by Ella Quinn
“Yes indeed.” She entered the house feeling as if something was missing; then she knew exactly what it was. They had not gone to Gunter’s. She hoped there were ices this evening. Littleton had her supper set, and if there were any, he would see to them.
Adeline halted on the stairs. It was strange how Littleton crept into her thoughts. She continued up toward her room. In fact, he spent too much time occupying her mind. Every time she thought she had banished him, he came back. Of course, it did not help that he seemed to physically insert himself into her life as well.
What had he thought to accomplish today?
* * *
Frits was rather pleased with the way he’d stuck a spoke into Anglesey’s wheel. Once he had arrived, the man had not had an opportunity to speak with Adeline at all. And she seemed perfectly ready to converse with him. He could almost feel sorry for the here and therian.
Almost, but not quite.
He had no respect for a gentleman who would attempt to court a lady while carrying on an affair with another woman. Especially when that lady was Adeline, and he planned to marry her.
Glancing around, he spied Turner with Miss Martindale and rode over. “Good day, Miss Martindale, Turner.”
“Good afternoon, my lord.” She caught Turner’s eye and raised one brow.
The man cleared this throat. “Littleton, well-met. I haven’t seen much of you this Season.”
They’d been at almost all the same entertainments, but Turner had apparently been so focused on Miss Martindale, he hadn’t noticed anyone else. “Speaking of seeing people, I just had an interesting conversation with Fitzwalter.”
“Huh.” Turner seemed surprised. “I didn’t even know he was in Town.”
“Who is Mr. Fitzwalter?” Miss Martindale’s voice rose in a question when she said “mister.”
Turner replied, “His father, Lord Fitzwalter, owns the estate to my west.”
“Oh.” As Frits hoped, Miss Martindale definitely looked interested.
“He’s coming to dinner this evening and accompanying me to the ball.” He’d baited the hook, now it was time to see if the fish would bite. “I’d appreciate it if you could spend some time with him. If you knew a lady who would stand up with him, that is even better.”
The corners of Miss Martindale’s lips curved up. “I do know a lady to whom I can present him.”
“Thank you. I look forward to seeing you this evening.” He inclined his head, and rode around a bit more.
This matchmaking was almost enjoyable. Across the carriageway, Belmont was driving with a lady, and Frits made his way close enough to ascertain that it was Miss Hanson. It seemed as if neither of the ladies would be his problem much longer. Yet, other than the fear that one of them might succeed, he could not complain too much. Their schemes had given him an opportunity to remain close to Adeline, something he fully intended to continue to do.
* * *
That evening, after the third set, Frits saw his plan with Fitzwalter come to fruition in a more fruitful manner than he’d expected.
Frits was standing with Adeline and her family when the man strode up to him, grabbed his hand, and shook it. “You never told me how beautiful Miss Tice is. To think I would have missed out on meeting her if you hadn’t dragged me out of bed this morning.”
He repressed his glee. “I take it your meeting went well?”
“By God, yes,” Fitzwalter said with feeling. “She is not only beautiful, but delightful as well.”
“Does this mean you don’t want Gertrude?” Frits actually wanted to see what the man had in mind to keep the cow with him.
“No.” Fitzwalter laughed. “A deal is a deal, and I need to show my father I know what I’m about.” He shook Frits’s hand again. “Have a good evening.”
“That was interesting.” Adeline tilted her head. “I still do not understand why he wants a cow that runs away.”
“Cows again? I don’t understand either of you. One would think you could find more interesting topics of conversation.” Wivenly narrowed his eyes at them. “Unless this is some sort of code.”
Adeline gaped at her brother. “Why on earth would you think we had a code?”
“Never mind. Do not leave this spot. I must speak with Eugénie.” He stepped over to his wife.
“What was that about?” Adeline gazed after her brother.
Equally confused, Frits shook his head. “He obviously has a much more devious mind than we do.”
She lifted one shoulder. “Well then, back to Gertrude.”
“None of us are quite sure why she won’t stay,” Littleton said. “Obviously, Fitzwalter has something to prove. He promised he will not mistreat her. I’ll be interested to see what he has in mind.”
But that did not answer Adeline’s primary question. “But why sell her at all?”
“My father did it because she refuses to breed.” A stricken look appeared on his handsome face. “I apologize—”
“No, no.” Fighting her blush, she held up one hand. “I asked, and there really is not a more delicate way to put it.” Heaven help her. No matter how interested she was in the cow, she had to change the discussion. If not, her brother would be over here, wanting to know what was being said. Littleton grabbed a glass of champagne and handed it to her. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” He glanced toward the French windows at the end of the room, and she followed his gaze. “I would take you for a stroll, but I don’t think your brother would allow it.”
