When a Marquis Chooses a Bride (7 page)

“I don't want to see you hurt,” Louisa said softly.

Dotty took her new friend's hands. “Neither do I. Yet risk is part of life.”

A knock came on the door and a footman entered. “Miss, Lord Merton is waiting for you.”

“Please tell him I shall be down directly.”

“Yes, miss.”

Donning the bonnet and gloves she'd brought to the parlor, she glanced at her friends. “Perhaps I'll see you at the Park?”

“You shall. After all, we would not desert you.” Louisa hugged Dotty. “We shall be along shortly. Charlotte is driving the carriage. If you need to be rescued, we can whisk you away.”

Dotty descended the stairs, surprised to find Merton gazing up at her. She had thought the butler would have put him in a parlor. His eyes were so warm, heat rose in her cheeks. Charlotte was right; he was very good-looking.

When Dotty got to the bottom tread, he took her hand. “You look charming.”

“Thank you, my lord.”

She started to curtsey, but he held her up, tucking her hand in his arm. “I did not know what you liked, so I brought a less spirited team.”

“I appreciate your consideration, but it wasn't necessary.” As they stepped to the pavement, she saw the perfectly matched pair waited patiently. “Oh! Grays are my favorite.”

He smiled and handed her into a dark green curricle with yellow detailing. The seats were gray leather, two shades darker than the horses. “I'm glad you like them. Do you know a lot about horses?”

“Yes, my father is the squire. I was taught to ride almost before I could walk, and was driving when I was just ten years old. At home, I have my own gig, but nothing nearly as lovely as this.”

Though he was still put out about Worthington's visit earlier, apparently Miss Stern knew nothing about it. Dom went around to the other side of the carriage. She should have a vehicle every bit as beautiful as she was. She was quiet while he navigated the busy streets, but he sensed that she noticed everything around them. “Is this the first time you've visited the Park in a carriage?”

What a stupid thing to have asked. He knew it was. Yet, when she peeped up at him with those green eyes, he suddenly didn't feel like an idiot anymore.

“You handle the horses very well.”

Dom's chest puffed out. Since when did a woman's compliment mean so much? “Thank you. I'm a member of the Four Horse Club.”

Good God, now he was bragging, and by the confused expression on her face she didn't even know what he was talking about. “Never mind. It is not important. Did you have fun last evening at Almack's?”

She smiled and made a tinkling sound. “Yes, indeed. I danced every set. It was very kind of you to ensure I could waltz.”

“You're welcome. It was the least I could do.” Dom wanted to groan. From stupid to callow. What was happening to him?

“Today, all three of us received so many poesies and other small gifts, I was amazed.”

That's what he'd forgotten to do. Damn Worthington for putting him out of temper. “It was only to be expected. You were the three loveliest young ladies in attendance.”

She blushed slightly and turned her face from him so that only her profile showed.

“Charlotte and Louisa said it might happen, but truly I didn't expect it.”

As they were nearing the Serpentine, the waterway that snaked through part of the Park, Miss Stern's attention was drawn away from him toward the water. The only thing he could see was a couple of boys with a sack.

“Oh no. Not here, too!” She glanced quickly at him. “My lord, please, you must stop!”

The second he slowed, she jumped from the carriage before he had a chance to hand her down. Skirts flapping around her ankles, she raced toward the youths. “Cease. Immediately!”

To Dom's amazement they did. He applied the carriage brake and strode after her. Although he couldn't hear what she was saying, having heard her chastise a man before, he had a deuced good idea. She was as imperious as a duchess when her ire was up. Nothing at all like he would have expected a baronet's daughter to act. Who knew how those ruffians would react.

As Miss Stern reached for the bag, the young men's faces became surly. They were both taller than her and, from their ragged garb, used to low society.

The one holding the sack scowled. “What ye 'bout? This here's none of yer concern.”

She narrowed her eyes and the fierceness in her tone shocked Dom. “It is if what's in that bag is what I think it is.”

The bag wiggled and emitted a small chirping cry.

“Aha.” She held out her hand. Making it clear she expected to be obeyed. “Give it to me at once.”

“Dotty”—Lady Charlotte appeared next to Miss Stern—“what is it?”

Dom glanced around; his cousin Louisa was here as well. Not only that, but a small crowd was gathering.

“Kittens,” Miss Stern replied. The boy started to leave and she reached out to stop him. “Oh no you don't. Give them to me.”

