Chapter Thirteen

“W hat?” Lord Harewood stiffened. “Why?”

Dory almost laughed as he’d pulled his hand back as if she’d offered him a snake. “I’m going to tell your fortune.”

“But you are not a fortuneteller.”

No wonder the man didn’t participate in charades. It was as if he shied away from having fun for the simple sake of it. “I’ve studied up on it.”

His shoulders relaxed, but he remained doubtful. “They allow you to study fortunetelling at your school?”

She refused to answer. Instead, she held her gloved hand out and waited.

He finally seemed to understand how determined she was and set his bare hand in hers.

She bit back a grin at the fact that he placed it palm down. Turning his hand over, she focused on the deep lines in his palm. His hands were smooth, as were those of most men of her class, and it was easy to see every crease. The heat of his hand penetrated her thin summer glove, making it difficult to concentrate. “This is your heart line.” She ran her index finger along it. “See here?” She pointed to a place where a crease intersected it. “This is your first love.” Even as she said it, she wished she hadn’t. She hadn’t meant to mention past sorrow.

His hand stiffened, but he didn’t pull away.

Trying to keep her words as vague as a fortuneteller’s, she moved her finger to another crease farther along his heart line, the movement sending a small thrill through her. “Someone else will come into your life and stir your heart.” At least she thought that was the meaning. It could mean he would travel across the ocean and enjoy adventure, but her first interpretation sounded so much better and might even give him a bit of hope.

She quickly moved her finger to another long line in his palm. “This is your head line. It is very strong. It leads you, but here, it grows confused where this crease between the heart and head intersects.”

She moved her finger to the long line that outlined the part of his palm where his thumb was anchored. Slowly, she traced the line, not a little excited by the feelings the movement evoked. She wished she could remove her glove. “This is your life line. You will live a long life.” At least she that’s what one book stated, though the other said it had to do with experiences. She stopped, a chill racing across her shoulders. “Your children are not clear.” It was actually as if he were to have children and then they disappeared, only to reappear. “I cannot tell how many.”

She heard the step behind her, but before she could drop Lord Harewood’s hand, he wrapped his fingers around her own.

“What is it that goes on here?”

Lady Sommerset’s amused tone had Dory turning. She smiled guiltily. “Please don’t tell anyone I was telling fortunes. Mother would be very upset.” She tried to release her hand, but Lord Harewood held firm.

“Fortunes. I did not know you had such a skill. I promise not to tell if you grant me a session.” The lady’s secret smile appeared.

“There is no need for blackmail, Lady Sommerset. I have no doubt that Lady Dorothea will be happy to”—he released her hand gently—“allow you the same entertainment she gave me.”

From his tone, it was clear he still questioned the enjoyment of being told a fortune, but at least he didn’t frown as he said it.

“Wonderful. I look forward to it. I have been sent by Lady Enderly to request you gather the gentlemen who are interested in the races and begin setting them up.”

Lord Harewood stood then held his hand out to help Dory rise. Once again, as their hands connected, a strong heat coursed through her, but it was far more than the thrill of before. She gazed up at him. “Thank you.”

“Of course.” No humor shone in his eyes, only studious focus. “I hope our coming race will be entertaining for you.”

She couldn’t quite make her voice work, so she nodded. Then he let go and strode off.

“Telling fortunes?” Lady Sommerset’s doubt was obvious.

Not wishing to make Lord Harewood uncomfortable with the countess’s continued speculation, Dory immediately smiled. “Yes. I studied it. Your sister has two books on it at school.”

Lady Sommerset rolled her eyes. “I should have guessed. Of course she would. Between her and her husband, they have two books on everything.” She chuckled. “Then maybe this evening you can be the entertainment and give fortunes.”

“Me?” The thought of giving fortunes to everyone was a bit intimidating.

“Well, at least for those who wish them.”

She was a bit relieved by that, but couldn’t imagine holding other men’s palms in her hand. “I can if the ladies want, but it must be at a side table, where no one else can hear. That makes it more mysterious.” She wiggled her brows.