As hot as it was, she wished they could go outside. Lord Turner and Miss Martindale stepped through the French windows. Adeline was certain they would make a match of it, and Miss Tice was taken care of, at least for now. “You are free to spend your evenings elsewhere, if you please.”
Littleton frowned at her. “What do you mean?”
“You do not have any other ladies attempting to compromise you into marriage.”
“We cannot be sure about that.” He glanced around like a fox being chased by a pack of hounds. “We only know that you have not heard of anyone else.” He pointed at Lady Riverton. “I believe she has a mind to coerce me into marriage.”
Adeline almost rolled her eyes. Caro Huntley had mentioned the lady’s aversion to the married state. “I happen to know for a fact that Lady Riverton does not wish to wed again.”
“There is sure to be someone else,” Littleton insisted. “It happens every Season. That’s the reason I never remain in Town long.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Adeline was not at all sure what to make of Littleton. He had seemed almost panicked. Of course, she remembered hearing that her brother had once climbed a tree to get away from avaricious young ladies. She supposed Will must have been terrified to have done that, in his new boots no less. “Very well; we may go on as we have been.”
“Thank you.” Littleton let out a breath. “That makes me feel much better.”
An awkward silence fell, and she felt as if she must fill it. “When will your new carriage be completed?”
“It is being delivered tomorrow.” His usual ready smile returned, and the dimple made an appearance. “Would you like to take a ride in it?”
“I would.” Adeline was looking forward to see how her suggestions looked. “Will you take Maximus?”
“I think I shall.” The green of his eyes deepened. “We can see how he likes being able to go out for a ride in Town.”
He was the sweetest of dogs. Adeline had fallen in love with the big beast. “I think he just wants to be with people.” She saw her next dance partner approaching. “Here is Lord Anglesey.”
Littleton’s jaw set and his lips formed a thin line. He looked as if he wanted to make a derogatory comment, but instead said, “I hope he doesn’t step on your toes.”
“Thank you.” Good Lord, not this again. She would have to have a discussion with Littleton about his animosity toward his lordship, but Lord Anglesey was upon them.
During thei
r dance, his lordship continued his tack of asking her questions about herself. Earlier, she had hoped that he was forming an attraction to her, but was he? She was not a beauty or an heiress, and he did not know her that well. Although he was attempting to change that. She had been flattered by his attention to her, but now she was not sure. Why her over some other lady? Was it to win in a nonexistent contest for her with Littleton? If so, she wanted nothing to do with him, and it was not something she could ask the man.
Adeline caught sight of Littleton glaring at them from his post beside her brother and sister-in-law. What on earth did he think could happen to her on the dance floor? She could only suppose he had decided to look after her because she was helping him.
By the time the set ended, she still did not have a clue what Lord Anglesey was about and was glad to have the relatively undemanding company of Lord Bottomley for the next dance. He was happy to discuss the weather and other innocuous subjects. Then she made up her mind. She was no pawn in a gentlemen’s game. She would ask Lord Anglesey about his intentions toward her.
Adeline was with Littleton for the supper dance. Not for the first time, indeed not even for the second time, she had to admit that he was a much better dancer than her other partners.
At supper, the talk turned, as always, to politics. She and he were the only ones who did not actively take part in the discussion, and she almost wished they were sitting together. He would find a different topic of conversation. Yet, her friends had reverted to their usual habit, protectively surrounding her and Dorie, while Lord Exeter and Littleton were relegated to the other end of the table. It seemed unfair and a little bit mean. Yes, it was true that Dorie did not wish to be anywhere near Littleton, but that did not mean Adeline should do the same when she had stood up with him for the supper dance. It did not seem polite. The next time he had that set, she would sit with him, but far enough away from Dorie to keep her from becoming upset.
* * *
The next afternoon, Adeline eagerly awaited Littleton’s carriage and could not stop herself from peering out her bedroom window for a glimpse of it. “Here it comes!”
“Come away from there,” her mother commanded. “You know better than that.”
“But I want to see what it looks like from above,” Adeline objected. “I am better able to see how it turned out.”
“How what turned out?” Ignoring her own advice, Mama joined Adeline at the window.
“Lord Littleton’s carriage, with room for his dog.” She turned back to the view outside just as the carriage came to a stop. “Do you see how the box for Maximus is made? That was my idea.”
“Oh, dear Lord.” Her mother closed her eyes. “You had better marry someone who loves animals as much as you do.”
That was probably a good idea. “I must go.” She bussed her mother’s cheek and reached the top of the stairs at the same time Littleton was ushered into the hall.
He grinned boyishly. “Are you ready?”
“I am.” She placed her hand on his arm. “Did you have any trouble getting Maximus in the box?”
“He was a bit hesitant at first, but when he understood that he’d be able to come with me, he got right into it.”
