by Ella Quinn
“Of that, I have no doubt.” Frits remembered those days all too well. “Your man is bringing coffee.” He ripped off the pillow and tossed it across the room.
Fitzwalter rolled over and glared. “I prefer ale.”
“Ah, yes. The hair of the dog. I need you sober.” He eyed the younger man consideringly. “Do you require aid rising?”
“No, blast it all, I do not.” Fitzwalter sat up and blenched. For a moment, Frits thought the man would cast up his accounts.
But he had no time to coddle the idiot. Instead, he asked sweetly, “Are you sure you do not require help?”
“No.” Fitzwalter attempted to stand and fell back to the bed. This was worse than Frits had thought. He hovered over Fitzwalter, but was waved back. “Blast it all. I’m never going to drink again.”
“You aren’t the only one who’s made that vow.”
“Damn you, Littleton.” He managed to lurch up and disappeared behind a screen. By the time he had finished minimal ablations, the valet was back with coffee, a glass holding some vile brown-looking stuff, and toast.
Taking out his quizzer, Frits focused it on the toast.
“Just to make sure he holds it down,” the valet said. “Once I know that, I’ll bring up some rare beef directly.”
“Good man.”
As Frits lounged in a chair, Fitzwalter grimaced at the glass, but tossed it off and poured a cup of coffee, adding three large lumps of sugar. “I’ve never known you to be so cruel. What is this all about?”
“Turner is getting married.” The other man’s jaw dropped and seemed to be stuck in that position. Frits waited until the shock passed. “The lady to whom he is betrothed has a friend who wishes to wed a gentleman—”
“Now wait just a moment—”
He held up his hand, quieting Fitzwalter. “A gentleman who lives close to Turner. You and I are the only two in Town, and I already have a lady in mind. The only thing I want from you is to meet her, ask for a few dances, and take her walking or in a carriage around the Park. I am not asking you to offer for the lady.”
Fitzwalter swallowed a gulp of coffee. “Set her cap at you, has she?”
“In a manner of speaking.” Frits had decided not to betray the knowledge that she planned to trap him.
“That’s all I must do?” The light flooding the room made the dissipation on the other man’s face clear. Any guilt Frits had had left him. It really was time someone stopped Fitzwalter’s excesses.
Frits nodded. With any luck, they’d make a match of it. Lord knew Fitzwalter needed a steadying influence in his life. A wife would do it.
Fitzwalter reached for the pot to pour another cup of coffee, but took a piece of toast instead. “For how long?”
“Just until I am betrothed. Probably two or three weeks.” If it took any longer than that, Frits was liable to do something drastic. As it was, his other scheme was chancy at best.
“Very well.” Fitzwalter leaned back in his chair. “I’ll do it, but you will owe me.”
He was clearly thinking of something, but Frits couldn’t make out what it could be. There was a lot he’d give to have Adeline. “What do you want?”
“Gertrude.” The man acted as if he was asking for the most important thing Frits owned. He almost laughed. Not that he didn’t have affection for the heifer, but . . .
“You do know how many times we’ve sold her to your father and had to give him his money back because she wouldn’t stay?” The blasted cow always managed to get out of the barn or the pasture and crossed miles of Turner’s property to get home.
A militant light entered Fitzwalter’s eyes. “I told my father that I could convince her to stay. He didn’t believe me, but I want to show him I know what I’m talking about.”
Frits had no idea what his friend would do, but he had to stop the threat from Miss Tice. “I agree. If you manage to keep Miss Tice entertained and away from me, you may have Gertrude. Unless she finds her way home again. And you must vow not to mistreat her.”
“I do vow it.” Fitzwalter actually looked insulted. “I’d never hurt a cow, no matter how hardheaded she is.”
Frits stood. “You will dine at my house at eight. Be dressed for a ball.”
Rising, the man started to bow, then thought better of it. “I shall be there.”
He inclined his head. “I’ll see you, then.”
As he strolled out of Jermyn Street on to Piccadilly, he tried not to think of Adeline in Anglesey’s carriage this afternoon, but that was a lost cause. The only thing Frits could do was take his curricle so he could be there and make sure she was safe with the runagate. He did not truly think the man would attempt anything he should not with Adeline, but he could hope. That would give him an excuse to rearrange the worthless fribble’s face. She was the first woman to raise all his primitive warrior instincts, and he was looking for an excuse to drive his fist into the other man’s nose.
As pleasant a vision as that was, he still had over an hour before he could go to the Park, and headed to Hatchards. His mother had ordered some books, and it would give him a chance to see if there were any new volumes that interested him. He stopped first at the clerk’s desk, ascertained that some of the books his mother had ordered were in, and asked that they be delivered to Littleton House. Then he made his way upstairs to see if there were any new tomes on agriculture or animal husbandry.
He was almost to the back of the store when he heard whispering. But before he could investigate, a hand reached out and clutched his sleeve. “What the—Adeline? Wh—”
Reaching up, she slapped her hand over his mouth. “Shhh.”
He followed her between the bookshelves, and found Miss Featherton was present as well. A man couldn’t have everything. Adeline placed one finger against her lips before she and her friend turned their ears to the books.
