by Ella Quinn
“That’s a stroke of luck. I have the supper dance with Lady Adeline.” Then again, it was a bit strange that particular dance had been available. “It is surprising that she only had that set free.”
“What does it matter?” Turley shrugged. “I decided I wished to dance with her and now I will.”
“I suppose you’re right.” Still, Frits had been on the receiving end of enough cunning ladies to know that something was afoot. He kept his grin to himself, but looked forward to seeing how this would play out. Featherton ladies had a reputation for getting what they wanted.
As Frits had suspected would happen, Lady Worthington approached them from the side, and they didn’t see her until she was upon them. “Good evening, gentlemen. I realize you would prefer to hide on the side of the room, but I must impose upon you to dance with two young ladies.”
“Being able to attend your ball is worth sacrificing ourselves.” Frits had no choice but to give her a charming smile.
“I thought as much.” She took his arm. “Please do not use that look on either Miss Tice or Miss Martindale. You will not be happy with the results.”
Blast it. He hadn’t even realized he was using it.
Turley smirked, and her ladyship turned to him. “You had best be careful as well.”
“Yes, ma’am.” He strolled on her other side.
Tice and Martindale. The names sounded very familiar. “Have they not been out for several Seasons?”
“You are thinking of their older sisters.” Lady Worthington grinned. “I must tell you, they are exact copies.”
Now Frits remembered. They were at Lady Watford’s at-home. There were three young ladies, and for the life of him, he could not remember which was which. Not that it mattered.
“Perhaps behind the palm would have been a better place to hide,” Turley grumbled.
“I still would have found you.” They reached the young ladies, and Lady Worthington introduced them.
Frits made sure his smile was polite, but refrained from looking Miss Tice in the eye for more than a second, making sure he did not give her that look. Turley assumed an aloof, but polite demeanor. Still, when the set had ended, they were both relieved.
Making their way back to the place they’d claimed, Turley asked, “Do you think we’re safe now?”
“I believe so. Lady Worthington is not the type of female to impose.” Frits could not help but compare Miss Tice with Lady Adeline, and Miss Tice did not measure up. She tittered a great deal and had little conversation. It might have been better if her mother had waited another year to bring her out. Yet one thing puzzled him. “Did Miss Martindale ask if your main estate was close to mine?”
“She did.” Turley procured them two more glasses of champagne. “I thought she was just making conversation.” He handed a goblet to Frits. “Come to think of it,” Turley said slowly, as if remembering something from a long time ago, “I recall Elizabeth mentioning that the sisters were looking for gentlemen who held land close together.”
That must have been what Lady Worthington meant when she said the sisters were “copies.”
“You did tell her we did not?” That’s what he’d done. Although they each had significant estates whose borders marched together. One might even call them favored estates, even though they were not their main ones.
“Of course. It is the truth.” Turley wiped his brow. “That was a close escape.”
They still had one more set before the supper dance, and Frits scanned the room. His gaze passed a young matron, then went back to her. “Who is the lady down three sofas from us in the dark blue gown with a feather in her hair?”
“Lady Riverton.” Turley’s response was prompt. “Her husband was Lord Broadhurst’s heir. I met her in Paris.”
Frits had seen Anglesey with her at Almack’s. Thankfully, the man wasn’t here this evening. “What do you know of her?”
“From what Elizabeth said, she had an unhappy marriage. Her two boys live with Broadhurst, but she chooses not to.”
Broadhurst was known to be a high stickler, and his son, the Earl of Riverton, had been even worse. He’d also kept a mistress. “I can’t say that I blame her. She must have met Anglesey in Paris.”
Frits wondered exactly how well she had known the man, and if he could learn more from her.
The music stopped, and Turley glanced toward the other side of the ballroom. “It is time for us to claim our ladies.” Turley took a step, stopped, and glanced at Frits. “I do not mean that literally.”
“Stubble it.” He’d been chastised to take his time enough for one day. He was trying to go slowly, but the more he discovered about Adeline, the more he wanted her. Seeing her waltzing in the arms of other men had awakened a beast inside him that had obviously not felt it had needed to make its presence known before. Now it was roaring to be let out.
He needed goals for this evening. First, they would waltz. Just the thought of having her in his arms for a whole thirty minutes without interruption had his senses clamoring. Then, at supper, he would discover all her favorite foods. After that, he’d ask her to ride with him again, and try to coax a set for the next entertainment. Frits knew he would need to make sure that he asked for the set when there were other people around. That way she could not refuse him. But perhaps she would agree even if no one else heard. She had done it today. No, it was better to be safe than sorry. A twinge of guilt poked at him for trapping her into having to accept his company. But if it wasn’t for her friendship with Lady Dorie, he wouldn’t have to be so wily beguily about a perfectly normal request for dancing and riding.
Frits got to her just as she was returned to the group surrounding her parents. As soon as her partner turned away, he stepped in and purposefully turned the full force of “the look” on her. “My lady.”
Chapter Eight
Lord Littleton’s green eyes sparkled and warmed. That was a lethal combination. Was that what he had done with Dorie? Adeline curtseyed. “My lord. Have you enjoyed the dancing?”