“We's just doing our dooty,” the other lad said.

Duty
. Did it excuse everything, even such cruelty? If they were not going to listen to her, they would damn well listen to him. He took hold of the boy holding the sack, gripping the skinny wrist until the lad winced. “Miss Stern, you may take the bag now.”

She grabbed it as the youth let go. The other lad advanced menacingly toward her. “We was promised a yellow bob if we brung them cats back dead.”

Someone in the group surrounding them gasped, but Dom was focused on the threat to Miss Stern. “One yellow bob for the two of you?”

Not taking his eyes off the wiggling bag, the youth nodded.

Dom dug into his waistcoat pocket and flipped one coin at the boy as he made a grab for the bag. It landed at his feet. He glanced at the lad whose arm he was still gripping. “Here's one for each of you. Now leave.”

The boy who'd been holding the kittens appeared as if he wanted to argue but his friend, seeing the frowning faces all around them, pulled him away. After a few short words, the lads left.

Dom addressed the crowd that had gathered around them, “This is no concern of yours.”

He heard a couple of low sniggers made by a few of his acquaintances from White's. Damnation, this was going to be all around Town by this evening.

“Saving animals now, Merton?” a snide voice remarked. “What will you do next?”

Raising his quizzing glass, Dom slowly surveyed the portly gentleman. His red face clashed with his purple coat, nipped in so tightly at the waist, he must be wearing a corset. “Perhaps I should save you from your tailor, Seymour.”

The man raised his chin. “This is the very latest fashion.”

Dom raised a brow. “Lavender pantaloons with yellow stripes?”

“I'm setting a trend.”

He gave an exaggerated shudder. “Lord save us from your sense of fashion.”

Finally insulted, Lord Seymour huffed off. Dom looked around to see if anyone else required assistance leaving, but the crowd was drifting away. Miss Stern, Louisa, and Charlotte huddled around the bag.

“What are you going to do with them?” Louisa asked.

For the first time Miss Stern seemed a little lost. “I don't know.”

“We shall take them home with us,” Lady Charlotte offered. “You know how everyone fell in love with Whiskers after you saved her.”

Miss Stern shook her head. “I cannot. I promised Papa I would not bring any stray animals to your house.”

With what Dom could only describe as an evil grin, Louisa glanced at him. “Ask Merton to take them.”

Miss Stern looked up at him, her beautiful green eyes pleading. “I know I am asking a great deal, but would you, my lord? Give them a home?”

At that moment, he would have done anything for her; getting the better of Cousin Louisa was only an added benefit. “Of course. I'm sure they will come in handy.”

The smile Miss Stern gave him was more than the sun, moon, and stars all together. “Thank you. We should get them there quickly. I cannot let them out of this bag until we do.”

“Of course.” Just as he was wondering how he was going to keep them on the curricle after he took her home, Lady Charlotte solved his problem.

“We will all go and make sure they are safe and comfortable.”

As they walked back to the carriages, a barouche was stopped on the verge. Lady Bellamny, one of the Gorgons of the
ton,
nodded. What the devil did that mean?

He inclined his head. “My lady.”

“Glad to see you finally doing something useful, Merton.”

Before he could respond, she signaled for her driver to move on.

A groom standing by the phaeton his cousins arrived in helped the ladies up.

Dom took the squirming bag from Dotty and, once she was settled, gave it back to her. “How many are there?”

“The best we can figure is three, but I won't know until it's opened.”

He started his horses. “Cats are thought to be useful. I wonder why the boys were being paid to kill them.”

Miss Stern bit her lower lip. “It is possible they were going to be used for fur.”

“Fur?” Disgusting. He remembered being allowed to hold the kitchen cat when he was young, before his father died. “Who would buy anything made of cat fur?”

“Sometimes it can pass for rabbit or another animal.” She pulled her full lower lip between her teeth. “Thank you for agreeing to take them.” Her tone, almost a whisper, was infused with emotion. “I know Louisa made it difficult to refuse.”

He was pleased that Louisa had very little to do with his decision. It was his regard for Miss Stern that made him do it. “Not at all. I would have offered even if my cousin hadn't said anything.”

Miss Stern turned to him and there was that smile again. “I know you would have. You are not nearly as black as you are painted.”

What the hell was he to say to that? Did people really think he was heartless? He nodded curtly. “Thank you.”