“Every time I try to have him presented to dance with me, he disappears.” Whoever was speaking was clearly distraught.
“I shall arrange to have Turner do it. He and Lord Littleton have been friends for years.” Good God! No wonder Adeline had made him be quiet. That was Miss Tice and her friend, Miss Martindale. “Do not despair. We will manage.”
He had to hide. Or perhaps he could sneak out if he did it quietly. There were sounds of chairs moving. It was too late to leave. Adeline took his arm and guided him farther along the shelves. A few moments later, steps could be heard on the stairs. He wanted to wrap his arms around her for saving him.
“I wonder how often they have their discussions here?” Miss Featherton mused.
“I do not know, but they obviously think it is the best place to have them,” Adeline responded. “It makes no sense to me.” She turned to him. “What brings you here?”
“Books.” The answer came out more as a question. He must still be stunned. “My mother ordered some, and I wanted to see if there was anything new.”
“Now that they are gone, you will have this area to yourself.” She and her friend were getting ready to leave.
“I finally found Fitzwalter,” he said, in an attempt to make her stay. Still, it was close to four o’clock. He did not know how long it took her to prepare for a carriage ride, but he wanted to spend more time with her.
Her eyes lit up as if the sun was shining off silver. “Will he agree to meet Miss Tice?”
“Yes, but I had to agree to give him Gertrude.” For some reason, it was important that he tell Adeline that. Not that she knew the significance.
Her forehead wrinkled in confusion. “Who is Gertrude?”
“A heifer. His father has purchased her several times, but she always comes home.”
A muffled chuckle emitted from Miss Featherton, which he ignored.
“I do not understand.” Adeline’s well-shaped brows came together. “If she does not wish to leave her home, why would you continue to sell her to Lord Fitzwalter?”
“I didn’t. My father did.” He left it at that, trusting she would not be
satisfied with the answer.
She gave him a look that clearly stated she did not understand. “Please explain.”
“Later.” Miss Featherton linked her arm with Adeline’s. “I must go home if I am to be ready when Lord Turley arrives.” She smiled at him. “My lord, I am positive this is a fascinating tale that Lady Adeline would love to hear, but can it wait until this evening?”
Frits and Adeline exchanged looks, and for the first time, he knew they had something stronger than a mere connection. “I suppose it must. I cannot in good conscience do anything to make you late. Although keeping Turley waiting might do him some good.”
A trill of light laughter burst forth from Adeline.
“Be that as it may,” Miss Featherton said, “we must go.”
Adeline gazed longingly at the books. “I hope you find what you are looking for.”
“Thank you.” Little did she know that Frits had already found exactly what he was looking for.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Don’t you wish to stay a little longer?” Crispin lay on the bed, watching Jean don her chemise.
“If I do, you shall be late for your appointment with Lady Adeline, and that will not help your case with her.” Sitting on the chair, Jean rolled her stocking up her leg.
“I suppose you’re right.” He stretched before throwing his legs off the edge of the bed. “I must think of something to talk about with her. I haven’t told her about Paris yet.”
She stopped in the middle of fastening a garter. “Does she want to travel?”
“I have no idea.” He pulled his shirt over his head. “We have never touched on the subject. Once she marries me, she won’t be going anywhere.”
“In that event, I would not mention it to her. Have you asked her other questions about her likes and dislikes?”
The socks he’d picked up fell to the floor. Jean probably had a good point. He did not want Adeline dreaming about Paris. “No. Should I?”
Jean looked down her nose at him. “Yes, of course. All ladies like to be asked about the things they enjoy. I am surprised you did not think of it before. After all, you ask me.”
Well, put like that... “What do you suggest I do?”
“As I said. Ask her about herself, what she likes.” She donned her stays, lacing them in the front. “Discover what she dislikes. She will be more interested in you if you show some interest in her. Have you approached her father?”
“I sent him a letter, but that was over a week ago, and I have heard nothing from him.” Instead of compromising her, that would be the easiest way to bring about securing the lady. Unfortunately, it did not seem as if Lord Watford was interested in the match.
“It would help your cause if the lady at least liked you. This is only her first Season. Her parents might not care if she makes a match this year.” Jean placed a bonnet on her head and drew on her gloves.
He pulled on his boots, then sauntered over to her and kissed her neck. “I shall do as you say.”
Turning to face him, she smiled. “I look forward to hearing what happens.”
“You shall. Tonight at the ball. I am sure we can find somewhere to have a private conversation.” Being able to slip away with her had been the only interesting thing about the blasted balls.
“Ummm.” She pressed her body against his. “This time you must be more careful of my gown.”
“I think I can manage that.” By the time he’d got her alone, he’d been desperate. This evening, he wouldn’t let himself lose control.
“Come, my lord. You must bathe before you meet the young Lady Adeline.”
He doubted the lady would know what she was smelling, but he had to admit he needed a bath.
* * *
Adeline was looking forward to her carriage ride with Lord Anglesey, but she was more than pleasantly surprised when he asked how she was and waited for a reply.
“I am quite well, thank you.” He handed her into his carriage. “And you?”
