by Jenni James
In nervousness, she licked them, and he cleared his throat before looking away. “If you insist. I shall be there, though I must warn you, this may become quite more entertaining than you realize. Remember that you are the only one who can see me, so you must not give away that I am there.”
“If you can somehow manage to get a housekeeper to make several gowns appear, I believe I can manage to keep you a secret amongst the guests.”
CHAPTER THIRTEEN:
The next afternoon, Adeline and Adrian walked out of the library into the corridor and paused as Lady Middlesong came rushing toward her.
“Adeline, dearest! I am so glad to see you here. We were about to have tea out in the garden. Come with me and let me introduce you around.”
“I . . . thank you.” She glanced over at Adrian.
He smiled at her and then reached over and held her hand. “You will do fine.”
A footman handed Adeline a charming new bonnet and lacy parasol, then opened the door for Lady Middlesong and they followed her out into a beautiful garden with arches and a gazebo. Under the eaves of the gazebo, Adeline could make out three tables laden with sandwiches, fruits, vegetables, and sweets. Several teacups with saucers and steaming kettles accompanied the whole and made an inviting scene. Fancy-dressed gentlemen and ladies adorned the lawn with blankets and parasols. Everyone was waiting for their lovely host to begin the afternoon tea.
She smiled at her guests and then walked over to each cluster and introduced Adeline. “This is Miss Adeline Moses. She is a friend of Prince Adrian’s family and has come to grace us with her presence. “
Adeline was shocked when she first heard how she was being presented, and just when she was going to disagree, she felt Adrian tighten his grip as if to tell her not to.
She had just gotten used to her higher status when they approached her stepsisters. Marianna looked stunned to see her standing there, but Coralie did not seem to notice, perhaps attempting to give Adeline the cut direct. Adrian stepped up and put his hands on her shoulders as if in an act of support.
“Adeline, I had no idea you were acquainted with the late Prince Adrian, or his family,” Marianna sneered, one eyebrow raised.
Lady Middlesong lifted her chin in a challenge. “She is. Her father was a particular friend of the late king for years.”
It was a bold-faced lie, but Adeline did not dare correct the lady. When Coralie finally whipped her head over in shock, Adeline nodded.
Lady Middlesong wrapped her arm around Adeline. She could feel Adrian remove his hands, and she grinned.
“We are so grateful to have such a guest here. Now if you will excuse us, I will allow Miss Adeline to pour the first cup of tea.” She smiled at Adeline as if this were the most magnanimous gift she had ever been presented.
If only Adeline could stop her knees from knocking long enough to be able to pour the stuff.
Adrian’s voice resonated in her ear. “The worst is over, dear. No more introductions. Now all you have to do is make yourself a cup of tea. I am certain you have done just that every day of your life. Let us head up to the gazebo and do the deed.”
“Do the deed?” Adeline chuckled. “You sound as though I am to murder someone.”
“I beg your pardon?” Lady Middlesong gave her a funny look.
Adrian very helpfully laughed.
Adeline kept her composure and blinked. “Yes?”
“I thought you said—” Lady Middlesong waved her hand. “Never mind. Here is the tea. Feel free to help yourself.”
Adeline smiled her thanks and quickly poured her cup, collected the delectable finger foods on a pretty plate, and then headed toward a small chair and table that was situated nicely in the shade and a bit apart from the other guests.
“Why did you choose to sit here?” Adrian asked as he perched upon the only other chair at the table.
“What do you mean by such a question?”
He grinned. “Are you hiding? It will not do, you know. You have been introduced, and so you will now become the center of attention.”
She took a sip of tea. “Please do not suggest such a thing or I shall definitely run.”
He laughed out loud. “My dear, you do not have a choice. And running is not an option, as you well know. Now, play nicely. There has been an odd chap glancing your way who is about to join you.”
“Do not dare leave.”
“Oh, I would not dream of it. It will be far more entertaining to stay.”
“Very well, use me for your enjoyment, since you mean to anyhow.” She glanced around. “Which one is he?”
“You cannot tell? Shall I go stand behind him and point him out?”
She kept her gaze from the gazebo, where several people had gone up to collect their tea. Glancing over as she was, each time she did, she unexpectedly caught the eye of more than one curious gentleman. “Why do they all have to be looking over here?”
“The sops! You are correct. I do not think one man can keep his eyes off you. Give me a moment.”
“What are you going to do?” she whispered behind her teacup.
Adrian smirked. “Investigate. I must see who is eligible enough for your attention.”
“Eligible for my attention?” she muttered under her breath. “Do you not mean who I am most eligible for?”
And that was as far as that thought went before Adeline gasped in horror. Adrian swept away and was floating from one young gentleman to the next, inspecting them as if they were cattle instead of men. She could have forgiven him that had he stopped there, but nay, her mischievous prince had other means of assessing the lords.
First one and then another would whip around in confusion as Adrian tugged at their superfine coats or knocked their hats off their heads, or ruffled their cravats, and worst of all, muss up their greased-shined hair. It was a travesty of the wickedest order.
“Adrian, stop!” she hissed as loudly as she dared.