In a few minutes Dom brought his curricle to a halt outside of his house. The door opened and two footmen came running out to help the ladies. Dom almost laughed at the look on the face of one of the servants when Miss Stern handed him the sack while she prepared to alight from the carriage. He came around to help her. Now he would have to figure out what he was supposed to do with a bunch of cats.

“My lord?” She shook out her skirts. “Could you have some cream brought to a parlor while we take a look at them? Afterward, I suppose they will have to start earning their keep in the kitchen.”

He hadn't expected her to be so practical and it pleased him immensely. “Of course. I'll send for my mother as well.”

Miss Stern nodded. “That is a good idea.”

“Paken,” Dom said. “I need a large bowl of cream and probably some scraps of meat. We shall be in the morning room. Please ask my mother to attend me.”

His butler bowed. “I believe her ladyship is already present, my lord.”

Miss Stern turned to Dom; her wide green gaze made him want to kiss her. “Thank you so much.”

“It was nothing. I daresay they will be a beneficial addition to my household.”

He shoved the idea that he might be starting to fall in love with her far back into his brain. That he must not do. Love had no place in his life, only duty.

Chapter Seven

Dotty placed her hand on Merton's arm as he escorted her down a corridor, to a room at the back of the house. Louisa and Charlotte followed behind. He opened the door and sunlight flooded the light yellow chamber. Two middle-aged ladies sat on either side of the fireplace. One had dark brown hair, with just a few strands of silver. The other one's hair was the same color as Merton's but a bit faded.

The blond-haired woman set aside her novel, stood, then came forward. Her pale blue eyes sparkled with curiosity. “Dominic?”

Merton took the woman's hand. “Mama, allow me to introduce Lady Charlotte Carpenter, Lady Louisa Vivers, and Miss Stern. Ladies, my mother.”

Dotty, Louisa, and Charlotte curtseyed.

Lady Merton smiled broadly. “I am very pleased you've come to visit. Miss Stern, may I know your first name?”

“Yes, my lady. It is Dorothea.”

“Lovely.” Lady Merton glanced at the wiggling bag. “What have we here?”

“Kittens,” Dotty replied. “We rescued them today, and Lord Merton very kindly offered them a home.”

Her ladyship's smile grew broader. “Did he indeed? Well, then, let us see how they look.”

“I think it would be better if I sat on the floor.” She glanced at her ladyship, hoping neither Merton nor his mother thought she was being ill-bred. Yet one could scarcely keep track of kittens otherwise.

“Yes, indeed,” Lady Merton responded. “The kittens are likely to fall off the sofa. I would join you on the floor, but I am afraid that a low stool will suit me better.”

Lord Merton quickly placed a stool covered by an embroidered cushion next to his mother. Dotty, Louisa, and Charlotte, took places on the floor in front of her ladyship. Merton sat in a chair near his mother.

Dotty opened the sack, expecting the animals to crawl out on their own. Instead, the first one gazed up at her with round yellow eyes. She reached in and, one by one, pulled out four small gray cats.

“Oh, aren't they beautiful!” Charlotte reached for one and handed Louisa another.

Lady Merton motioned for a kitten to be given to her as well. It chirped. “My, my, how unusual. Ladies, I believe you have rescued a litter of Chartreux. See their yellow eyes, and feel how thick and soft the fur is? When I was a girl, we visited cousins in France. The daughter had a cat like this. It followed her everywhere.” She addressed the kitten. “I do not know how you ended up here, but I suspect you have quite the pedigree.”

Dotty glanced at Merton who warily watched one of the kittens scramble over his boot. “I thought they could make their living in the kitchen and storage rooms.”

Lady Merton placed the kitten on the floor next to the bowl of cream that had arrived. “Hmm, they are known to be great hunters. However they also bond with one person, much like a dog does.”

“I'm going to ask Grace if I can have one.” Charlotte held the kitten close to her.

“I shall as well,” Louisa said. “Dotty, it is too bad you made that promise to your papa not to bring animals to Stanwood House.”

“Yes.” She would have loved to have a kitten. “But one must keep one's word.”

Charlotte and Louisa rose, each holding a kitten. “We will see you back at Stanwood House,” Charlotte said.

Lady Merton smiled kindly. “Miss Stern, you may visit the remaining two anytime you wish. Simply send a note around.”

“Thank you, my lady.” It was a lovely offer, but Dotty knew her ladyship was just being kind. She glanced at Merton whose brow was furrowed as he watched the cats eat the bits of meat. Did he regret his decision?

