When a Marquis Chooses a Bride

Book 2: Worthingtons

by Ella Quinn

Genres: Regency Romance; Romance

Synopsis

The Dowager Lady Worthington isn't quite sure what to make of country-girl Dorothea Stern. As the granddaughter of the Duke of Bristol, Dotty is schooled in the ways and means of the nobility. But her sharp wit and outspoken nature has everyone in a tizzy. Especially their cousin, Dominic, the Marquis of Merton.



Prematurely stuffy, Dom was raised by his cheerless uncle to be wary of a host of things, including innovation, waltzing, and most perilous of all: true love. Still, there's something about Dotty, beyond her beauty, that Dom cannot resist. But the odds are against him if he intends to win her as his bride. Will he choose loyalty to his family-or risk everything for the one woman he believes is his perfect match?



Contains mature themes.

Release date: September 1, 2016

Publisher: Zebra Books

Print pages: 320

Sample

Early afternoon sun poured through the windows of the large airy schoolroom in Stern Manor. The space was filled with bookcases, four desks, two sofas, and sundry toys.

Miss Dorothea Stern sat on the larger of the much-used sofas, threading a strand of rose silk through her embroidery needle. She had one more Damask rose to complete before the slippers she was making for her mother were finished.

But no matter how hard she tried, she could not escape the fact that the neighborhood was sadly flat now that her best friend, Lady Charlotte Carpenter, was gone. For years, they had planned to come out together, just as they had done everything else since they were in leading strings.

In the meantime, there was a great deal to keep Dotty busy. Since her mother’s accident, she had taken up Mama’s duties. Dotty enjoyed visiting their tenants, talking to the children and their mothers, and finding ways to help them.

“Dotty,” her six-year-old sister, Martha, whined, “Scruffy won’t stay still.”

Scruffy, a three-legged dog Dotty had saved from a hunter’s trap, was resisting Martha’s efforts to tie a ribbon on him. “Sweetie, boys don’t like frills. Put it on your doll instead.”

Fifteen-year-old Henrietta glanced up from the book she was reading. “She took it off the doll.”

“Henny,” Dotty asked, “aren’t you supposed to be practicing your harp?”

Her sister stuck her tongue out. “No, I’m supposed to be reading Ovid in Greek.”

Their father, Sir Henry, was a classical scholar and had been a rector before his older brother’s death a few years ago. Much to Henny’s dismay, he had decided to teach all the children Latin and Greek.

Dotty took in the book her sister held. The marble cover was a trademark of the Minerva Press novels. “That is not Ovid.”

Puffing out a breath of air, Henny rolled her eyes. “Aren’t ladies supposed to be fashionably stupid?”

“No, they are supposed to appear stupid,” Dotty replied tartly. “Which is completely ridiculous. I refuse to marry a gentleman who thinks women should not have brains.”

“If that’s the case, you may become a spinster,” Henny shot back.

“Lord Worthington likes that Grace is clever.” Dotty resisted a smug smile. “I’m sure there must be other gentlemen who believe as he does.”

Charlotte’s older sister, Grace, was now the Countess of Worthington. She had taken all five of the younger children with her to London for Charlotte’s come out. Shortly after arriving in Town, Grace had met and fallen in love with Mattheus, Earl of Worthington. They had wed three weeks later.

Not long ago, Grace and her new husband had returned to Stanwood Hall for a few days so that Lord Worthington, who was now guardian to her brothers and sisters, as well as his own sisters, could inspect the property.

Before Henny could retort, the door opened. “Miss”— Dotty’s maid, Polly, glanced around the room, her gaze settling on Dotty—“Her Ladyship asked me to come fetch you.”

Dotty pulled the thread through, secured the needle, and set the slipper down. “Is she all right?”

“Oh yes, miss.” Polly bounced from foot to foot. “She got a letter from London and sent for you straightaway.”

Dotty hurried to the door. “I hope everything is all right.” There was nothing wonderful in receiving a letter from London. Practically everyone they knew was in Town for the Season. Mama and Dotty should have been there as well, yet the day before their planned departure her mother had slipped and broken her leg.