He shook his head and then hollered back, “No. To discover a man’s worth, one must see him distressed, for how else do you know whether he is a true gentleman or not?”
Poor Lady Middlesong would not know what had become of her garden party. “Are you mad?”
Adrian flitted back to her. “There. Now we shall watch and see how it all plays out.”
“You are mad.”
He sat back in his chair with an air of nonchalance. “Perhaps. Or perhaps I am a genius. Either way, we will know quickly which one is more fitting.”
Already the young men were glaring at one another, Adeline long forgotten as they eyed each other suspiciously. And then one gentleman broke from the rest and looked back and forth between the dozen or so ruffled guests and laughed.
Soon, the others dropped their scowls, and one by one they eased themselves into a good humor once more.
“Well.” Adrian leaned forward. His mouth seemed to drop a little. “I have been bested. That young man is the one worthy of you.”
“The one who laughed?”
“Yes, in the green waistcoat. He is the one who will respect you and treat you kindly.”
“And how do you know? Just because someone finds something funny, it does not mean they are meant for sainthood.”
“Very true, my dear. But he is the one who had been looking longingly at you, and therefore, the one I harassed the most. He out of them all should be offended, and yet he has proven not to fall into the sulks, but to accept fate as it is and make the most of an awkward situation. Maturity, kindness, and positivity.” He rubbed his lips together and took a deep breath. “Yes, he will certainly be the best for you.”
And then without another word, Prince Adrian vanished.
CHAPTER FOURTEEN:
Adeline had no more desire to speak to the gentleman in the green waistcoat than she had to be at the party. She was about to slip off when Coralie approached her and sat down upon the empty chair. Her pale blue dress enhanced her dark eyes and pretty black curls to faultlessness. Had sh
e not had a slight scowl upon her features, she would have been considered lovely.
Adeline’s fingers curled around her cup of tea in anticipation of the onslaught she knew was coming.
“What is the meaning of you being presented by Lady Middlesong as if you were a long-lost friend of Prince Adrian’s family? I could barely keep my countenance. Such a ridiculous falsehood was probably one of the most imprudent things you could have ever come up with.”
“I did not. I swear to you. Lady Middlesong stunned even me when she announced to all of the guests that I was this person.”
Coralie shifted in her seat. “It would seem to me you have been a crafty thing and planted some very surprising rumors about.”
Adeline pulled back. “No. Why would I do so?”
Coralie gave her an arch look. “Why would you indeed? Now you are presented as a particular favorite of Lady Middlesong’s. What more could you ask for?”
“To be left in peace.”
“Ha. Fancy that. The German royal family’s pet will never be left in peace now, though I am not convinced you truly wish to be.” She glared at Adeline a moment. “If you do one thing to sully this for Marianna and me, I will terminate whatever bit of happiness you have left.”
Adeline’s thin smile turned down a few notches to form a distinct frown. How could Coralie believe the worst of her? “Why would you suggest such a thing? I would never wish you harm.”
Coralie sniggered and then twirled her parasol as if she were agitated. “The number of untruths I have heard this week would lead me to believe otherwise. Already you have attempted to remove me and Marianna from our room.” She stopped twirling. “Where are you staying? Surely Lady Middlesong did not displace one of her other guests for you.”
Adeline looked down at her sandwich. For some reason, she did not feel the need to answer with too much information. “Mrs. Humphries, the housekeeper, found me a small room not typically inhabited by guests or the family.”
Coralie smirked. “Perhaps that will teach you not to use us so ill.”
“Forgive me. I did not realize it would upset you to move. I was merely thinking of helping us all sleep better.”
She leaned forward. “All we expected you to do was locate that horrid wailing and put a stop to it, not remove us from the comfortable suite we were fortunate enough to have. How could you not know that? I have never met a more incompetent servant in all my life. And that is saying something.”
Adeline’s hands began to quiver, and her poor heart felt as though it had been trampled quite thoroughly. She glanced about to see if anyone had heard Coralie’s outburst. She knew she did not deserve to be here. She knew she was an imposter pretending to be of worth. But how was she to dismiss Lady Middlesong’s introduction without exposing the woman for lying? It was impossible. Yet again … “How do you know Father was not good friends with the royal family of Germany? He might have helped them increase their holdings by investing.”
Coralie’s smirk tightened, and she fluttered her lashes for a few seconds before replying, “If my stepfather was truly mixing with royal families, he would have introduced me and my sister. And our mother as well.”
She was correct. He would have rushed home to express how pleased he was to have them as patrons. “I did not think of that.”
Coralie stood up. “Well, I did.” She switched her parasol closed and tapped it upon the ground. “I will only tolerate this farce as long as utterly possible. The moment I hear of anything untoward that you do, your whole performance will be uncovered.”
“I am not acting.”
“No?” Her gaze travelled the length of Adeline’s new gown. “Even down to the costume.” She tapped her parasol again. “I have no idea what young lady you have stolen the gown from, but I will discover who it is. Mark my words!” she hissed, and then flounced off.
Adeline was shaken as she watched her stepsister storm away. For the life of her, she could not work out how she could feel so guilty for things she did not do. No matter how many times she spoke with either of her stepsisters, she knew the outcome of intense guilt would always be the same.
