by Ella Quinn
“One would never know the gift was so mundane by the excitement they displayed.” His tone was polite as if he would make his point without openly contradicting her.
“I am glad they liked the present.” She faced the front of the room, willing the conversation to be over. She did not want to like him. She did not want to come to know him. She did not want to marry him or any other man who was not in love with her.
As Exeter settled into his seat, his leg touched hers. Either he was too large or Lady Brownly had placed the chairs too close together. Dorie moved her leg, breaking the contact.
“I wrote to one of my aunts today asking her to come live with me and help me care for my sisters,” he said.
“That was a very good idea.” Dorie infused her tone with approval. She wished him luck. The only aunts she knew of in his family were widowed and elderly and—according to her grandmother—extremely silly. After what his mother had done, he would be better off not contacting anyone on that side of his family. The less said about Lady Exeter, the better. Dorie did not think many people knew about her ladyship’s precipitant marriage, but there was no point in stirring the pot.
“Yes, I thought so.” One corner of his well-shaped mouth tilted up in a charmingly crooked smile. “Your father had some suggestions regarding a secretary and steward. Both positions are vacant.” This last part was said with more than a little irony. Had the secretary run off with someone as well? She was starting to feel sorry for the man. He had been left with almost no employees whatsoever. Dorie was glad her father was able to help, but who knew when he’d have the time. He had been terribly busy with the Lords this Season. She would have to lend her mind to the problem as well.
“Have you considered sending your sisters to Scotland?” That might solve some of his immediate problems. If the girls were not in Town, people were less likely to think about them.
“I did, but I am not sure what the…er…situation is. If I were to do that, I’d have to assure myself of the suitability of the area.” His words were slow and measured as if he had spent time considering the matter. “My mother leaving has affected them greatly. I do not want them hurt further.”
It was good to see that he was taking his responsibility seriously. He was right to be concerned. And his mother had behaved quite badly. Many men would send the girls back to the country with their governess and not give them another thought. “I quite agree.”
“Yes.” Lord Exeter cocked one brow. “I thought you might.”
Dorie shifted in her chair, not liking the knowing look in his eyes. She must divert his interest to another female. Yet before she did that, she had to get away from him. “I think any lady would feel the same.”
That might be, but Alex already knew how competent Lady Dorie was, and he didn’t see any reason why he should look further for a wife. Not only that, but she was lovely. The bodice of her emerald green evening gown was cut low enough to show the swell of her generous breasts. Her skin reminded him of fresh cream, and her light hazel eyes fascinated him by changing color from green to amber with hints of gold. And she was intelligent. In fact, she was the perfect candidate for the position of Marchioness of Exeter. What he did not understand was why she did not seem to agree. Perhaps he was not making himself clear enough.
Their hostess, Mrs. Brownly, called for their attention and introduced the famous Mrs. Fodor, ending the discussion …for the moment.
The Mistress Fodor sang the countess’s aria from Figaro and was indeed excellent. Her voice was so moving that ladies were dabbing their eyes with lace-edge handkerchiefs. Even a few gentlemen were blinking hard. Lady Dorie, although not weeping, seemed entranced by the performance. Now if he could only find a way to keep her with him the rest of the evening. In addition to his pursuit of her ladyship, the entertainment had been extremely good, and his discussion with her father productive. Alex would be interested to meet with the gentlemen Lord Huntingdon had been able to recommend as suitable secretaries. He had even offered to contact their fathers on Alex’s behalf. The gentleman—and he hoped future father-in-law—had also promised to look into a steward for him. Meaning he’d have to dive into the estate books and learn as much as he could as soon as possible. Unless he could secure Lady Dorie’s hand in short order. Her father had mentioned she had been taught, and from briefly reviewing the correspondence she left, Alex concluded that Lady Dorie had a fine grasp of matters.
He hoped to learn more about his chosen mate, but when the music ended and as they made their way out of the row of seats, Lady Dorie promptly rejoined her friends. That was disappointing. Then, as if by design, Lady Huntingdon took him to the supper room and found a seat at the same table as her daughter and a few other ladies. Lady Dorie introduced him to Miss Stern, Lady Adeline, and Miss Featherton. Soon Littleton, Turley, and another gentleman by the name of Lord Phineas Carter-Woods joined them carrying plates filled with delicacies.
Obviously, Alex should follow suit. He bowed. “I shall return momentarily.” Having no idea what Lady Dorie liked, he selected one of everything and went back to the table. Unfortunately, by the time he returned, the chairs on either side of her were taken by two of her friends, and she was sharing the delicacies from one of her friend’s plate. The only thing he could do was to sit next to Turley at the other end of the table.
“This evening is not going the way I planned,” Alex muttered more to himself than his friend.
Turley cocked a brow. “Lady Dorie?”
“That was my hope, but I don’t seem to be having any luck.” Alex glanced at his quarry. “It is almost as if she is avoiding me.” Although why that would be, he did not understand. He had all the required qualifications, wealth and rank.
“Once bitten, twice shy,” his friend said cryptically.