He smiled, and it appeared genuine. “I have had an excellent day, which only promises to get better.”
Once his lordship had his ribbons adjusted, he gave his horses their office. “What do you do during the day?”
“Oh, the usual. I take care of some business and visit my club. The same things most gentlemen do.” He turned the corner onto Orchard Street, and for the first time she noticed that he was not as skilled as Littleton. “What did you do today?”
What had changed that he was deepening their conversations? Was he considering actually courting her? “I went for an early walk, assisted my mother with some household duties, then did a little shopping with friends.”
“Do you find London to your taste?” He slid her a quick glance.
This was her opportunity to get to know him better as well. Whatever had caused the change, Adeline decided she had nothing to lose by answering honestly. “The Season has been interesting, but I prefer the country. One is too confined in London.”
“I must agree with you. There are too many rules.” He sounded disgruntled.
She did not know how he could complain. Gentlemen could do almost anything they wished. Perhaps he missed the country. “Do you like the country as well?”
“My family’s estate is beautiful. I look forward to seeing it again.” Hmmm. That was evasive. “I intend to spend most of the summer there.”
“Where will you go during the times you are not at home?”
The corner of his mouth tilted. “Probably to one or more of the other estates.”
Adeline was pleased to hear he did not wish to return to Town.
They reached the Park and joined the throng on the carriageway. Several people greeted them, and Georgie and Lord Turley came up beside them so that she could say good day to Adeline.
Littleton joined them. He was riding the black gelding he’d ridden when they first met. She would like to go riding more often, but her mother did not approve of anything faster than a sedate trot in Town. “He is a handsome lad. What is his name?”
“Thank you.” He stroked the horse’s neck. “This is Apollo. His mother is one of our mares.”
“Good afternoon, Littleton.” Lord Anglesey’s tone conveyed his irritation. “We must not hold up traffic.”
“I completely agree.” Littleton smiled pleasantly as he kept pace with the carriage. “Holding up any of the older matrons is certain to draw a rebuke.”
“Don’t you have somewhere else to be?” Lord Anglesey’s jaw tightened.
“Not at all,” Littleton responded, as if the other man had not just tried to hint him away. “I’m happy to keep you company.”
He was incorrigible, but Adeline had a hard time not laughing and kept her mouth tightly closed. As he kept up a stream of small talk, Lord Anglesey became sulky. For the first time, she wondered how old he was. He certainly did not have the address of Littleton or indeed any of his friends. How had she not noticed that before?
They had arrived at the gate when Littleton executed a bow. “My lady, until this evening. Anglesey, it’s been a pleasure.”
Anglesey mumbled something she was sure would have made her ears burn.
She met Littleton’s gaze, and his green eyes brimmed with laughter. “I shall see you later, my lord.”
“He must be the thickest-headed man I have ever met,” Lord Anglesey muttered as he drove out of the Park. “Why did he not leave?”
That was actually a very good question. Why had Littleton remained with them? Adeline knew the men did not like each other and, even though she enjoyed Littleton’s company, it was clear Lord Anglesey did not. And Littleton knew it. Had it simply been to irritate the man, or was it something else entirely? Perhaps she would ask him this evening.
“I am sorry our ride was ruined,” Lord Anglesey said. “Is it possible that you have a dance available this evening?”
She did feel sorry for Anglesey. He had been making an effort to engage her attention, and she had the feeling
he had made up his mind to get to know her better. She was glad about that. “Yes, I have the second country dance.”
“Thank you.” He flashed her a smile. “I believe you were telling me why you enjoy the country more than Town before we were interrupted.”
Only if one could call entering the Park an interruption. But perhaps she was being too harsh. “As I said, there are more restrictions here. When I am at home, I can walk and ride by myself. Here I must have a footman or a groom accompany me. Even when I go shopping with my friends, footmen must be in attendance.” Although, she had to admit, they were sometimes helpful. “Therefore, one must plan everything in advance.”
Anglesey’s brow furrowed. “I would have thought you’d be accompanied by a maid instead of a footman.”
She had seen maids accompanying other ladies. “I do not know why it is, but my parents and those of my friends all insist on footmen. I cannot imagine any of the maids would have time to attend me. They have too much to do.”
He nodded. “Now that I consider it, the maids do seem always to be busy.”
Something in the way he spoke made her think that he never considered such things. But why would he, when he had been traveling so much? “What do you like best about the country?”
“The beauty of nature and the fresh air. One need never be concerned about the smoke.”
That was true. Still, she felt as if he was repeating what someone else had said. “What do you do while at home?”
“I have not been there since I began my Grand Tour.” He pulled his curricle to a stop in front of Watford House, quickly hopped down, and came to her side of the carriage. Instead of putting down the carriage steps and assisting her to the pavement, he waited for the footman to do it. Only then did he escort her to the door.
She had been on several carriage rides this Season, and this was the first time the gentleman had waited for a footman. Adeline gave herself an inner shake. Perhaps he was raised more formally than the other gentlemen she had met.
Taking her hand, Anglesey bowed. “Thank you for your delightful company, my lady.”
“Thank you for yours, my lord.” Adeline curtseyed.
“I look forward to our dance this evening.”
