“How are you feeling? Did you sleep well?”
“I slept, but I don’t know if I can call it well.” Dorothy pointed to a spot on the mattress. “You sit down there, and I want to know what you’re up to and why you thought it was a good idea.”
“Oh, Dorothy …” Frederica sat down. “It’s not as bad as you’re making it out to be.”
“He’s the man who refused me! He fought it the whole way! And now he’s seen me and wants to seduce me? How shallow can he be?”
“He’s not shallow, and you know it. You just want him to be shallow.”
Dorothy snorted.
“You might be taken in, but I’m not. He’s a cad, and he’s made me his next target.”
Frederica shook her head.
“Honestly, Dorothy, you need to stop thinking the worst of him. Dashwood did something stupid, and he’s admitted to it. I’m sure he’s apologised to you over it as well. But you can’t hold it against him forever.”
“Are you mad? If our engagement had gotten out and was made public, breaking it would have meant embarrassment for me! And now he expects me to court him?”
“At least it would be on your own terms,” Frederica pointed out. “There isn’t anyone outside pushing you into this …”
“Are you sure about that?”
“Listen to me, Dorothy! I’m talking about your parents. Your mother and father are not pushing you into this and dictating what you can and can’t do. They’ve given you the freedom, and you’ve got someone who’s interested in courting you properly.”
Dorothy felt like the conversation wasn’t making any sense. She rubbed her temples.
“This is just ridiculous. Of all the people to give me attention now, I’ve got my own freedom to choose; why did it have to be Dashwood? And why have you got involved?”
“Remember when you and he played cards that day? When it came down to just the two of you? Well, Pierce and I …”
“Pierce?”
“Mr Cowper.”
Dorothy frowned.
“Since when have you and Mr Cowper become close enough that you can address him like that?”
Frederica’s cheeks went a dark red. She cleared her throat and hurried on.
“Anyway, we noticed there was something between you and Dashwood. It was pretty strong as well. I wouldn’t be surprised if everyone else in the room noticed it.”
“I don’t think Lady Marcia noticed,” Dorothy muttered.
“She doesn’t notice anything unless it’s to her own narrative. She’s wrapped up in the belief that she and Dashwood are in love.”
“Well, aren’t they?”
“You seriously don’t believe him when he says he has no interest in her?”
Dorothy groaned and slumped against the pillows. Her headache was coming back again.
“I don’t know what to think anymore. All I know is that this is all messed up and ridiculous. I don’t want a part of it.”
“Do you not?”
“Of course not!”