Her sandwich and sweets long forgotten, Adeline placed her napkin upon her plate and stood up. Perhaps some time away from the curiosities of strangers would allow her to feel better. She nervously clutched her parasol and turned, nearly running into the young gentleman in the green waistcoat. His smile was not as prominent as it had been a minute ago.
“I beg your pardon,” Adeline said as she went to move past him.
“I heard what Miss Coralie said just now.”
“Did you?” Adeline’s heart began to pound as a feeling of dread washed over her.
“Are you acting a part, Miss Adeline?” He leaned forward and clutched her elbow a little too roughly and then whirled on his heel, marching her with him out onto the lawn behind the gazebo. To anyone else, they no doubt looked like a couple hurriedly whisking away from company to be alone.
Adeline began to feel great anxiety. “What are you doing? Unhand me at once!” She yanked upon her arm, but his grip only became stronger.
“If you are duping my aunt, Lady Middlesong, I will get to the bottom of it. I do not take kindly to strangers trespassing on her gracious hospitality.”
How did she find herself in such situations? “I am duping no one.”
He stomped her over to a tall willow tree and hid her behind the fronds, facing the large manmade lake. “Answer me this one question—did you or did you not steal the gown you are wearing?” His yellowish-green eyes blazed a moment.
Adeline lifted her chin a notch. “I most certainly did not. And if you do not unhand me this instant, I will surely make you regret your horrid actions.”
He stared at her and then said, “I have known Miss Coralie for two seasons, and never once have I witnessed her react to anyone as she has to you. She must have considerable reason to be upset. Now, I ask you again—answer truthfully. Did you steal the gown you have on?”
“You are hurting me, sir.” She attempted again to remove her arm.
His face screwed up in a disgusted look. “Answer me!”
Adeline felt as if she might either burst into tears or laughter. Either one could be expected, as she was certain she had gone stark raving mad. “I have already done as you asked and answered your ridiculous question. However, you have failed to do as I have asked. Therefore, I would kindly request that you forgive me for what I am about to do.”
CHAPTER FIFTEEN:
Suddenly, Adeline felt a presence behind her.
Adrian whispered in her ear, “Whatever it is you have planned with that fist, my dear, I suggest you lower it now and allow me to handle this.”
Irritation flashed through her as she answered Adrian. “Why would you say such a thing to me? I can take care of myself.”
The young gentleman removed his hand on her arm. “It was a simple question. I am quite sure you can.”
Ignoring him, she whipped her head toward the prince. He clutched her good hand. “Unhand me now.”
“I have!” gasped the gentleman as he stepped several paces away from her. “Your eyes positively glow when you are angry.”
“I can take care of myself. And I am more than willing to teach Lady Middlesong’s guest a thing or two.”
Adrian laughed. “I want in on him as well. You are not alone. That sap nearly dragged you down to this lake. He is lucky to still be standing.”
The gentleman stared at Adeline. “I am over here. Why are you speaking to me as if I am the other direction?”
She sighed. “I will deal with you in a moment. First, I have to remove this pompous, horrid judge of character from my presence.”
“He cannot see me.” The prince grinned smugly.
Adeline whipped her head toward the gentleman. “Good gracious, you look as though you have seen a ghost. Though that would be entirely impossible, would it not?”
“Uh … I am afraid this heated conver
sation has become a bit lost.”
Adrian had the audacity to chuckle even louder than before. “The poor buffoon will soon think you are mad. Best let me handle the chap and you save what you can of your reputation.” He let go of her hand, and in a flash was next to the gentleman.
“Do not dare touch him!”
And then in the next moment, the man was up in Adrian’s arms and being flown several feet into the lake. The horrified shriek he made was nothing compared to the large splash that accompanied the toss.
Adeline’s hands went to her mouth. “Adrian!” she gasped. “What in the world have you just done?”
He glanced over and winked. “Why, I gave that puppy a good soaking, my dear. And thankfully, he will have no clear recollection of how such a thing happened.”
“Great heavens.” Mirth bubbled over as she attempted not to laugh while the poor man splayed and splashed to shore. “He is sputtering like a loon. What will people say?”
“I suggest we escape quickly so we do not have to find out.”
Several people began to head toward the lake, but none seemed to have noticed her. “Where will we go?”
“Follow me,” he said as he began to wind himself through the shrubbery.
“’Tis not fair,” she grumbled while following him. “You cannot get your clothing caught as I can.” She yanked upon her skirts and tucked them closer to her. “Is there another garden nearby?” It seemed as if they were traveling farther away from the castle.
“We are heading around the lake to the other side. There is a nice cozy dock with a boat or two. It is far enough from the guests that we shall be able to giggle to our hearts’ content.”
“Giggling?” She smiled as she tugged her sleeve from another branch that had grasped her. “Is that why you wish to hide away?”
“Of course! How else are we to revel in such a folly as what we witnessed?”
“You are incorrigible, Adrian!”
“Yes, I suspect I am.” He stopped to glance back. “Though perhaps you are correct. This is not the easiest route for a lady to be traveling.”