“No, miss,” the maid said as she hurried after her. “Her ladyship was smiling.”

“Well, I suppose the sooner I get to her, the sooner I shall find out what she wants.” A minute later, she knocked on the door to her mother’s parlor and entered. “Mama, what is it?”

Waving a sheet of paper in her hand, her mother smiled broadly. “Unexpected and wonderful news. You shall have your Season after all!”

Dotty’s jaw dropped. She snapped it shut and made her way over to a chair next to her mother. “I don’t understand. I thought Grandmamma Bristol couldn’t sponsor me because of Aunt Mary’s confinement.”

“This”—Mama waved the letter through the air again—“is from Grace.”

Dotty’s heart began to beat faster, and she clasped her hands together. “What—what does she say?”

“After dear Charlotte received your missive telling her you could not come to Town for your Season, she prevailed upon Grace to invite you. She says”—Mama adjusted her spectacles—“having you would be no bother at all. She is bringing out Charlotte and Lady Louisa Vivers, Worthington’s sister, you know, and one more in a household of ten children will hardly be remarkable. She comments that your good sense will be very welcome.” Mama glanced up. “Not that I disagree with her. You do have a great deal of sagacity, but I am sure Grace said that for Papa’s benefit. You know how he does not like to be obliged to anyone.” Mama went back to the letter. “And it would be a great shame for you not to come out with Charlotte as you girls have planned for years.” Mama set the paper down with a flourish and grinned. “What do you think of that?”

For what seemed like a long time, Dotty could think of nothing. Her mind had never gone blank before. It was almost too good to be true. She shook her head, and finally managed to find an answer. “I never thought . . . Well, I mean I knew Charlotte was going to ask Grace, but I never even imagined that Lord Worthington would agree. Although her last letter said she missed me dreadfully. Lady Louisa, Worthington’s sister, even wrote to me saying she had heard so much about me that she felt as if she already knew me and wished I was going to be in Town.”

Suddenly, the fact that Dotty was actually going to Town hit her. “I really am going to have a Season!” She jumped up, rushed to her mother, and hugged her. “I wish you could be there as well.”

Mama patted Dotty’s back. “Yes, my dear. I wish I could go too, but Grace will take good care of you.”

“When shall we tell Papa of Grace’s offer?” What if her father refused to allow her to go? That would be horrible. “I’m not sure he will be as happy as we are.”

Her mother glanced briefly at the ceiling and let out a sigh of long-suffering. “If he had his way, you would not come out until you were at least twenty. He has gone somewhere. I left a message to have him attend me as soon as he returns.” She pushed herself up against the pillows. “We have no time to lose. There is so much to discuss. Polly,” Mama said to Dotty’s maid hovering in the door, “have the trunks brought down from the attic and start getting Miss Dotty’s clothes together.”

“Yes, your ladyship.”

Once the door closed, Mama leaned forward a little and lowered her voice. “Papa will dislike the idea of you going to London without me at first, but don’t worry, dear, I’ll talk him round.”

Dotty sat back down and folded her hands in her lap. They trembled a little with excitement. She was really going to be able to come out with her best friend in the whole world! “I should write to Charlotte and Grace to thank them.”

“Yes, after it is all settled.” Mama opened her pocketbook and wet the tip of the pencil with her tongue. “We must think of who will accompany you. Papa will not allow you to travel with only Polly to look after you. I believe Mrs. Parks said her sister was going to Town to visit a friend. I shall ask if she will look after you. After all, it will save her the trouble of booking and paying for another coach.”

Dotty nodded. “Yes, Mama. I believe Miss Brownly is leaving in a few days. She planned to take the mail.”

“Then she will be glad for a chance to ride in a private coach and break the journey at a good hostelry. Run along now and help Polly. I shall send for you after I have spoken with Papa.”

Dotty kissed her mother before running in a very unladylike fashion up the stairs to her room. Four trunks already stood open and her wardrobe cabinet was empty. She started folding the clothes she found on her bed. “Polly, I do hope Mama prevails.”

The maid paused to think for a moment. “I don’t think Sir Henry has a hope against her ladyship.” She gave a decisive nod. “She’ll get her way.”

