Chapter Two

D orothea looked across the room at Elsbeth, who nodded encouragement. No doubt, Lord Harewood even now was regretting asking her to dance. She would just have to force her mind to focus on the odd beat. She’d done it before, until the turns. That was when she couldn’t keep her mind on the counts. But she refused to make herself and the lord victims of ridicule.

He had been far kinder than she’d expected, based on her limited interactions with him in the past. She’d actually thought him a bit sinister since he always dressed in black, never smiled, and remained aloof, as if they were all far too boring and of little consequence. She had assumed that came from being very intelligent or very arrogant. But when he’d come to her rescue after Lady Rose’s companions left her, he’d been kind, interested, and he had even smiled!

Grateful to him for that kindness, she would manage the waltz turns somehow, simply keeping her gaze on his and counting, even if she must do so under her breath. She’d never been asked to waltz before and Lord Harewood never asked anyone to dance. It was paramount she not disappoint him. If she stumbled, she would simply claim a twisted ankle, and he could escort her off the floor, no harm done to their reputations.

As the strains of the music began, she kept her gaze on the other dancers to start her count. But she needn’t have worried because just as they were to take the first step, she felt his arm tense, cuing her movement. Pleased that his own movements could help her, she made it through the beginning of the dance with no missteps. In fact, she found herself relaxing into the beat instead of forcing it.

Thankfully, Lord Harewood did not attempt to engage in conversation because had he done so, she was sure she would lose her count. Then as the last pattern before the turns came to an end, he took her in his arms. Panic filled her as she stared at his chest and tried to remember the count as he moved. She stumbled, catching up, trying to keep in step.

“Look at me.”

The command of his voice brooked no resistance, and she did as told.

“Now, relax and allow me to lead.”

As she had lost the count completely, she held on tightly and let him move her about the floor. His gaze never left her, yet she could feel his arm muscles anticipating the next turn and his hand on her back moved her to the position she needed to be. It took a few minutes, but she began to feel the sway and rhythm and soon found herself studying the color of his eyes instead of paying attention to the dance. They were a bright green like new leaves bursting from their buds, but against that bright backdrop were darker shades that flitted about the edges like shadows. What kind of man dressed in black, kept himself apart from others, yet had such fascinating eyes?

Suddenly, they stopped, the dance over. She wanted to continue. She’d never felt so graceful. His arms left her, and she stepped back as appropriate, giving Lord Harewood her best curtsey. He bowed then held out his arm. “Allow me to escort you to your chaperone.”

Immediately, panic of a different sort set in. She quickly searched the room, not surprised to see her mother slipping outside into the gardens with a man. Desperate to find a suitable chaperone in Lord Harewood’s eyes, her gaze landed on Elsbeth standing with her husband, Lord Mabry not far from the musicians. Elsbeth wore a pale blue dress that matched her eyes and complemented her blonde hair. Her husband’s very dark blue tailcoat complemented her dress just as Aristotle had suggested. “Lady Mabry is my dearest friend and serving as my chaperone this evening.” It wasn’t precisely the truth, but very close.

The lord’s brows rose. “I would have expected your parents, or at the least, your mother. Did she not attend tonight’s ball?”

She put her hand upon his arm. “My mother attends almost every ball, even those held on the same evening. Did you know that in one season, there can be as many as sixty-eight balls held, not to mention the various recitals? Just last week, I attended a recital of the Worthington sisters. They are truly talented. It will be a great loss when one of them marries and no longer graces us with her voice, but I imagine she will then be able to sing to her children. I know it’s not common, but who else could she sing to? It’s not as if she can go on the stage. What a scandal that would be, don’t you agree?”

Lord Harewood stared at her as if he were unsure of her question.

She was about to repeat herself when he nodded. “That would indeed be a scandal. And so we, too, do not create one by remaining on the dance floor, allow me to escort you to Lady Mabry.” He immediately guided her across the room.

Though she couldn’t be sure, she felt that he was anxious to be rid of her, a feeling she was quite used to. She did not cast blame, as she was quite aware it was her fault. If she could stay on one topic for more than a couple of sentences, both ladies and gentlemen wouldn’t be in such a hurry to relieve themselves of her company. But alas, that was not within her abilities, so she was actually grateful that Lord Harewood had not only conversed with her, but had continued in her company through a dance. Though, to be fair, she hadn’t spoken a word during their time on the dance floor and so it wasn’t that he had needed to follow her thoughts. Whatever would he think if he knew her thoughts on his eye color?

