The Marquis She's Been Waiting For

by Ella Quinn

  Around them the other guests quickly hid dropped jaws and lowered widened eyes. On the side of the ballroom some of the gentlemen grinned at others who had apparently lost wagers. Miss Chatham and Dursley gazed at each other as if they were the only two people in the world.

  “Yes. Did you know there were wagers being placed in the clubs?”

  “I did not.” Dorie narrowed her eyes a bit. “Young ladies are not supposed to know about those things. Adeline cannot even get her brother, Wivenly, to tell her.”

  “Hmmm.” Alex looked into Dorie’s eyes, and he wondered if she could see how much he wanted her. “How soon can we wed?”

  One brow inched up—a look he’d seen her mother use—and despite being much shorter than he, she managed to look down her nose at him. “You, sir, have not proposed yet and I have not accepted. I think you can court me properly for at least one evening.”

  She did have a point. “Your wish is my command, my lady.”

  “Harrumph. That will not last long.” Her eyes seemed to issue him a challenge.

  “It will last the rest of the night.” He had wanted to be the one to send a footman for champagne and fill her plate with delicacies at supper. If he thought he could get away with feeding her grapes or strawberries he would. That, however, gave him ideas for later, after he’d proposed properly, and she had accepted. Unlike his father he intended to be true to his vows. Should he tell her about the other family? If he didn’t and she found out …He probably should.

  “What are you thinking?” This time her look was one of concern.

  He took her through a turn. “I was wondering if I could get away with feeding you grapes and strawberries.”

  “Grapes are not in season.”

  “Very true. By the time they are in season, I shall feed them to you.” He gazed at her lips, and fought to keep his eyes from dropping to her plush bosom. Soon he’d see all of her. “Do you like them peeled?”

  Dorie’s lips formed a perfect “O” and he wondered where her thoughts had taken her. “I am not sure we should be having this conversation on a dance floor.”

  If only she knew. “It is better than having a conversation about how much I want to kiss you on the dance floor.”

  Her cheeks turned a pretty shade of pink. “Something tells me this is going to be a very long evening.”

  “Or an enjoyable one.” He prayed her mother would decide to leave right after supper, or even before. “Are the rest of your dances filled?”

  “They are.” She nodded. “Why?”

  Because the thought of any other gentleman touching her made him mad. “Perhaps I can bribe the men to give them to me.”

  “You cannot stand up with me more than twice,” she said primly, but her lips twitched as she obviously tried not to laugh.

  “Tomorrow evening.” He’d already told her he wanted all her dances.

  “We shall see.” Alex couldn’t believe she actually smirked.

  He was going to be a Bedlamite by the time this ball was over. “You are not going to make this easy, are you?”

  “Not after everything I have been through since meeting you.” The music ended and they bowed and curtseyed. “This is probably the fastest courtship in history, and I shall make the most of it.”

  Alex placed her hand on his arm. “I wish I had been able to court you properly these past weeks.”

  She stopped and looked up at him. “What you did for Miss Chatham and Lord Dursley was admirable. Never think I do not know that and appreciate it.”

  “Still, I wish I could have found a way to aid them and court you.” How he could have managed that he couldn’t imagine.

  Dorie chuckled. “That would have given the ton something to gossip about.”

  “More gossip.” Alex almost groaned. “I’ve had enough of it.”

  “Indeed you have,” she said sagely. “I believe Lord Dursley’s parents have arrived.”

  They were almost to Alex’s and Dorie’s group and he saw what she did. An older man and woman speaking off to the side with Mrs. Chatham. Miss Chatham and Dursley were hovered near Lady Huntingdon, but kept looking at their parents. “It is. I hope they can work it out. Otherwise I fear there will be a bolt to Scotland.”

  Dorie shuddered. “I trust it will not come to that.”

  So did Alex. But chances were that the fathers would have the most say in the decision.