Alex cast a look around the table, but the talk had turned to some play or another and no one was paying attention. Still, he kept his voice low to avoid being overheard. “What do you mean?”
“Littleton courted her last Season, but couldn’t bring himself up to scratch. If you watch her, you’ll see the cool looks she gives him when she must look at him at all.”
Littleton was sitting next to Huntley, but his gaze strayed to Lady Adeline. Alex did as Turley suggested and several moments later saw what he meant. “Was she in love with him?”
Turley shrugged. “She isn’t the type of lady to wear her heart on her sleeve. The one thing I do know is that she wasted half a Season on him.”
That must have stung. What the hell had Littleton been thinking? “I can’t blame her for being irritated with him.”
“She is paying him back.” Turley grinned ruefully. “After what he did, he’ll be lucky to find a lady who will trust that he is serious about courtship.” He drank some of his champagne. “Not that she is malicious, but it is hardly a secret, and the fact that she obviously does not like him is causing him problems.”
That didn’t surprise Alex. Any lady would be wary of a gentleman who had disappointed another lady. He would have thought Littleton would have mentioned Lady Dorie on their ride earlier. Since he didn’t, Alex planned to ask him why he hadn’t proposed.
Shortly thereafter, the party went back into the drawing room to hear another piece from Mrs. Fodor.
He made a point of standing next to Lady Dorie, but Dorie drew his attention to a lady with light brown hair. “That is Miss Victoria Emerson. I shall introduce you.”
Before he could tell her he didn’t need to meet other women, Miss Emerson was there.
“Miss Emerson, may I introduce Lord Exeter? He is newly returned to Town from his Grand Tour.” Lady Dorie smiled at him. “This is Miss Emerson.”
She curtseyed, and he bowed and took her fingers in his hand. “A pleasure, Miss Emerson.”
Her eyes slid to the side, then she smiled. “I am delighted to meet you, my lord.”
Seaton-Smith came up to them and bowed. “Miss Emerson, I believe it is time to take our places.”
“Oh, yes.” The look she gave him was cool, but she placed her hand on his arm. She smiled flirtatiously at Alex. “I look forward to seeing you again, my lord.”
Alex wished the man luck with her. Once the pair had left, he tried to cut Lady Dorie out from her group of friends that had come up. And before he could open his mouth to ask her to sit with him again, the other ladies took her off. He wasn’t even able to sit next to her as this time as she was the first one to find a seat and was closely followed by the other ladies. Instead he made his way to Littleton in the back of the room.
Alex approached his friend. “Why haven’t you found a chair?”
Littleton glanced in the direction of Lady Dorie and her friends. “Since I cannot sit where I wish, I choose to stand.”
Alex debated asking if there was anything he could do to help but decided he needed his questions answered first. Not only that, but he wasn’t having much luck with women either. “What can you tell me about Lady Dorie?”
Littleton slid a glance at Alex. “Other than her obvious beauty and grace, she does not suffer fools.”
Neither did Alex. “Go on.”
“Why?” Littleton gave Alex a quizzical look.
“Perhaps I should simply ask why you did not marry her.” His friend’s eyes narrowed. It appeared that if he wanted information, he would have to provide it as well. “I am attempting to court her.”
Leaning against the wall, Littleton crossed one leg over the other. “Her lovely, soft-looking exterior hides an interior of tempered steel. It was almost too late when I realized that she would never be happy with me, or I with her. I lead a quiet, restful life and need a wife who is looking for the same.” He glanced once more toward the front of the room where Lady Dorie and her friends were seated. “Lady Dorie needs things and people to manage. She would make an excellent political hostess.”
And that was exactly the type of lady Alex required. The question was how to go about courting her when she seemed to be doing her best to avoid him.
“I don’t suppose you know anything about her habits?” He sipped his champagne and waited for a reply.
“Are you certain you are serious about her?” Littleton asked. “I would not like her to be hurt again. I feel badly that I didn’t notice her strength and inclinations sooner.”
“From everything I have heard about her, I am as sure as I can be that she would make me the best wife I could hope for.” After all, Alex was fully aware of her managing nature.
“Very well.” His friend nodded slowly. “I’ll help you. She likes early morning rides.” He shuddered. “Around seven o’clock.”
Alex smiled into his glass. Littleton had never been an early riser when in Town.
“Do you mean to tell me that you dragged yourself out of bed at that hour?”
“Good God no! That’s what the country is for. When in Town I keep Town hours.” He glanced at Alex. “But if you wish to attract the lady, you’ll present yourself in the Park looking bright eyed at that ungodly hour.”
He had never been one for late nights, and a little early morning exercise wouldn’t harm him and might be beneficial. Alex found himself staring at Lady Dorie. Especially if the exercise would help him in his quest.
* * * *
Dorie had hoped that Exeter would take himself off to one of his clubs when the evening ended. That seemed to be what most of the gentlemen did. Unfortunately, he decided to ride with her and her parents back to their respective abodes, and made a point of waiting to help her enter the carriage and descend from it. She really must find him another lady.
Before she could bid him good night, he said, “My lady, I would be honored if you would accompany me on a carriage ride in the Park tomorrow.”
