening.”
Clearly, he did not wish to dance with her, which irritated her further. She certainly didn’t wish to love him. Sometimes they didn’t receive what they wished. “I would much enjoy a dance, Lord Harewood.”
He swallowed hard, his Adam’s apple moving as if he were uncomfortable, just like Dearling. But there was no reason for him to feel that way…yet. Finally, he offered his arm and she set her hand atop it, a strange anticipation growing in her belly that had nothing to do with dancing and everything to do with speaking her mind.
“Lady Dorothea, are you sure. You were just saying you were feeling particularly fatigued.” Lady Sommerset’s ready excuse for her, had her turning.
Though grateful for her kindness, Dory, nodded. “Yes. I very much wish to be in the company of Lord Harewood before I leave for school. This is the perfect opportunity.”
The countess didn’t smile. Instead, she gave a short nod. “Very well. Return to me immediately following.”
“I will.”
Harewood walked her into place opposite of Mr. Retfield and Lady Arabella. As the dance began, she met Mr. Retfield and then returned to her place to wait as Harewood met Lady Arabella. Then Dory and the earl linked hands and turned. “You should be very pleased, Lord Harewood. Your experiment is a success.”
He dropped her hand before fully stopping beside her.
