Page 123 of When a Marquis Chooses a Bride
The man flushed. “I’ve had some practice now.”
Dom glanced at his cousin. “He’s the same one who married you?”
“Yes, Grace and I were his first. By the time he’s done with all of us, he’ll be the most experienced clergyman in London.”
“My lord, I think we should go home.” Thea smiled up at him.
“As you wish, my lady.”
When they got to the carriage, he handed her up. “Are the rest of them coming?”
“No, Matt arranged for other coaches. We have a few moments to ourselves.”
“In that case”—he nuzzled her ear, and was gratified when her pulse quickened—“I shall tell you how I plan to remove this delightful gown from your equally delightful body.”
Her smile lit her face, and her voice was a siren’s call. “You perceive me all ears, my lord.”
* * *
Still gowned in their new clothing, Tom, along with Mary, Theo, and Philip crowded at the schoolroom window of Merton House overlooking Grosvenor Square. Two rough-looking men stood watching the house. It was the first time Tom had seen them since Dotty and Lord Merton had saved him. At first he’d been afraid, but now, with his father, and Matt, and his lordship, he knew no one could hurt him again.
“Are you sure that’s them?” Theo asked.
“Yes.” Tom nodded. “I’ll never forget.”
Philip, the oldest at eight years, narrowed his eyes. “We’d better tell someone. You stay here and watch. I’ll send for help.”
Tom’s nursemaid, Sally, joined them. “Keep back a ways from the window so they can’t see you.”
Not long afterward, some of the grooms entered the square one and two at a time, talking and walking slowly as if they had nothing else to do. His father and Matt were with them. Soon the two men were surrounded, but they hadn’t seemed to notice. Matt gave a signal and the grooms grabbed one of the men and Papa smashed his fist into the other man’s face.
“That was a perfect flush hit,” Philip exclaimed. “Your father has good science.”
“Come on with you now.” Sally hustled them away from the window after the grooms took the men away. “There’s nothing more to see here, and Cook’s got treats for you in the breakfast room.”
Mary took Tom’s hand in hers, squeezing it. “Do you feel better now?”
“Yes. I feel a lot better. Thank you.”
* * *
Dotty strolled out to the terrace with Dom. Louisa, Charlotte, Meg Featherington, and Elizabeth Turley sat around a table.
“Sweetheart.” He brushed his lips across hers. “Don’t be too long, will you?”
“No. I’m as anxious to leave as you are.”
Saying if they remained at Merton House, they’d never get away in good time in the morning, Grandmamma had reserved a suite of rooms for them this evening at the Pulteney.
A footman brought a chair and a fresh bottle of champagne to the table. Once he’d finished pouring, he bowed to Dotty. “My lady. May I say we are all very happy to have you here.”
“Thank you, George. I am glad as well.” Ever since she returned from church this morning the servants had made a point of welcoming her as their new mistress.
Her friends smiled as she took her seat.
“Who would have guessed,” Meg said, grinning, “that Lord Merton would turn out so well?”
“Not me.” Louisa took a sip of champagne. “EvenIlike him now.”