Once again, she pasted a polite smile on her face. “I am sorry, my lord, but I have another engagement.”
“The next day then?” Drat the man for not giving up.
“That is a wonderful idea.” Her mother smiled. “You can introduce his lordship to people he might not know.”
“I would be delighted.” Under the circumstances, it was the only answer she could give.
“Thank you. I shall come for you at five o’clock.” He bowed to her and her mother. “Thank you for inviting me to join you this evening.”
Her father patted his shoulder. “Come see me tomorrow afternoon and I should have some more names for you. We’ll make sure everything is right and tight.”
“Thank you, sir.” He inclined his head. “Your help will be invaluable.”
She wondered what could be so difficult about selecting a secretary and land steward. After all, one would naturally oversee their work. Dorie was also surprised that her father already had men in mind. Perhaps it was because Exeter had been out of the country for so long, and the positions were essential to running a household and estate.
He took his leave and she’d started up the stairs to her bedchamber when her mother said, “Dorie, please join me for a cup of tea.”
“Yes, Mama.” Dorie went back down the stairs and followed her mother into the morning room.
Her mother took a seat on the sofa, and Dorie selected one of the large chintz-covered chairs. “I was very glad to see you sitting with his lordship this evening.” The butler entered with the tea tray, and Mama poured. “We must do everything possible to assist him.” Dorie picked up her cup and sipped slowly, wondering where her mother was going with this conversation. “Not only does he have his sisters to look after, but his father never got around to teaching him to manage the estates.”
That last bit caught Dorie in mid-sip and she had to quickly press her serviette to her mouth. Mama couldn’t be correct. “I beg your pardon?”
“Yes, indeed.” She nodded. “You see what a difficult position he is in. Unless he learns how to manage his holdings he will not know how to direct an estate manager. And that, I need not tell you, will not do at all.”
Exeter had been the heir his whole life. Her father had begun teaching her brother, Huntley, about managing the estates before he was learning his numbers. “How could something like that even occur?”
“From what your papa told me, poor Exeter’s father thought he had years left in which to show his son how to go on.”
Dorie could not believe what she was hearing. “What you are saying is that he must marry a lady who is not only willing to finish raising his sisters, but is knowledgeable about estate management as well.”
“Hmm.” Mama calmly drank her tea. “I suppose I am.”
“Thank you for telling me.” Dorie set her cup down and rose. “I must retire now or I will fall asleep right here.”
“Good night, dear.”
“Good night, Mama.”
Once Dorie attained her chambers, she took out several sheets of paper and began to write to her friends. They must discover if the ladies on the list met both qualifications. She also wanted to ensure that the ladies joined them on their walk tomorrow. That would give them time to assess the women.
She wrote Henrietta first.
My dear Henrietta,
I have just been told that E not only has the problem we discussed earlier, but another more serious one as well. We must make sure the ladies are able to manage more than a household.
Regretfully, I shall be riding with Lord B tomorrow and with E the day after tomorrow. If we still have a list by then, and you can convince at least one or more of them to join us on our walk, I can perform the introductions the following day.
Your friend,
D. C.
Dorie wrote identical missives to Georgie, Adeline, and Augusta giving them the same information. What a pickle this was. How had Exeter’s father been so lax?
Curran, Dorie’s maid, en
tered and helped Dorie change into her nightgown. It was past midnight and morning would come early. She would need a good fast gallop to settle her for the day. She still could not believe that the man knew nothing. Even she had been taught how to conduct the business of an estate. Not only that, but his lack of knowledge would make finding him a suitable mate more difficult. She turned her pillow over and hit it. How deep was Exeter’s ignorance?
CHAPTER SIX
The early morning sun filtered through Dorie’s windows. There was not a cloud in the sky. She wasted no time dressing and drinking the cup of tea her maid had brought her. By the time she had descended the stairs to the hall her gray mare, Willa, and her groom were waiting.
“Good morning, Steadman.”
“Morning, my lady. It’s a fine day for a ride.” He held his hands cupped together so that she could mount her horse.
“It certainly is. Warmer too.” Which was a blessing. It had been cold lately. Taking the reins, she waited for him to jump onto his hack before leading the way out of the square.
A light refreshing breeze rustled the leaves. The day promised to be lovely, and her horse pranced eagerly. Looking around, Dorie was pleased to see no one else in the Park. Only the birds seemed to be awake. As the Season had gone on, she had begun riding earlier and earlier to avoid others. She gave Willa her head and they raced down the verge before taking the carriage way around. She was trotting back to where they had entered when she saw a bay roan gelding that had to be at least seventeen hands. Dorie admired the rider’s seat and how he and the horse seemed to move as one.
Then she recognized the gentleman. Exeter. What was he doing up at this hour of the morning? Drat. She would have to start rising with the sun to avoid other people. Papa understood her need for a daily gallop, but if Mama heard about it, Dorie would be restricted to sedate trots. Exeter was headed the way she had gone when she’d entered the Park and was perpendicular to her. With any luck, he would not see her. Just as she had finished the thought, his head turned in her direction and so did his horse.