When he stood, his face was a mask. “We must not keep the horses standing. Miss Stern, I shall take you home now.”

“Yes, of course.” Dotty took the hand he held out and rose. Once she was back in his curricle, she settled her skirts. “I'm sorry if I caused you a problem.”

He glanced at her, the mask was gone, and his eyes twinkled with humor. “It's no difficulty for me at all. My mother and staff will care for the remaining animals.”

“Of course.” How silly of her to think
he
would actually take care of them. Yet, what had made him appear so pensive?

One of the footmen held the door open as she entered the hall. Childish screeches of delight emanated from the back of the house, then a command for them to be quiet stopped the noise. After giving her hat, parasol, and gloves to the footman, she strolled to the morning room and stood next to the wall. All the children were present as well as their governess and tutor. Daisy, the younger Great Dane, was stretched out on the floor gently nosing one kitten.

Charlotte held the other one up to Grace. “Isn't she precious?”

Grace took the kitten. “She is. We have never had house cats before; I suppose it's time.”

“I knew you would say yes.” Charlotte clapped her hands.

Dotty gave a small sigh of relief. She had managed to rescue the kittens and keep her promise to her father.

Stroking the small bundle of fur, Grace grinned. “Where did you find them?”

“Dotty and Merton saved them from being killed.”

“Merton?” Matt strode to Grace. “That's hard to believe.”

“I know, but it's true.” Louisa took her kitten from Daisy and gave it to Mary, at age five, the youngest of Grace's sisters. “Be gentle with her.” Mary nodded. Louisa glanced at Matt. “Dotty saw some boys with a sack, and Merton made them give her the cats. We brought home two, he and his mother kept the other two.”

“Harrumph.” Matt rubbed his chin. “He may have been helpful today, but a man doesn't change overnight.” He glanced at Dotty, but Grace laid her hand on his arm and shook her head.

As much as she was beginning to like Merton, she knew that he must have done more than lord it over Matt for him to dislike his cousin so much. Maybe Grace would tell Dotty the whole story.

* * *

After Dom had returned from taking Miss Stern to Stanwood House, he made his way to his study, across the corridor from the morning room. As he was about to close the door, a gray streak flew by him, stopped, and stared up with wide eyes.

“What are you doing here?”

The kitten blinked and made a chirping noise, before sauntering to Dom, then stretching up on his boot.

“If you claw those,” he said sternly, “my valet will make you into a muff.”

He strolled over to his desk and the cat followed. “I believe, sir, you are under a misapprehension. I do not like cats.”

Completely ignoring him, the animal laid down next to Dom's foot.

A knock sounded on the door, and it opened to admit one of his footmen. “Sorry to bother you, my lord. One of the kittens is missing.” He looked down. “There you are, you little beastie. Come with me now.”

As the servant bent down to take the cat, it scooted behind Dom.

The footman gave an exasperated sigh. “I'm sorry, my lord. Cyrille here keeps escaping.”

Dom raised a brow. Named so soon? “Where are the rest of them?”

“The young ladies took two, and her ladyship has the other one.” The footman indicated the cat. “But this little devil won't stay with his sister.”

Dom twisted and stared down at the kitten. “Escaping the ladies already?” The cat rubbed against his boot. “Very well, as long as you don't make a habit of it, you may hide here for a little while.”

After the footman bowed himself out, Dom addressed the animal again. “Do not become used to staying with me. As I told you before, I am not at all fond of cats and would not have lifted a finger to help you. Unfortunately, your benefactress is unable to house you.”

And the look on Miss Stern's face when he had agreed to take in the kittens was worth even his boots being scratched.

Cyrille followed Dom when he went to a chair next to the fireplace and picked up a book. “You may lie at my feet. My valet won't like cat hair on my pantaloons or coat.”

As if the kitten understood, he curled up on one of Dom's boots and fell asleep. His mother had said they were like dogs, which put him in mind of Poodle Byng. His French poodle accompanied him on carriage drives. Merton glanced down at Cyrille. “Before you get any more ideas, you may not go driving with me.”

The kitten stretched out a sleepy paw and yawned.

“Good. I am pleased we have an understanding.”

He thought back to Miss Stern's fierceness in rescuing the kittens. How far did her desire to help others go? Was she one of those reformers who tried to assist anyone she perceived to be in need, even when they'd made the decision to live less than honorable lives?