Dotty smiled. Her mother usually did. “Still . . . I’ll feel much better when I know for sure that I’ll be going.”

Two hours later, Sir Henry Stern frowned at the letter in his hand as he ambled into his wife’s parlor. “This is from Lord Worthington. I suppose you have one from Grace.”

Lady Stern smiled. She loved her husband dearly, but there were times his self-sufficiency went too far. She had no intention of allowing him to spoil Dotty’s Season. “I do indeed. I do not think I have ever been so pleased for Dorothea. She and Charlotte have dreamed of their come out for years, and all the new gowns we bought for her . . . Well, I would hate for them to go to waste.”

Her husband appeared unconvinced. “Worthington promises to take care of Dotty as he would his sister Lady Louisa and Charlotte”—his scowl deepened—“but, Cordelia, we would be entrusting her to his care. In London. And we do not know him that well.”

“Henry”—Cordelia used her most patient tone—“we know Grace, and Worthington was perfectly amiable when she invited us to Stanwood Hall to dine during the few days they were here. He has a good reputation. Nothing smoky about him at all, as Harry would say.” Her husband’s lips folded together, and Cordelia rushed on. “Besides, Grace would not have trusted him with her brothers and sisters if he were not a good man.”

“But looking after three young ladies?”

She almost laughed at the look of horror on his face.

“You forget Jane Carpenter, Grace’s cousin, is still with them, and the Dowager Lady Worthington as well. The girls will be well chaperoned, and Grace commented on Dotty’s good sense.”

“Yes, well.” He glanced at the missive and drew his brows together so that they touched. “As the Season is well under way, Lord Worthington asks for an immediate reply. I suppose I should write to him.”

Cordelia smiled again. “Does that mean you’ll allow Dorothea to go?”

A bit of humor entered her husband’s eyes. “I know you, my love. If I say no, I will never hear the end of it. You are every bit as determined as your mother. How do you propose Dotty make the journey?”

“You cannot complain about that, my dear. If we were not strong-willed, you and I would never have been allowed to marry.” Cordelia struggled to keep the triumph out of her voice. It was fortunate that the Sterns had been friends with the Carpenters for generations. “I shall make all the arrangements.”

“Very well, then. I know you’ll send Dotty off as soon as possible. I do want a word with her.”

“Of course, my love.” Cordelia tugged the bell pull and called for her daughter.

Dotty’s steps faltered as she entered Papa’s study. Her stomach lurched as she took in his grim countenance. He was not going to allow her to go to Town. She may as well make the best of it. Getting into a state would not help. She took a breath and readied herself for the bad news. “Yes?”

“Your father wishes to speak to you.” She whipped her head around, seeing her mother lying on a sofa. This must be important if Mama had had herself moved.

Papa came around from behind his desk and took Dotty by her shoulders. “You may join Charlotte for your Season. However, you know my feelings about this. You are still young, and there is no reason you must marry anytime soon.”

She kept her face as serious as her father’s. “I know, Papa.”

He cleared his throat. “If a young man is interested in you, have him apply to Lord Worthington first. He will know best if the gentleman is suitable.”

Dotty nodded. Relief and excitement rushed through her. Yet her father wasn’t done yet. She waited for him to continue.

“With the number of inhabitants already in Worthington’s household, and the dogs, you must promise me not to bring stray animals or people to Stanwood House. They won’t appreciate it.”

“I promise, Papa.”

“Now, I must make sure the coach is ready.”

As soon as her father closed the door, she gave a little shriek and hugged her mother. “Oh, Mama! Thank you so much. I shall never be able to repay you.”

She patted Dotty’s cheek. “Yes, you will, by having fun. Though mind what your father said. With all those children and two Great Danes, the Worthingtons do not need three-legged dogs or half-blind cats, not to mention homeless children.”

“Yes, Mama. I’ll do my best.” Dotty grinned.

Everyone loved Scruffy. The cat was the best mouser they’d ever had, and Benjy was turning into a fine groom. People and animals only needed a chance in life. Nevertheless, her parents had a point. Bringing strays home to Stern Manor was one thing, taking them to someone else’s house quite another matter altogether. Dotty said a quick prayer that she would not meet anyone in need of help.

