“May I ask what you’re doing here?” Bedford approached him, looking as if he needed to call for the servants. “I don’t understand why you’re here. Your father didn’t say you would be in the area.”
“I’m here to see your daughter.”
“Dorothy?” Bedford frowned. “But you and Dorothy ended your engagement a while ago, didn’t you? Or is something going on that I don’t know about?”
“Nothing’s going on.” Yet. “I do need to speak to your daughter, though. We have something to discuss.”
Bedford folded his arms.
“I really don’t know what’s going on, and I’m not sure if I’m comfortable with you coming into my house without any warning.”
“I do apologise, and normally I wouldn’t do such a thing, but this is important.”
“What’s so important that you need to do this?”
Lucas really didn’t need this right now. He wanted to speak to Dorothy before Burville caught her in his flowery words and charm. He did his best not to show his impatience.
“Lord Bedford, I can explain later. But right now, I want to speak to Lady Dorothy. Once she gives me her answer, I’ll take my leave if you want me to.”
“I’d rather you left now after you barged rudely into my house.” Bedford regarded the younger man with a sceptical look. “But I’m curious to see what’s going on. I certainly didn’t expect the man who was meant to marry my daughter to barge in months after finally getting his own way.”
Lucas bit back a wince. It really sounded like he had behaved like a child throwing a tantrum. God, he really regretted that behaviour. Just like he regretted not giving Dorothy a chance before.
“I’ll explain everything later. But first …”
“Alright, fine. Just get on with it. I can see you’re not going to listen to anyone but yourself.” Bedford’s glare was piercing. “You have a few minutes before I ask you to leave. Don’t disrupt my daughter more than you have already.”
Lucas knew he shouldn’t squander that; Bedford was a man of his word. He hurried away, heading out onto the terrace. Dorothy and Burville were sitting at a table at the far end, Lady Bedford sitting a little way off in the shade with a book in her hands.
She looked up and almost dropped the book as she jumped to her feet. Dorothy looked around at the commotion, her eyes widening when she saw Lucas walking towards her. The teacup she had been holding slipped from her hand.
It didn’t have far to fall as Dorothy had only just picked it up, so it didn’t smash. But it did tip over, and tea splashed across the table and into Burville’s lap. Burville cried out and jumped up, the chair falling backwards and bouncing on the stone slabs.
“What the … Dorothy, what are you doing?”
But Dorothy wasn’t paying attention to him. She was still staring at Lucas as she staggered to her feet, her face paling.
“What are you doing here?”
“I came to talk to you.”
“What if I don’t want to talk to you?”
“Just give me five minutes, and then I’ll leave.” Lucas held up his hands. “I promise I won’t stay longer after that. Just hear me out.”
He could see three stunned expressions staring at him, although one was mixed with outrage with Burville. He looked like he wanted to put his hands on Lucas.
“What … you … what do you think you’re doing?” he demanded. “Why are you here?”
“I was going to ask you the same question,” Lucas said smoothly. “You only saw Lady Dorothy yesterday.”
“So did you!”
“Actually, I didn’t, and we do have a lot to discuss.”
Burville snorted.
“I don’t think so. She’s made her choice, and it’s not you. Now get out of here. You’re interrupting us.”