  Huntley and his wife came up to them. Huntley held out his hand and Alex shook it. “Congratulations. I had my doubts about you being able to bring your scheme to a successful conclusion.” He grinned at his sister. “In all matters.”

  “Not quite,” Dorie said regally.

  Her brother’s brows lowered as he scowled. “What do you mean by that?”

  Alex shrugged. “She won’t let me propose until tomorrow.”

  “Good heavens, why?” Her brother looked at her aghast.

  Dorie raised her chin. “I shall not deal with two proposals in one evening.”

  “Two!” Huntley’s gave her an incredulous look. “Who else proposed?”

  “Fotheringale.” Alex did not want to relate the whole story. “Fortunately, she refused him, but I must make a proper proposal tomorrow.”

  Caro Huntley laughed. “Good for you, Dorie.”

  All Alex knew was after he’d told her he had planned his proposal for tomorrow, he had better make it a good one.

  * * * *

  The next morning, Dorie paced her parlor wondering what she was going to say to Exeter. She had been shocked by his proposal last evening. She had no idea he was interested in her. After all, he had been squiring Miss Chatham around. That was the reason Dorie had offered to tutor the man. That, though, had brought them closer in a sense. At least she felt as if she knew him much better. She had also developed a respect for him she had not had before. And fallen in love with him. That had been an unexpected and unwanted development. Until last night that was. He had even said that he loved her, and she wanted to believe him. If only they had been able to come together like normal couples wanting a love match did, she might not have any lingering doubts.

  She glanced at the clock. It was already past ten. What was taking the blasted man so long to get here? She was going to wear out her carpet if he took much longer. If he truly loved her wouldn’t he have been here sooner? She should have ridden this morning, but if he had accompanied her, Dorie was afraid she would have agreed to marry him before he even opened his mouth to wish her good morning.

  “Dorie,” her mother said from the doorway. “I left my book on the table next to the sofa in the library. Will you fetch it for me?”

  “Of course.” At least it would give her something to do other than worry about Alex.

  She descended the stairs and strode toward the back of the house, pushed open the partially closed door, and strode in.

  “Dorie, my lady.” Alex stood by the library table looking more handsome than he had a right to be. Ambling toward her as if she were a frightened animal that might flee, he held out his hands. “I have come to propose properly.”

  Instead of taking her fingers, he placed his hands on her shoulders and the heat from his body warmed her, but at the same time, brought forth all the fears she’d had for the past weeks. “I thought you were going to offer for Miss Chatham. I had—” His lips descended to Dorie’s, claiming them, and his tongue swept into her mouth. She’d never felt anything so good. No wonder kissing was forbidden for unmarried ladies.

  His hands moved from her shoulders down her arms, and around her waist as he drew her against his hard body. “Never.” He stared into her eyes, his green gaze not wavering. “I have never wanted anyone but you.”

  “I do not—” He kissed her before she could argue with him. He stroked her back and cheek, causing frissons of pleasure to leap and cascade through her
body. She was bereft when his lips left her mouth and he pressed kisses on her jaw and neck.

  “You know why I squired her around, and you witnessed the result. Do not doubt me now.” One hand swept from her back to her derrière. “It’s taking all the control I have not to make you mine right here.”

  Had he truly said that? “You do not mean that.”

  His other hand moved to cup her breast, and she gasped for air. “I’ve been wanting to do this forever.”

  “Oh” was all she could think of to say, which was just as well, as it would be very hard to talk with him nibbling on her lips.

  “Every day in here at least half my mind was doing this.” He kissed her again. Taking her hand, he placed it against the hard ridge in his trousers. “Feel my desire for you.”

  That’s what that was! Heat rushed to her face and Dorie knew she was bright red. Of course she had noticed the bulge on other men. How could one not when they wore pantaloons? “Oh, my.”

  “Now you understand.” Exeter started kissing her again as the pressure of his hand on her breast grew.