She smiled at the thought as they approached Elsbeth.

Her friend returned her smile, before addressing her escort. “Lord Harewood, thank you for returning Lady Dorothea to us.”

As the lord in question released her, she stepped next to Elsbeth. “Thank you for the dance. I believe I now have a better understanding of the waltz.”

The man did not smile, but neither did he frown. “And I, Lady Dorothea, have a better understanding of a muddle. I hope you enjoy the rest of your evening.” With that, he strode away.

She watched as he made his way to Lord and Lady Sommerset, who stood near the entrance of the ballroom. It was rather awe-inspiring how quickly he could move through the crowd while avoiding conversation with anyone. Then why had he conversed with her?

“Dory, you must tell me everything. How did you garner a dance with Lord Harewood?” Lady Elsbeth stepped in front of her, blocking her view of the interesting man.

She wanted more than anything to crane her neck to see if he spoke to Lord Sommerset about his time with her, but she’d been taught her manners well. Instead, she focused on Elsbeth. “I didn’t. He asked me.”

Elsbeth winked, much like their teacher, the Duchess of Northwick. “I guessed as much, but how did that happen to occur? Did he stride up to you and ask? Did he accidently bump into you? Did Lady Sommerset and her husband approach you with him in tow?”

She grinned as she remembered his kindness. “He answered a question I had posed to Lady Rose’s companions. They couldn’t answer, but he could. He’s very intelligent. We actually conversed for quite some time.”

“You did?” Elsbeth’s light-blue eyes widened in evident surprise. “Do you mean to say he followed your ideas?”

She nodded, her smile growing wider. “He did.” To have someone follow every word she spoke had never happened before. Her classmates understood her in pieces and were not shy about asking her to repeat herself, which she gladly did. It had been refreshing to find ladies of her own age who were willing to listen. Her mother said she prattled far too much and her father wished her to be silent at all times, which she tended to be when he was present, even if her mind continued to think about various and sundry ideas.

Elsbeth patted her arm. “I, for one, am quite pleased for you. You even did well in your waltz. Have you been practicing?”

She grimaced as she remembered Elsbeth practicing with her. “No, but Lord Harewood told me what to do and when.”

Elsbeth’s brows rose. “Now that is not surprising. I understand the man can be very particular about things.”

“I did admit to him when the dance was called that I had not danced the waltz in public before.”

Lord Mabry, who stood next to his wife, chuckled. “I imagine the stodgy Lord Harewood was quite taken aback by your honesty.”

She didn’t know why she felt the need to defend him, but she did nonetheless. “Actually, he appreciated my honesty.”

“I imagine he preferred to be forewarned, then.” Lord Mabry nodded, as if that made the most sense.

The bell for dinner was rung, and she looked toward the garden doors, but her mother was not there. While she wished her mother would behave in another manner, she also understood she was deeply unhappy.

“Come, you must dine with us.” Elsbeth hooked her arm.

Thankful that her friend understood her dilemma as they had talked about her mother’s activities at length, she moved forward with them, making their way to the dining room. As they entered, she was relieved to see numerous tables were set with no particular seating order, which allowed her to remain with Elsbeth. It was always a bit awkward when the seating arrangements placed her next to or across from her mother and her mother was not present.

As they ate their meal, she couldn’t help glancing toward the table with Lord Harewood. He sat with his friends the Earl and Countess of Sommerset, his sister, Rose, and his parents, the Marquess and Marchioness of Enderly. Though he was quite solicitous of his family, he did not smile once. She found that rather odd. Did he not find anything amusing? The others at his table smiled. In fact, he was a stark contrast to them, not only in his clothing, but also in his demeanor. Did he dress so to allow them to be noticed more? He did say that black helped to bring out the beauty of brighter and lighter colors.

“Dory, if you keep glancing at Lord Harewood, people will have you two married by the end of a fortnight.”

At Elsbeth’s whispered words, Dory whipped her head around to face her companions. “I did not mean to be noticeable in my interest. I just find Lord Harewood to be a puzzle.”

Her friend groaned. “Not another puzzle. It would be best if you left this one unsolved. Remember what happened when you didn’t understand why the vicar allowed the curate to perform the Sunday service at Easter?”