“What I have done of it.” A footman came by with lemonade, and he took two glasses. “Do you have need of refreshment?”
“Thank you.” This time she was careful not to let his fingers touch hers in case the same thing happened as had the other times. “I am rather parched.” Earlier, ices had come around, but her mother told her they had champagne in them, so Adeline had refrained. Now she wished she had not.
Her brother and sister-in-law came over, and they all chatted about people she did not know. Thankfully, Lord Littleton maintained a murmured running explanation of who the people were. He glanced down at her, a conciliatory look in his eyes. “You will soon come to know everyone.”
“I suppose I must.” Finally, the strains of the violins announced the next set, and she placed her fingers on his arm, steeling herself against the strange feelings she felt when they touched.
He laughed. “It is inevitable.”
Inevitable? For a moment, Adeline thought he meant those feelings and almost gasped. Then she realized he was talking about meeting and getting to know the people she did not. “Of course.”
She had thought, or rather hoped, dancing the waltz with him would be no different than it had been with the other gentlemen. She could not have been more wrong. The perfunctory turning and hopping had turned into something else. Something far more fascinating. He led her so expertly through the movements, she did not even have to think as her feet seemed to float on air. Then he smiled down at her, and all her breath left her.
My God! Those eyes!
“Do you like dogs?” The question came in the middle of a turn.
“Yes.” Adeline loved her father’s hunting dogs and had been accused of spoiling them. “When one of our hunting dogs had a litter, I tried to bring one of the puppies into the house, but my mother made me take her back.”
“How old was she?” His brows had come together with concern. About the dog?
“Old enough. The
puppy was weaned, and some of her littermates had been sold.” The ensuing argument still stung. “My mother does not allow dogs in the house.” When Adeline had her own house, dogs would be allowed.
“I’m glad my mother does not have an objection.” His brow had cleared, and one corner of his mouth tilted up. “We have always had dogs in the house. The only rule is that we must keep them clean.”
“Lady Augusta has two Great Danes.” Adeline could not stop a sigh from coming out. “They are beautiful and so well behaved.”
“I know.” He lifted her arms and turned her. “I have one of the puppies. Well, he’s not a puppy any longer. He is about ready to turn three.”
“I would love to meet him.” The moment the words were out of her mouth, she knew she had made a mistake. Yet she could not take it back. She really did want to see the dog. “What is his name?”
“Maximus, but I call him Max.” Lord Littleton grinned, making it clear how much he liked his dog.
“I like Maximus better than Max. It is more regal.” And Great Danes were nothing if not kingly. Except when they were being funny.
“Perhaps you would like to go walking with us sometime.” There was nothing in either his tone or his countenance that indicated the query was more than a friendly offer.
And Adeline would. She really, really would like to walk the dog. Keeping a smile pasted on her face, she broke her own heart. “Maybe someday.”
He looked at her for a second, then said, “I shall try to find an opportunity. My time in Town is very busy, with the Lords, and events, and the like.”
“The Lords.” Adeline wanted to moan. “I completely understand that it is important for running the country. And that it takes laws to make changes for the good. But I do not understand how some people can devote their lives to politics.” She took a breath. “There must be a way to be involved in politics and have time for other important things.” Such as one’s family.
“I absolutely agree.” His voice was firm and unequivocal.
“You do?” She had not been looking at him for most of her diatribe, but his statement made her glance up.
“Yes.” He met her gaze. Good heavens, looking at him was a mistake. It was as if he could see right through her. “I have friends who spend most of the year running to Town every time Parliament is called into session. I think it must take a toll on their families. My father was of the same opinion. It was his view that there was time to be in Town and time to be at home, and if it was a choice between his family or the Lords, his family was more important. I do not see a reason to believe any differently.”
“I wish my father and mother thought that. Then again, some votes are important.” She loved her parents, but since she had come to Town, she was feeling abandoned. Then again, she always felt that way.
“They are.” Lord Littleton nodded. “But one can give another Member their proxy.”
She had not known about that. “Interesting.”
To her surprise, the dance came to an end. How had the time gone so quickly? Still, she would have supper to discuss ideas with Lord Littleton . . . or not. Augusta had arranged that they—the ladies—would all sit together and, naturally, that included Dorie.
Called back to her duty to her friend, Adeline assumed a polite mien and wondered what would happen next. She should sit next to Lord Littleton. They had danced together. It seemed that was the polite thing to do. But she could not hurt Dorie’s feelings. The arrangements occupied her until they reached her circle.
Augusta, escorted by Lord Phineas, led the way to the supper room. Three tables large enough to fit all of them had been placed together. Once the ladies were seated, the gentlemen went to select the delicacies from the two tables that had been set up.
Dorie took the seat to one side of Adeline. “I feel as if I must warn you about Lord Littleton. He is not to be trusted.” Dorie’s lips flattened.
“I am so sorry.” Adeline wondered if her friend would say more, but after a few moments, she prompted, “What did he do?”
“I really do not wish to discuss it further.” Dorie lifted her chin. “I am determined to put it behind me.”