Lady Sommerset laughed. “We shall make all the arrangements to give you the right atmosphere. Now we should join the other ladies gathering to watch the races.”

She glanced to the right and noticed not only ladies, but a few gentlemen as well. “I see not all the men are racing?”

They walked toward the standing stone, where everyone had gathered. “Yes. Lady Enderly limited it to only eight so they wouldn’t go on and on. There will be two races of four and then the first- and second-place winners of those races will race for the prize.”

She had no idea what the prize was, but she planned to ask Rose.

As they approached the gathering, Lady Sommerset began a conversation with another chaperone, so Dory took the opportunity to find her friend. It wasn’t difficult, as Rose wore a pretty, rose-colored dress and bonnet while most of the other women wore white, pale yellow, and green. When close enough, she clasped her friend’s hand.

“Oh, there you are.” Rose turned and pulled her to the front. “I have much to tell you.”

“You do?” They’d just spoken a couple of hours ago. “Has so much come to pass, then?”

Rose leaned in and whispered. “My time spent with Lord Manning was all about you.”

“What?” More than a bit surprised, she checked those nearby to make sure no one heard, then leaned back in. “Why me?”

Rose’s eyes twinkled. “As you know, I didn’t want him to be interested in me, so I happened to mention that this outing was your idea and that was all I needed to do. He asked me oh-so-many questions about you. So many that I feel we need to spend hours together for me to be able to answer them all.”

“Lord Manning?” She should be ecstatic that the marquess was interested in her, but she wasn’t.

“I was as surprised as you are. If it had been Lord Dearling, I would have expected it, as everyone can see he is quite smitten with you.”

She had surmised as much. That meant two men were interested in her. If either was serious, she could be wed before the next season. Relief ran through her at that possibility. Her mother was less likely to cause a scandal before the next season started.

Rose squeezed her hand even as she whispered excitedly. “So which would you choose?”

“I don’t know. I must think about it, though we can’t be certain I will have a choice.”

Rose grinned. “Oh, you will. We must talk tonight. I’ll come to your room.”

“I would like that.” Having Rose not only welcome her, but support her was a boon she hadn’t expected, and she was far more than grateful. Could she truly have a choice of husband? She tried to imagine herself sitting at the end of a long table of guests with Lord Dearling at the other end. It wasn’t as difficult as she thought. She changed the scene in her mind to Lord Manning entertaining their guests in a parlor. That was fairly easy to do as well.

But what would it be like when they were alone? She imagined getting ready to sleep, her maid brushing her long hair before braiding it then leaving. As she sat at her dressing table a man’s hands rested on her shoulders and bent to kiss the side of her neck. A tiny trill of excitement filled her as she let her eyelids close and tipped her head to allow him easier access. He eased her shift off her shoulder to kiss that very spot before his hand moved lower to cup her breast. Her breath caught in her chest and her eyes flew open to stare at him in the mirror.

Lord Harewood smiled seductively back at her.

Her heart raced with anticipation when a gunshot startled her. She blinked to see four horses racing across the field, the thunder of their hooves vibrating beneath her own feet.

Confused by her imagination, she squeezed Rose’s hand in hers.

“Isn’t it exciting?” Rose turned to her and smiled. “Watch. I’m sure my brother on Nyx will place. That black devil will do anything to show he’s the best. After talking to Lord Manning today, I’m going to guess he will place as well. He did mention his horse and its speed.”

Dory forced herself to focus across the field where the horses ran. The black horse called Nyx was nearest them, but she couldn’t bring herself to look at the rider. The horse remained with two others, another pulling ahead slightly. As they reached the halfway marker, or rather Lord Sommerset, the black horse began to move ahead of the others. When they raced to the end of the course, which was watched closely by Lord and Lady Enderly and Lady Sommerset, it was obvious who had won. Rose was correct. Lord Harewood and Lord Manning claimed first and second places respectively.

As the next group of men mounted and trotted their horses to the starting line, she forced herself to take deep breaths. Her imagination was far too strong. She needed to focus on what was real, which could very well be two good men interested in her. To that end, she looked for Lord Dearling in the next set to race. Though she was grateful to Lord Harewood for helping her, he’d made it very clear that he was not ready for a wife yet. She wished she truly knew how to read palms. What if the line that intersected his head and his heart was indicative of this very moment in time? What if she actually had three men to choose from?