She felt heat rise to her cheeks. She’d been so sure it had been because he would surprise them all with a special guest, like the bishop. Hearing he was at home had prompted her to pry far too much, only to discover he’d decided to take the day to tup not one, but two townswomen. “You are correct, of course. I will allow the puzzle of Lord Harewood to remain just that, a puzzle.”

“I’m relieved to hear that. Now, do tell me about the play last night. I’ve never seen Macbeth performed. Only read it. Was it as bloody as it sounded?”

As she described the play, she had to force herself not to look at Lord Harewood’s table. Unfortunately, that made her discussion wander a bit. When she finally paused, Elsbeth had the usual look of bafflement on her face. “I confused everything, didn’t I?”

“Yes, but I caught enough to know that I would enjoy it very much.” Elsbeth’s kind smile was a balm to her soul.

“Since I am trying to keep my attention here, can you tell me if you see my mother?”

Elsbeth nodded sagely. “Of course.”

As her friend surreptitiously reviewed those in the room, Dory took another sip of her wine, daring a quick look toward Lord Harewood’s table, only to discover he was no longer there. If he had left the ball, it would make it much easier to avoid looking at him.

“I do not see Lady Preston. When did you last see her?”

She shrugged, not surprised her mother was still missing. Her mother’s growing dissatisfaction over the years had manifested in her penchant for finding other bed partners, but she was usually a bit more circumspect. “After I danced with Lord Harewood. She was making her way out into the gardens.” She kept her voice low, as not a few people seemed to be finding a great interest in their table.

“Not to worry. You are welcome to be our guest tonight. You did wish to see our new portrait.”

She’d all but forgotten that Elsbeth and Lord Mabry had had their portrait painted by Lady Sommerset. The lady’s paintings were becoming quite sought after. “Is little Marianna in it?”

Elsbeth’s face softened at the mention of her stepdaughter. “She is.” She leaned in to whisper. “Lady Sommerset said she would add the baby after it arrives.”

“She can do that?” It was not well known yet that Elsbeth was to have a child. Once it was, Elsbeth would withdraw from all public social events, which could make things difficult for Dory. It was fortunate that the season was almost over.

“Yes. She planned for it when she decided how we should be arranged.”

“Be honest.” Lord Mabry’s lips quirked up. “This is dear Lady Dorothea, after all.” He turned from Elsbeth to her. “I did not know how particular my cousin could be. She had us in three different poses, all sketched, before finally deciding which was best.” He shook his head. “I am thankful that I have no such tendencies toward perfection. Except, of course, in my choice of a wife.”

Elsbeth waved off her husband’s flattery. “Truly, Teddy, there is no need to sing my praises. I am your wife now.”

“All the more reason.” He grinned. “It reflects rather well on myself.”

At the banter between the couple, she couldn’t help but feel a bit left out. She couldn’t imagine what it must be like to have a loving marriage. Her own parents proved it was not the norm, as did most of her classmates’ parents. It must be particular to the Mabry family, as they all seemed quite happy. For herself, she simply wished to make a match before her mother forgot herself and caused a serious scandal. Unfortunately, she had no offers.

“There you are, Dory.”

At the sound of Eleanor’s voice, she turned, just as Ellie, Sophie, and Georgie converged on their table.

Her classmate continued. “I know you want to fix your hair. Come with us.”

It could be hard to gainsay Ellie, but in this instance, she was happy to join her friends. She looked to Elsbeth. “Do you mind?”

“Of course not. Go. You can find us in the ballroom when you have finished tidying up. I’m sure you have much to discuss.” Elsbeth winked.

Grateful for Elsbeth’s understanding, she rose. “Thank you.” Though her words seemed to indicate only that she was allowed to leave, both she and Elsbeth understood they encompassed so much more. It wasn’t the first time her newly married friend had suddenly become her chaperone.

Georgie linked her arm in hers. “Wait until you hear what Ellie did.”

The whispered words had Dory hurrying up the grand stairs of the Stocktons’ home and into the ladies’ retiring room.

When they all arrived, there was one other woman of many more years than they, retying the ribbon in her hair, so they each set out to fixing their own appearances, everyone except Sophie, who simply sat in a chair and waited patiently.

As soon as the woman left, Ellie turned. “Lord Harewood?”

Surprised by the question, Dory shook her head. “I thought we were going to discuss what you did.”

