He missed her. Badly. Lucas had never thought it would be like that with a woman, that he would actually miss someone when they were apart for so long. When it happened while he was in Wales after getting Dorothy to agree to be courted by him, he had put it down as a fleeting moment. Now it was back, and it was stronger.
Along with a sense of loss. Lucas felt like he was floundering in deep water, and there was nothing to grab onto. It was not something he was used to, and he really didn’t like it.
Pierce had told him he had gone about it in the wrong way, and he needed to actually say what was in his heart instead of fumbling over his words to protect himself from confessing everything like a fool. That was where Lucas had gone wrong, and it had backfired on him. Lucas knew he had made a mistake with his explanation as soon as Dorothy’s expression changed. He had insulted her, and that wasn’t his intention.
Now he couldn’t get anywhere near her to explain himself and make things right. Nobody would let him past the front door, and his letters were returning unopened. Even Frederica wasn’t talking to him, although she was speaking to Pierce. But his friend wouldn’t tell him what was going on, and Lucas didn’t like being left in the dark. He wanted to talk to Dorothy.
He needed to see her again. It felt like torture.
“Lord Dashwood. It’s lovely to see you again.”
Lucas turned and saw Lady Marcia walking towards him. She looked stunning in a gown of dark purple, fitting perfectly to her figure. She walked tall with her head held high, showing confidence that Lucas hadn’t quite seen in her before. Pushing off the wall, he gave her a small bow.
“Lady Marcia. I didn’t think you would be present tonight.”
“I was staying with some friends nearby, and they told me about this ball occurring tonight.” Lady Marcia’s eyes glinted as she reached him and touched his arm. “I was hoping to run into you, My Lord.”
“You were?”
“Of course. After all, we had a good time at Lord Derbyshire’s estate, didn’t we? I wanted to explore that … acquaintance a little more.”
If he hadn’t met Dorothy, Lucas would have taken her up on her veiled offer. Lady Marcia was a beautiful woman, after all, and just the type of person Lucas would have had fun with. But instead, he found himself wanting to get away from her. He gave her a bland smile.
“I’m pleased you remember our time fondly, My Lady, but I’m afraid exploring our acquaintance more won’t be happening.”
“What?” Her expression faltered a little. “Why not?”
“I’m not the person you’re looking for.” Lucas gently eased her hand off his arm. “We were at the same place and experiencing excitement from having a holiday in the Peak District. It’s not going to develop further than that.”
“How do you know?”
Because I’m in love with someone else.Lucas sighed and started to move away, but Marcia tightened her fingers around his hand.
“You and I have something between us, Lord Dashwood.” She sounded very certain about it. “You can’t keep running from it.”
“You’re very forward about it, Lady Marcia.”
“You liked it before.”
“I tolerated it. There’s a difference.” Lucas pointedly looked at their hands. “Will you let me go?”
“So you can walk away from me?”
“Do you want me to notify your chaperone that you’re bothering me? I’m not above causing a scene. Now, let me go, My Lady.”
For a moment, he thought Lady Marcia was going to refuse. She was watching him with eyes narrowed, her jaw tightening. Was she upset that he was turning her down? Finally, she released him, regaining her composure and smoothing her hands on her skirts.
“We both know what we have is strong, My Lord. It’s not something you can ignore.”
“Oh, I can ignore it. Because I know what I want in my life.” Lucas stepped towards her. “Also, if you want to have the attention of a gentleman, going around telling other people lies about that person is not going to endear yourself to them.”
Lady Marcia’s eyes widened.
“What? I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You know exactly what I’m talking about, Marcia. You went around speaking about my certain … prowess with other women, married or otherwise.” Lucas watched as her face paled. “I’ve had it confirmed by more than one person. Hearing that you’re spreading this about me? What were you thinking?”
Her mouth opened and closed. Lucas thought she was going to burst into tears. Instead, she lifted her chin and fixed a stare on him.