  Having lost the ability to speak, she nodded and wished she hadn’t worn stays. His thumb rubbed across her nipple, and the ache that had started between her legs grew. Or maybe it was more like an itch because she desperately wanted him to touch it.

  Still kissing her, he maneuvered her back until legs hit a chair. “Before we go any further I have something I must ask you.” Slowly he bent, lowering her into the chair. Dropping to one knee, he took her hands and pressed his lips to her fingers. “Dorie, I love you.” His beautiful green eyes searched hers. “Will you be my wife, my lover, and the mother of my children, our children?”

  Oh God, she loved his man. “If you will consent to be my husband, my lover, and the father of my children.” She raised their joined hands and kissed his fingers. “You do know I am thought to be a bit managing?”

  His lips twitched before broadening into a smile. “I did notice and I have appreciated most of the managing you’ve done so far.” A wicked look entered his eyes. “I can also think of other ways in which I’d like you to manage me.” His palm cupped the side of her cheek. “I want to spend my life with you. Please marry me.”

  “Yes. Yes, I’ll marry you.” Unbidden tears welled in her eyes. “Alex, I have loved you for weeks, and did not know it, then I thought I’d lost you to Miss Chatham.”

  “Sweetheart. Don’t weep.” He pressed his mouth to her eye, kissing away her tears. “I thought I’d lost you to Fotheringale. What a pair we make.” Taking out his handkerchief, he dabbed her cheeks. “We had better tell your parents.”

  Dorie threaded her fingers through his hair and kissed him. “They are probably listening at the door.”

  CHAPTER TWENTY-FIVE

  “The door?” Before Alex could rise, his future in-laws entered the library.

  Lady Huntingdon’s hands were clasped to her breast. “I knew they were perfect for each other.”

  “I could not agree more.” Lord Huntingdon beamed. “Welcome to the family, my boy. You have both made me very happy.”

  The butler entered the room carrying champagne and glasses, and began to pour. “May I say, Lady Dorie and my lord, how pleased the staff is to wish you happy?”

  Alex and Dorie exchanged a look, and he knew she was as confused as he was as to how the news had traveled so quickly. Well, maybe not. She was the one who had said they might be at the door. Then she raised a brow at the French windows and grimaced at the gardener smiling and gesturing to the other servants who looked to be outdoor staff and grooms. His cheeks felt flushed and when he glanced back at her a rosy blush colored her entire face. It hadn’t even occurred to him to draw the curtains. He wondered exactly how much they’d seen. Huntingdon had said Alex would be private with Dorie while he proposed. Obviously, he and his lordship had different definitions as to what that meant.

  “What took you so long this morning?” she whispered.

  “I had to tell my sisters.” He almost called to have them awoken, but he had forced himself to wait until they came down to breakfast. “They are thrilled, by the way.” He had also spoken to Miss Holliwell about taking them on a shopping excursion this afternoon. The girls needed new gowns, and he wanted to have Dorie to himself.

  “I am glad. They are good girls.” Her father handed them glasses of champagne.

  “They are.” He touched his glass to hers. “When do you want to wed?” Tomorrow or the day after was his preference.

  Lady Huntingdon glanced at him and Dorie and sighed. “I had hoped you would be the one to give me plenty of time to plan a wedding breakfast. But I can see I was wrong. Two weeks.”

  Alex gazed into his betrothed’s eyes and nodded. “Very well. Two weeks, but not a second longer.”

  Lord Huntingdon barked a laugh. “We shall announce it this evening at our ball.”

  “Perfect,” Lady Huntingdon agreed.

  “I would like to give you a betrothal ring.” Alex held up her hand and looked at her fingers. “But I do not know what you like. Could you come with me and choose the ring you want?” At least that was his excuse for getting Dorie to his house.

  She glanced at her mother, who said, “Go through the mews and the garden. Our houses are so close it is unlikely anyone would see you. You can make arrangements with the housekeeper for an inspection while you are there.”