Dominic, Marquis of Merton, settled into his apartment at the Pulteney Hotel. His pride still stung at having been ejected from his cousin, Matt Worthington’s, town house. Blowing a cloud was the latest thing. Not that Dom would attempt to smoke in White’s, that was not allowed, but he outranked Worthington and should have been treated as an honored guest, not summarily told to leave. Still, it was probably convenient that Dom did not actually enjoy smoking, as he was sure the Pulteney would not allow it either.

He should have gone on his Grand Tour instead of taking a bolt to Town. But his mother had received a letter informing her of his cousin’s plans to wed, and he decided starting his own nursery would be the most responsible course. After all, the succession would not look after itself, and he had a duty to his family and dependents. Perhaps he would travel after he married.

Not that Dom truly wished to leave England. He liked an ordered life and travel was sure to disrupt the structure with which he was comfortable. He did not wish to visit France at all. Any land where the inhabitants would murder their betters held little interest for him. It all came back to the proper order of things. Life was much better when everyone followed the rules and knew their places.

He reconsidered opening up Merton House for the Season, but there was really no point when his mother was not here as well. Without her to act as his hostess, he would not be able to plan any entertainments other than for his friends. The hotel would suit for the short time he planned to spend in Town. It should not take him that long to find a wife. He was a marquis. Even without his considerable fortune, he would have been a desirable parti.

“Kimbal,” he called to his valet.

“Yes, my lord.”

“I shall be dining at White’s.”

“Yes, my lord.”

Dom scribbled a note to his friend Viscount Fotherby asking if he would like to join Dom for dinner. By the time he was dressed and had donned his hat, Fotherby’s answer affirming the invitation had arrived.

A short while later, just as a light sprinkle turned into a persistent rain, Dom handed his hat and cane to the footman at White’s and found his friend lounging in the room that held the club’s famous betting book. William Alvanley, another of Dom’s friends, was seated next to the window with another man staring intently at the rain.

He turned to Fotherby. “What are they doing?”

“Five thousand quid on which raindrop will reach the bottom of the sill first.”

Despite being close with many of the Prince Regent’s circle, Dom could not abide the excessive wagers his friends made. Alvanley would end up ruining himself and his estates at the rate he was going. “Are you ready to dine, or are you awaiting the outcome?”

“Famished.” Fotherby tossed off his glass of wine. “Thought you weren’t coming to Town this year.”

“My plans changed.” Dom and Fotherby entered the dining room. “I have decided to take a wife.”

“Wife?” Fotherby choked. “Any idea who?”

“Not yet, but I have a list of qualifications. She must be well-bred, not given to fits of temper or strange starts, quiet, biddable, easy to look at—I must get an heir on her after all—know what is expected of a marchioness. And not prone to scandals. You know how my uncle hated them. I think that about covers it.”

“A paragon, in other words.”

Dom gave a curt nod. “Indeed. I could wed no one less.”

Dotty arrived at Stanwood House in Berkeley Square, Mayfair, just after three o’clock in the afternoon. From the letters she’d received from Charlotte, it appeared that the Carpenters and Viverses were getting along well. Louisa’s mother, the Dowager Countess of Worthington, was also living with them. Lord Worthington, however, was the sole guardian of his four sisters.

Royston, the Stanwood butler, opened the door, and Dotty was almost bowled over by a sea of children and the Carpenters’ Great Dane, Daisy.

“We saw your coach arrive,” one of the children shouted.

Daisy, tried to wrap herself around Dotty as Charlotte and a young lady with dark chestnut hair, Dotty guessed to be Louisa, hurried forward. Dotty laughed. “I didn’t know I would receive such an ecstatic welcome.”

A deep bark came from the side of the hall.

“That is Duke,” Charlotte said over the roar.

“Enough.” Lord Worthington’s commanding tone had everyone except Charlotte and Louisa, backing away from the door. “Let her in the house.”

Once the younger children had moved out of the way, his lordship, a tall, broad-shouldered gentleman with the same dark hair as his sister, came forward holding Grace’s hand. They made a beautiful couple. Grace, with her gold hair, was a perfect foil for her husband.