Her body heated at such a wonderful predicament when her words not an hour past came back to her. She told me I would have my choice of husbands, but to choose wisely and look beneath appearances, as only one was the right one. She shivered. Was the fortuneteller’s look into the future true?

“Dory, are you cold?” Rose’s lips pressed together in her concern.

“No. I’m just excited to see who will win this next race.” It wasn’t exactly a lie, but if given the opportunity, she’d have been happy to crawl into a coach and hide to be alone with her thoughts until the festivities were done.

“I know. This is more exciting than the puzzles the men will have to solve tonight. I prefer to see their physical prowess.” Rose giggled, a slight blush heating her cheek.

It hadn’t occurred to her that Rose had knowledge of men’s physiques. She wanted to tease her, but her thoughts were a muddle at the moment. Instead, she asked the first question that came to mind, but in a whisper. “Do you know what men do with women then?”

Rose looked around before wiggling her eyebrows. “I do.”

A gunshot went off, and Rose immediately turned back to watch the race.

The younger Ambroses seemed intent on confusing her. They weren’t what she’d expected. In fact, she liked them because of that. Now she worried that Rose would talk of nothing but the men’s physical prowess tonight, which would hardly help her current dilemma.

“Look.” Rose pointed.

She forced herself to watch the second race. Lord Dearling was a full horse length ahead of the others, but Mr. Retfield gained ground. The two men finished first and second. As everyone clapped, she determined to enjoy the moment. “This is far more exciting than I imagined.”

Though she spoke to Rose, someone else answered.

“Have you never been to a horse race, then, Lady Dorothea?” At the sound of Lord Leighhall behind her, she stepped forward.

“Lord Leighhall, I didn’t see you there.” Had the man heard any of her and Rose’s conversation? He seemed the sort to eavesdrop and not let on.

“I am here. Since I didn’t bring my favorite mount, I declined to join the race. But if I had, I assure you that Caesar would easily win.”

She bit back what she wished to say. “I would have enjoyed seeing that. I’m sure your horse would make these races even more exciting than they are.”

He didn’t say anything at first, as if he expected her to continue. Obviously, he didn’t understand that she’d prefer to speak to anyone else.

His forehead furrowed, making it look a bit like an angry owl. “You don’t go on and on anymore in conversation. Did you learn to curb your poor habit at that school you attend? If so, I may have misjudged its uselessness.”

She was not only insulted on her own behalf but on the school’s as well, and her words wedged in her throat like a log jam.

Rose must have sensed her upset and answered. “I’m so pleased you think the Belinda School for Curious Ladies is of high quality. I, myself, will begin attending next month. I’ve already learned so much from Lady Dorothea. I cannot wait to start my studies.”

The man’s brows rose. “You?”

Rose gave him an elegant nod. “Yes. My brother and father fully support me in my endeavor to cultivate my mind a bit more.”

“But you are perfectly refined. Why would you go?”

His emphasis on the word you made it clear that he thought Rose much better quality than those who attended the school.

Dory was done being insulted by the man. “Perhaps Rose wishes to attend the school for the same reason you attended Cambridge or Oxford.”

The man snapped his head around to look at her as if he’d forgotten she were there. “I attended Cambridge because my father told me to attend. I assure you, I did as little as I could in classes and as much as possible in the physical activities.” His gaze roamed over her as if he found her lacking in feminine attributes.

Beyond caring after such an insulting look, she narrowed her gaze. “That is rather sad. The Duke of Northwick, who owns the school I attend, believes a man who does not cultivate his mind is doomed to failure.” Though it was the truth, by the intense look in Lord Leighhall’s eyes, he was highly affronted.

“I imagine he also expects his students to behave in a proper manner to those of higher intellect.”

“Oh, my, yes, and I do.” She smiled sweetly, making it clear she did not consider him more intelligent than herself.