Despite what he had said to Worthington, her birth alone made her unsuitable to be his bride. Alvanley had been right; Dom was making wife hunting harder than it needed to be and all because of a pair of clear green eyes and black hair. Since he had met Miss Stern, the more popular blond-haired ladies seemed to fade into the background. He couldn't even bring himself to make another list.

He reached down to stroke Cyrille. His mother was correct; the fur was very soft. The kitten rolled over, offering its stomach just like a dog. There was one fortunate thing about having the cats. At least now he would have an excuse to visit Miss Stern. She would wish to know how her protégés were faring.

* * *

The next day, Dom made himself stay away from Miss Stern, attending to the estate business he had neglected the day before. Instead of remaining at home, he had luncheon at his club with Fotherby, then eschewed the Park. But he could not seem to expunge her from his mind, and by late afternoon he was even looking forward to attending the Featherington ball solely so he could see her.

That evening when Dom entered Lord and Lady Featherington's town house with his mother and Matilda, he caught himself searching the ballroom for Miss Stern, Dorothea. If he had his way, she would be called Thea or Doro. Though perhaps the second was too close to Wellington's nickname. Thea it was, even if he did not yet have permission to use her first name.

He found her as a gentleman claimed her for a country dance that was forming. Dom's chest tightened when she placed her hand on the other man's arm. What was it about Thea that made him want to keep other gentlemen away from her? That gave him the sense she was his alone?

She glanced up. When their eyes met, she smiled. Damn. If he didn't find something to distract him, he was liable to lean against the wall making a cake of himself watching her. Glancing around the room, he noticed Miss Turley still didn't have a partner, and he walked over to her. “Miss Turley, may I have this dance?”

She smiled and curtseyed politely as she always did. “Of course, my lord.”

Perhaps he had misjudged her. Still the fact remained that he felt nothing as he bowed and kissed her fingers. None of the warmth or excitement he experienced with Thea.

While taking their places on the dance floor, his gaze strayed to Thea again. He really should focus on a more suitable lady to wed. Someone who didn't cause scenes in the Park or, come to think of it, have radical ideas about estate management, and saddle him with kittens. His mind boggled at what else she might be capable of, given time. If she felt called to rescue animals, why couldn't it have been a good hunting hound?

He grinned, then realized Miss Turley thought he was responding to something she'd said. The corners of her lips turned up. She was considered one of the Diamonds of the Season. Perhaps he should have paid more attention to her, but her golden hair and pale beauty didn't appeal to him. He caught sight of Thea again and could barely keep his mind on his dance partner while Thea smiled, talked and, apparently, enjoyed herself with another gentleman. The desire to snatch her away from the man rose up in him and he let out a low growl.

“My lord, are you all right?” the young matron next to him asked.

“Perfectly. Just something in my throat.” Jupiter, he had to get a hold of himself before he created a scene.

What possessed his mother wanting to come here when there was Aliesbury's ball? At least there he would be around his own friends, and he would not be subjected to the sight of Thea dancing with others. Dom forced his attention back to Miss Turley. What was her first name? He had been considering her as a wife and hadn't even bothered to find out.

After returning her to her cousin, Dom pushed his way through the crowded ballroom to Thea, interrupting another gentleman about to request a dance. “Miss Stern?” She glanced at him from beneath her long black lashes and smiled. He sucked in a breath.

To hell with duty
.

“Are you still free for the supper dance?”

“I am, my lord.”

“See here, Merton,” Mr. Garvey said, “I was about to request the same set.”

Dom wanted to cheer, as if he'd won a battle. Instead he raised his quizzing glass. “Next time you will have to be faster.”

Garvey's scowl made Dom want to laugh. He and the man had been friends when they were young, but after Dom's father had died, Garvey never came around anymore.

Thea's eyes sparkled with pleasure, and Dom's heart buoyed as if he'd won some sort of prize. Never in his life had he felt like this. Tomorrow he would deal with finding an appropriate woman to wed. For now, he was going to enjoy having Thea in his arms.

* * *

Dotty glanced only for a moment at Merton's retreating back, before she realized Miss Meadows was speaking to her. “I'm sorry, what did you say?”

The young lady placed her hand consolingly on Dotty's arm. “You poor dear. It is such a shame Mr. Garvey spent so much time greeting you rather than asking you to dance.”