Maybe she could go for a wander out on the terrace. The fresh air would help her sleep, surely? Anything to stop her from feeling so restless.
Grabbing her robe and tying the knot enough that she didn’t think she could get it undone later on, Dorothy picked up the book and a candlestick and left her room. She winced as the foyer tiles threatened to freeze her feet and headed through the hallways to the library. If she was lucky, she could put the book away and get something to eat without bumping into anyone.
Especially not Dashwood. Why would he be prowling around at this time of night? Although he was probably waiting for Lady Marcia so they could sneak off. She seemed the type of person who would do that. Dorothy hadn’t met the woman before, but she knew about Lady Marcia’s reputation. She liked to flirt and was determined to find a husband, which was not a bad thing, but she was a little intense about it.
Now she had set her sights on Dashwood.
Dorothy pushed that away. She didn’t want to think about her tonight. Or at all.
The library seemed to be quiet when she went in. Nobody was around, thankfully, so Dorothy went to the bookcase and shoved the book back. That was done. Now she needed to go and find something to eat in the kitchen. Maybe some bread and cheese. The cook shouldn’t mind if some of that were eaten.
“Sneaking around again, Lady Dorothy?”
Dorothy gasped and spun around, almost dropping the candlestick. Dashwood was in the doorway, leaning on the doorknob with a slight smile.
Her heart started racing. Oh, God, was he following her? She didn’t want him anywhere near her.
Now that sounds like a lie.
“What are you doing down here?”
“I heard someone moving around, and I came to investigate.”
“I don’t believe you.”
Dashwood shrugged.
“You don’t have to.”
He wasn’t wearing his jacket or waistcoat, his cravat was missing, and his shirt open halfway down his chest. Dorothy tried not to stare at the flash of bare skin. Why did he have to look attractive like this? Was he doing this intentionally?
Her mouth had gone dry. Dorothy swallowed, trying not to grip the candlestick too hard as she pulled the lapels of her robe together.
“I was just putting a book back. Then I’m going to the kitchen. So, you don’t have to worry.”
“Why are you going to the kitchen?”
“To see if eating something will help me sleep.”
He tilted his head to one side as he regarded her.
“You’re struggling to sleep as well?”
“Are you?”
“Pretty much.” His mouth twitched. “How about we go and raid the pantry together? I’m sure we can find something that won’t be missed.”
Dorothy should have said no and told him to go away. But instead of turning him down, she nodded.
“Alright. But keep away from me.”
Dashwood held up his hands.
“I’ll do whatever you want, My Lady. Nothing without your consent.”
Somehow, Dorothy didn’t believe him.
#