The man opened his mouth, no doubt to set her down, but the gun went off and the horses galloped across the field once more. She took the opportunity to turn her back on the odious man and watch.

All four horses were well matched and they kept pace with each other. She wasn’t sure why her heart was beating so fast, but she dug her fingers into her palms as she watched. Eventually, Lord Manning’s horse began to pull ahead, but just by a nose. As they sped past Lord Sommerset at the halfway mark, Lord Harewood had joined him in the lead. The two men lengthened the gap between them and the others. As the two drew close to the finish line, Lord Harewood’s horse shot out ahead and won by half a length.

Rose turned toward her and hugged her. “I told you! That proud stallion of his refuses to lose.”

The four men in the race slowed and turned back toward the finish line. Lord Harewood was the first to dismount, preferring to walk his horse toward the cheering crowd.

Lord Leighhall grumbled. “That’s not very sporting of him. This is his party. He should have allowed someone else to win.”

Dory didn’t turn, pretending she hadn’t heard, as it was quite loud.

“My lord.” Rose looked behind her. “Do tell me you didn’t bet against my brother based on such an assumption.”

“Bet? Why would you think I bet? Men do more than that, my lady.” The man walked between them and out to meet those coming in from the race.

Dory couldn’t help a satisfied smile. “He bet and lost. I do believe he bet on Mr. Retfield.”

Rose chuckled and linked her arm with hers. “Let us go congratulate my brother. His horse may be an ass, but it was still well done.”

She laughed at that, even as her belly tingled at the idea of congratulating Lord Harewood. They were not the first to meet him halfway across the field, and he was surrounded by the other guests. She took the opportunity to observe him. His smile seemed genuine and he accepted congratulations with humility, consistently patting his horse and giving Nyx credit.

As people moved on to console the other riders, she and Rose finally had his attention, or rather Rose, who threw herself into his arms. “I knew you’d win.” She laughed before he set her back and she straightened her bonnet. “That damn horse of yours.”

He grinned, not a little proud of that horse. “I can count on Nyx for speed when it’s needed. He’s dependable in that.”

“If nothing else.” Rose’s comment got a neigh from the horse.

Dory’s heart pounded at his happiness. “You feel true joy in winning.” She hadn’t meant to blurt it out, but fortunately, only Rose was near enough to overhear.

He finally turned his attention to her. “Yes, I do.” He paused for just a moment before understanding dawned. “It is another activity that brings me happiness.” His grin changed into a soft smile. “Thank you for making me aware of this.”

She nodded, her throat closing at the look in his eyes. She wanted to say the common theme was winning, but she didn’t wish him to stop looking at her in that way.

“Lord Leighhall is not happy.” Rose broke the moment, nodding to where the man stood with Mr. Retfield. “Which is as it should be. He was incredibly rude to Dory.”

Lord Harewood, who had looked in the direction his sister had motioned, turned back quickly. “Rude? How? What did he say?”

She wanted to tug on Rose to remain silent, but she was beyond arm’s length. “It was nothing. He’s been rude to me before.” She waved her hand, wishing he would go back to smiling. “It was nothing.”

“Oh, but you should have heard Dory insult him right back.” Rose laughed. “It was wonderful.” She linked her arm through her brother’s. “Now we will escort you back to save you from Mother’s scolding.”

Lord Harewood continued to look at her with brows lowered, making her search for a way to make him smile again.

Instead, she addressed Rose. “Why would your mother scold Lord Harewood?”

At that, his brows relaxed, and though he didn’t smile, he didn’t seem as concerned. “Because my mother would have wanted me to allow one of her guests to win. But too many people here know Nyx and his abilities. It would have been too obvious.” He looked at his sister. “I will be happy for your escort.”

“Come, Dory. You must come too. Mother won’t bother us if you are with us.”

Happy to be of assistance, she linked her arm with Rose’s free one. As they made their way back to the shade of the trees, she was able to untangle some of her jumbled thoughts. The first thread to come loose was the fact that she wished she were arm in arm with the earl. The second piece of twine to unravel itself made it clear that she had too many feelings for the man. The rest of the jumble tangled around how he felt about her. She had to know.