Ellie’s cheeks flushed. “It was nothing.”

“Oh, but it was something.” Georgie put her arm around Ellie’s shoulders. “She was so brave.”

When Dory thought of bravery, she imagined a knight in battle, so she immediately pictured Ellie brandishing a sword in the ballroom. “Please, tell me what happened.”

Ellie’s gaze turned shrewd. “Only if you tell us how you came to be dancing with Lord Harewood.”

That was fair. “Agreed.”

“Very well, then. I set down Lord Ferriday.” Ellie gave a strong nod to punctuate her statement as if to say that was that.

Georgie stepped away from Ellie and gestured to the air. “Do not allow her to be so humble. She didn’t simply scold him. She boxed his ears!” Georgie clapped her two gloved hands together in front of her to demonstrate. “She was magnificent.”

Ellie, who rarely shrank from anything, seem to shrink from such praise. “He was acting like a child, so I treated him like one.”

Her heart sympathized with her friend. “Whatever did he do?”

“He thought mocking our host and his limp would impress me. When I failed to find him funny, he called me a prude.”

“He didn’t.” How could anyone say such a thing? Ellie had the biggest heart, looking after all of them like a mother hen.

“He did. So I boxed his ears. He was quite stunned. I told him if he continued to act like a child, then he should return to the nursery.”

Dory was well aware that Ellie spoke her mind, but she held herself in check while at social events. So it was a bit difficult to believe. However after looking to Sophie, who nodded her head, it confirmed the truth of the event. “Then he well deserved it. I suggest that should he ask any of us to dance, we refuse him.”

“Agreed.” Georgie crossed her arms, answering for all of them.

“Now, Dory, tell us how you came to dance with Lord Harewood.” Ellie pulled her over to a settee and made her sit down with her. “That man never dances with anyone. We are not the only ones who noticed.”

“Yes, do tell us, Dory.” Sophie grasped her hand.

“I believe he was simply being kind.” Quickly, she stated the events as they’d unfolded so she wouldn’t wander off the topic. She didn’t want her friends to become irritated with her.

“Hmm, I wonder if it wasn’t more than being kind.” Ellie shook her head. “Lord Harewood is not known for his kindness. He’s a stodgy curmudgeon, in my estimation.”

She was aware of his reputation but was still of the opinion that it had been kindness nonetheless because what else could it have been? “You can’t be insinuating that it was an interest in me that led him to ask me.”

Ellie’s brow furrowed as if she wanted to believe that but couldn’t.

“I’m at a loss.” Georgie flounced down onto another chair. “You did tell us that you met him at Elsbeth’s wedding. Did he bring up that subject?”

“No. He didn’t refer to that at all.”

Sophie squeezed her hand. “Maybe he was curious.”

“Curious? How curious?”

“I’ve noticed that Lord Harewood watches people.” Sophie blushed. “I do too, which is why I took note of his behavior. I would suggest that in seeing those ladies walk away from you, he may have been curious as to why and so engaged you in conversation.”

At Sophie’s suggestion, she found herself relaxing. That had to be it. The puzzle of Lord Harewood had been solved. “I do believe you’re right. That explains it very nicely.”

Sophie released her hand and smiled. “I’m so pleased I could help.”

“Well done, Sophie.” Ellie rose. “I suppose we should return to the ball now.”

“I hear music.” Georgie rose quickly, brushing out the skirts of her dress. “I’m hoping I’ll be able to dance once more. I so enjoy dancing.”

They were all aware that Georgie loved dancing. They also knew she only seemed to be asked once at every ball. If she were to be asked again, it would most definitely make her season. None of them were much sought after, which was odd, especially since Elsbeth had married.

She’d thought that would help the reputation of her school, as had her mother. “I’ll be quite happy to watch you. You do dance beautifully.”

Georgie hooked arms with her. “Thank you, Dory.”

As the four of them descended the grand stairs, she secretly hoped no one would ask her to dance. Dancing was not one of her better skills. Neither was conversation, for that matter. Now that she thought on it, she wasn’t quite sure she had any skills. It was definitely something to ponder. Since skills were required in a wife and she wished to be one, she needed to inventory those she had. Perhaps she could become an expert in a few. Why had she never realized her lack of skills? The answer was obvious. She rarely contemplated herself when there were so many other people and subjects about which to think upon. Why, just the other day she had wondered why the Serpentine had been created…