“I did say we were looking forward to you joining us.” Grace laughed as she hugged Dotty.

“Yes, you did.” She grinned. It was wonderful to be with the Carpenters again. “That was quite a welcome.”

Charlotte threw her arms around Dotty. “I’m so glad you’re here. This is Louisa, Matt’s sister and my new sister.” Charlotte pulled a face. “Not technically, of course, but we had to call each other something.”

Dotty held out her hand to Louisa but got kissed on the cheek instead.

“I am so happy to finally meet you.” Louisa smiled. “The three of us are going to be the best of friends and have such a wonderful time.”

Dotty remembered she had not yet greeted his lordship. He took the hand Dotty held out, yet when she would have curtseyed, he held her up. “There is no point in standing on ceremony here. Call me Matt. All the other children do.”

“Thank you, sir. I can’t tell you how happy I am to be here and that you wrote my father.”

Before he could respond, Charlotte grabbed Dotty’s hand. “We must show you to your room. It is next to mine. We’ll let you clean up and change. Then we’ll have tea before taking a stroll in the Park. Louisa and I have our own parlor, and now it will be yours as well.”

Dotty followed her friend up the stairs. “After two days of sitting in a coach, I would love a walk.”

“I completely understand.” Louisa linked her arm with Dotty’s. “I don’t know how one can want to rest, when one has been cooped up in a carriage for more than a day.”

Charlotte and Louisa showed Dotty where the small parlor was located and then escorted her to her chamber. Once there, she was left alone to splash her face and wash her hands.

Polly came in from a door to what must be a dressing room. “Here you are, miss.” She hung up a pink muslin walking gown and paisley spencer. “Let’s get you changed.”

A few minutes later Dotty entered the parlor and found Louisa and Charlotte looking over fashion plates.

“Come and tell me what you think of this.” Charlotte patted the seat next to her.

She handed Dotty a picture of a lady in a cream ball gown decorated with lace. Charlotte had the same coloring as Grace, and Dotty thought it would look lovely on her friend. “Very pretty.”

The tea arrived a few minutes later. Once they all had cups and a plate of biscuits, she was told about all the balls and other entertainments she could look forward to, including Louisa and Charlotte’s come out ball.

“Grace and Mama agreed the ball will be in your honor as well.” Louisa beamed, apparently not minding a bit that she would have to share her ball with yet another lady.

Dotty finished off a ratafia biscuit. “It will be so much fun. I can’t wait to see everything. You two have such an advantage over me.”

All her dreams had come true. Although she’d received letters from Louisa proclaiming her friendship, Dotty really had not believed it until now. It would have been difficult if Louisa had taken it into her head not to like Dotty.

Before long, they were walking out the door to the Park with three footmen following a discreet distance behind.

Strolling in between her two friends, she commented, “Mama said she always had a maid with her when she walked in Town.”

“Matt says footmen are more practical,” Louisa responded. “If one of us is injured he can carry us home, whereas a maid cannot.”

“And,” Charlotte added, “if we go shopping they can carry packages more easily.”

They arrived at the path around Hyde Park, which Dotty was told was referred to as “the Park.”

Charlotte made a funny face. “One is supposed to pretend that one always knows everything and play at ennui, but I think that’s nonsense. Why act as if you are not having fun, when you are?”

“It does not make much sense to me either.” Dotty sighed. “Here I thought I was ready, but instead I have such a lot to learn.”

“It was the same for Louisa and me,” Charlotte assured her. “You will catch on quickly.”

A few moments later, they were hailed by two stylishly dressed gentlemen whom Charlotte and Louisa obviously knew. They stopped, allowing the men to approach.

“Miss Stern,” Charlotte said primly. “May I present Lords Harrington and Bentley. My lords, a friend of mine from home, Miss Stern. She will be residing with us for the Season.”

Both men bowed over the hand Dotty held out. Thank Heavens for all the lessons in deportment she and Charlotte had shared. Dotty curtseyed. “I am pleased to meet you, my lords.”

The gentlemen accompanied the ladies for a short while, begging them for dances at tomorrow night’s ball. Once they had gone, Dotty gave herself a small shake. “I cannot believe I am already engaged for two sets.”