  Except Mrs. Wooton wouldn’t be there, nor would the rest of the servants. “That is a wonderful idea, my love.” Dorie smiled almost shyly at him. “We can get it out of the way.”

  “In the meantime, my boy”—Lord Huntingdon clapped his hand on Alex’s shoulder—“we need to work on the settlement agreements.” Surely he didn’t mean now. “There is no time like the present.” His lordship started to steer him to the door. “We also need to talk about when you wish to take your place in the Lords. I received the writ of summons on your behalf. I knew you were dealing with enough as it was.”

  He glanced at Dorie and she covered her mouth, but her eyes were laughing. “I shall see you at luncheon.”

  Huntingdon patted Alex’s back. “You’ll have the rest of your lives together. Let’s make sure it starts on the right foot.”

  He supposed he couldn’t disagree with that statement. But he rather thought starting out right would be in his bed with Dorie. “Of course, sir.”

  Dorie could not believe that her father had just strolled out with her betrothed. “Mama, do something.”

  “There is not much I can do at this point. Your father sent for both his and Exeter’s men of business this morning. They should arrive shortly.”

  “This is ridiculous.” Dorie began pacing the floor. She was still heated from Alex’s kisses and the way he touched her. “Am I not to have any time with Exeter at all?”

  “As your father said, you will have the rest of your lives.”

  “I am going to see Henrietta. If Papa releases Exeter before luncheon, please send for me.”

  “I shall,” her mother said as if noting momentous had occurred at all.

  Dorie searched Mama’s face, looking for any sign of enjoyment this was causing, and saw one corner of her lips twitch. “This is not funny.”

  “It rather depends upon which side you are standing.” Mama covered her mouth, but failed to stop her laughter.

  “I shall see you later.” Dorie made her back and shoulders as straight as she could and stomped out of the room. In the hall, Banwell handed her a bonnet and her gloves. Stopping just long enough to stick the hat on her head, she marched out of the house and across the square to Merton House. The door opened, and the butler bowed. “Miss Henrietta is in the morning room.”

  “Thank you.” By the time Dorie reached the parlor at the back of the house, her indignation had grown instead of decreased. “You will never guess what my father has just done
, abetted by my mother.”

  Henrietta rose and embraced Dorie. “Took Exeter away from you shortly after he proposed.”

  “How on earth did you know that?” She plopped down onto the soft settee.

  Her friend held up one finger. “It is not quite eleven o’clock. Therefore, Exeter could not have been there long”—a second one joined the first—“everyone and their dog knew he was to propose to you this morning, and”—a third finger was added—“the only thing that could have dragged him away from you is your father.”

  “When you put it like that, I suppose I should have expected it.” It still did not make her feel better.

  “I shall wish you happy. If it had not been for Miss Chatham’s difficulties, it would have happened sooner.” A footman brought in a tea tray, set it down on a low table between the two settees, and left. Henrietta poured and handed Dorie a cup.

  “What do you mean it would have occurred before now?” She took a sip of tea. “Is this your blend or your sister’s?”

  Her friend grinned. “Mine. Anyone could see that the two of you were meant to be together. You have all the same interests. All that was needed for him to fall in love with you and you with him. And even I could see that he has been in love with you for the past few weeks.”

  “I suppose that makes sense,” Dorie said feeling somewhat mollified. “I still do not like that Papa took Exeter away.”

  Henrietta took a sip of tea and set the cup down. “Why are you not in there with them? It is your life they are discussing.”

  “You’re right.” Dorie sat up ready to do battle, then frowned. “But what would I have to add to the discussion? My father will want me well provided for.”

  “Wait right here.” Henrietta left the room at a smart pace.

  Dorie finished her tea and poured another cup. She must get her friend to give her the receipt.

  Not long later, Henrietta came back, holding out a piece of foolscap. “Here. To be prepared, I made a list based on my sister’s settlement agreement. Look at it and decide if there is anything you would like to add or delete.”