Although Adeline wished her friend would tell her exactly what had happened, her heart hurt for Dorie. “Yes, of course.” Had she fallen in love with him? That must be it. Why else would she be so adamant about his lordship. “I will endeavor to avoid him.”
“Unfortunately, you will not be able to.” She gave a sad smile. “The rules of Polite Society are against you.” She took Adeline’s hand and squeezed it. “Protect your heart. Find a gentleman worthy of it. That is what I intend to do.”
“That is good advice. Thank you for telling me to beware of him.”
“I could not allow you to experience what happened to me.” Dorie moved down the table when the gentlemen joined them.
Adeline steeled herself against Lord Littleton. She would enjoy his company and not fall in love with him. That was the only thing she could do, unless she suddenly had a full dance schedule. She wondered if Lord Anglesey would ask her to stand up with him the next time they were at the same event. Perhaps she should focus more on him. He seemed interested in her.
* * *
When Frits returned with the other gentlemen to the table, Adeline’s demeanor was much chillier than it had been at the end of their dance. Lady Dorie cast him a surreptitious glare, and he pretended not to notice. She must have had a word with Adeline. In fact, he was positive the lady had done him as much damage as she could.
Bloody hellhounds!
The instant he thought he was making progress with Adeline, something happened to interfere. At least he was still sitting next to her.
He motioned for the footman to set down the plates. “I hope I chose well.”
The smile on her lovely pink lips didn’t reach her clouded gray eyes. “I am sure you did.”
She cut into the lobster patty with her fork and ate. He devoured two of the things before he caught her with her mouth empty. “Are you attending Lady Brownly’s musical evening?”
“Yes.” Adeline’s eyes brightened, but then the mask fell over them. “I have heard the singer, Mrs. Fodor, is excellent.”
“I can attest to that.” He had a feeling his next question was a forlorn hope. “Will you sit with me?”
“I cannot. I am already committed to sit with my friends.” A line formed between her brows. “Perhaps another time.”
He couldn’t tell if she was truly sorry or merely being polite. Yet that spark in her eyes when he’d mentioned the musical evening had been real. Although Frits had always considered himself to be a patient man, it occurred to him that when it came to Adeline, he was not nearly as patient as he thought. Then again, he’d never had to be. Whatever he wanted was usually within easy reach, be it success in school, sports, or with women. Especially the latter. On the other hand, the women he’d been with had all been experienced and were looking for the same thing he was. Having to coax the attentions of an innocent young lady with a deep sense of loyalty to a friend who actively disliked him was proving to be much more difficult.
Frits restrained himself from quaffing his wine. “Perhaps you have a waltz free at Lady Elliott’s ball?”
He was almost glad to see the brief look of panic in her eyes as she slid them toward his nemesis. “I–I do have a waltz free.”
Ah, she couldn’t lie either. That was good information to know. “The supper dance again?”
Adeline swallowed hard. “Yes, if you wish.”
He wished for all her sets, but that was going to take time and finding a way around her concerns.
“Thank you.” Frits wanted to ask her to ride with him tomorrow. But two days in a row would cause the ton to take notice, and it was too soon for that. “Perhaps you are free to ride with me the day after tomorrow?”
For the first time since the dance, she gazed directly at him. Her gray eyes had turned silver, and her lips had formed a line. “You are
fortunate, my lord. I am free to ride with you.”
“You honor me, my lady.” He infused his words with as much sincerity as he could. He was grateful that she had accepted even though she hadn’t wanted to. She was glancing around, as if looking for someone to save her from him. He needed to do something to entertain her. “I am thinking of having a new curricle made.”
Her gaze landed on him again. “Why? Your carriage is very nice and well-made.”
“I saw Merton riding with his cat. Maximus”—he decided to use the name she preferred—“has tried to climb into my curricle, but there’s not enough room for him. After seeing Merton I thought if I just made the carriage a little larger, I could make a place for Maximus behind me.”
Her eyes widened and she blinked, then she got that contemplative look in her eyes again. “That is an interesting idea. Are you truly considering doing it?”
“It started out as a fancy, but the Dane does like to go with me, so the answer is yes. I shall make time to visit my carriage maker within the next few days.” Frits wanted to ask her to go with him, but he was very sure that was not the kind of outing in which a young lady would be allowed to engage.
“I look forward to seeing it and your dog.” The last was said on a wistful note.
“I am sure he would like to meet you.” Frits grinned. Was his Great Dane the way to her heart? “He loves people who are disposed to like him.”
“Perhaps someday.” Adeline toyed with the last of the food on her plate.
He was losing her attention again. “What is your home county?”
Her short, straight nose wrinkled adorably. “My father’s main estate is in Herefordshire.”
“You don’t like it?” Frits had visited friends there. It was a beautiful county.
“It is not that as much as I do not like being left there all the time.” She pierced a piece of cheese with her fork, but left it on the plate. “My parents are gone much of the time. My other brothers are at school or away, and Wivenly and his wife have the baby. So my younger sister and I do not get to travel farther than our market town.”