“They are very nice, aren’t they?” Charlotte blushed.

Louisa glanced slyly at Charlotte. “I think Lord Harrington will ask to court Charlotte.”

“Well, from the looks of it, Lord Bentley is quite smitten with you,” she retorted.

“I wish he would not be.” Louisa cast her eyes skyward. “He is a good man, but not one I wish to marry.”

In the short time Dotty had known Louisa it was clear poor Lord Bentley was not up to her weight. She would need someone older and more sure of himself.

Dotty took Charlotte’s hand and squeezed it. “How do you feel about Lord Harrington?”

Charlotte’s face became even redder. “He is very charming, but Grace says to give it time.”

They resumed ambling on the side of the path. Suddenly there was a commotion and a shout from behind. Dotty whirled around. A small dog had grabbed the tassel on a man’s boot and was backing up growling with its tail wagging, trying to shake its prize loose. Foolishly, the man kept kicking out at the dog, making the animal think he was playing.

She put a hand over her mouth to keep from giggling, yet when he lifted his cane to strike the poor little thing, she rushed forward. “Here now, sir! What do you think you’re doing?” She bent to the dog who turned out to be nothing more than a puppy. Turning to the man, she narrowed her eyes and scowled. “Shame on you.”

Dotty worked on releasing the tassel from the puppy’s grip, but each time the man shook his leg, trying to get the animal off, the puppy held on harder, growling and shaking his head. “Stop moving. Are you so stupid you cannot see the dog thinks you are trying to play?”

“Get him off me,” the man shouted in a voice growing higher in fright. “Someone will pay for this. Is he your beast?”

Determined to ignore him, she counted to ten, took a breath, and finally managed to release the gold bobble from the puppy’s sharp teeth. “There now.” Picking up the dog, she stroked its wiry fur. “Where is your master?”

Just then, two school-aged boys came running up. “Oh, miss. Thank you so much. We’ve been looking for Bennie all over. He got away from us.”

By this time Bennie was snapping at the ribbons of her bonnet. Dotty laughed as she tried to free them. “Here now, sir. Those are not for you either.” She saved the ribbons and handed the puppy to one of the boys.

“We’ll pay you for the damage, miss.”

“It’s no bother.” She smiled at both of them. “Use the money to buy a lead. That will keep Bennie from running away.”

“He’s only twelve weeks old,” the other boy said proudly. “We didn’t think he could run so fast.”

“Or so far,” added the other.

“Thank you,” they both said in unison.

Ah, well. Puppies would be puppies and boys would be boys. “Run along now, and keep Bennie out of trouble.”

“Wait just a minute,” the man with the tassels growled. “You owe me compensation. Your vicious beast ruined my boots.”

“Stuff and nonsense.” Dotty closed her eyes for a moment before fixing the man with a stern look. “It was entirely your fault. If you had acted like a sensible person and just picked the poor puppy up, your boots would not have suffered any damage.”

By this time Charlotte and Louisa were ranged beside Dotty. The footmen were close behind.

“Dotty, are you all right?” Charlotte asked.

“I am fine.” She glanced at Louisa who seemed to be glaring at the man’s companion, whom Dotty had not previously noticed.

The contrast between that man and his friend with the tassels was remarkable.

She knew now what her father had meant when he had spoken disparagingly about “dandies.” The man whose boots Bennie had attacked was obviously one of that set. His shirt points were so high he could barely turn his head. His waist was nipped in and his garishly striped waistcoat was covered by so many fobs and other ornaments, one could hardly see the cloth. Whereas his companion was dressed with elegant propriety in a dark blue coat and buff pantaloons. No gold tassels adorned his boots, which were so highly polished, the sun reflected off them. With stylish gold hair and deep blue eyes, he was very handsome indeed. Then his lips curved up in a mocking smile, ruining the favorable impression she’d had.

“Merton.” Louisa infused her voice with a note of disgust. “A friend of yours I suppose.”

Merton cleared his throat. “I dare say, Fotherby, that the lady is correct. You should have been able to stop the animal before any damage occurred.”

Fotherby turned to Merto. . .