Adeline held her breath as Littleton lifted her into the carriage and the tingling warmth accompanied his touch.
Maximus immediately put his chin on her shoulder, wanting attention. She stroked his silky ears. “You are such a good boy.”
When Littleton took his place on the bench, the dog licked the side of his face. “I’m glad you’re happy. Lie down again.”
Maximus did as he was told, and they drove out of the square to the Park. “I wonder if people will comment or maintain well-bred countenances.”
“By pretending everyone drives around with a huge beast in their carriage?” Littleton grinned. “I hear Poodle Byng was extremely put out when he saw Merton’s cat in his curricle.”
Adeline believed it. She had never met a young man so puffed up in his own conceit. She would love to see his expression. “Maybe he’ll be there today.”
Not ten minutes after they arrived, she got her wish. However, it was not the man but his dog that took exception. The poodle, obviously not used to seeing other dogs in the Park, began to bark madly.
Maximus placed his paws on the edge of the box, she grabbed his lead, and Littleton quietly commanded, “Maximus, stay.”
The tension left the lead, but when the other dog continued to yap, he let out a deep bark loud enough to startle the poodle and most of the people around them into silence.
“That did it.” Littleton raised a brow at Byng. “You might want to spend more time training your dog not to make so much noise.”
Polite laughter broke out around them, and Littleton slid her a look brimming with hilarity. “I think you have your answer, my lady.”
It was all Adeline could do to stop from going into whoops. “I believe I do.”
“When we go to Gunther’s, shall we let him have a vanilla ice?”
She did not know anyone else who would treat an animal to ice cream. “I think that is an excellent idea.” She turned to stroke the dog and found his nose in her face, and he licked her. “You realize that this will be all over Town by this evening.”
“Yes.” Littleton looked extraordinarily pleased. “I believe it will.”
If only he had not hurt her friend so badly, Adeline could come to like him very well. But, unfortunately, the past could not be changed.
* * *
The next morning, Frits dropped the letter from Elizabeth Harrington on his desk. According to her, there was nothing out of the ordinary about Anglesey.
Blast it all!
Frits could have sworn there was something smoky about the man. Other than Anglesey shagging other women while pretending to be interested in Adeline. Something Frits could tell her that would give him permission to watch over her. Still, he was sure the rogue was up to something devious. Last night at the ball, he’d almost, almost, followed the man to expose his behavior. But that would, unfortunately, have ruined the lady’s reputation, and he hadn’t wanted to do that.
Maximus ambled into the room, his tongue lolling to the side of his mouth. “Well, boy, we’ll just have to protect Adeline without her permission.”
The dog leaned against Frits’s leg to be stroked before going to his pillow for his morning nap. Frits glanced at the clock and sighed. It was too damned early. But ever since Adeline had begun going on walks with his dog, he’d been unable to sleep until his usual time. He might as well be back in the country if he was going to get up before a decent time. Still, he had a lot to do before Lady Potter’s party this afternoon. It was most likely the only entertainment to which he could bring Maximus. Something Frits was sure Adeline would love. The Great Dane was as close as she was going to get to having her own dog until she married him. Unfortunately, he didn’t think she even knew he wished to wed her. And she was still holding him at arm’s length. That was likely to go on as long as Dorie held her grudge. He wished he’d never come to Town last year. That was what came of not following tradition. He was the first Littleton man to voluntarily look for a wife. And what had happened? He’d made the wrong choice. With Adeline, it was as if his feelings for her had just been there, waiting to reveal themselves.
Frits was in his bedchamber putting the finishing touches to his cravat when a sharp rapping sounded on the outside door.
“My lord.” Creswell sounded as if he’d run up the stairs. “An urgent message from the Foreign Office came for you.”
The only person who’d send Frits a message through there was Elizabeth Harrington. Had she discovered something? “Come.”
His butler entered, holding out a missive with his name written in Lady Harrington’s neat hand. Ayles held up his jacket, and Frits shook his head. “I’ll read this before we finish.”
Popping open the seal, he shook out the letter.
My Dear Littleton,
&nbs
p; The very next day after I wrote to tell you there was nothing important about Anglesey, Paris became abuzz with the news that the Spanish Duke of la Algaba arrived in the city with his wife, daughter, and the daughter’s one-year-old baby boy. She (the daughter) is being introduced as the Countess of Anglesey! You may imagine my shock.
Apparently, she and Anglesey were married in
Madrid, and he left shortly thereafter, promising to return within a month or so. Obviously he intended to abandon the poor lady. Not only that, but she was quite young when they wed. She has just last week turned seventeen. I can tell you that many in Paris, including Harrington and I, were completely deceived by Anglesey. He said not a word about being married, and indeed presented himself as a single gentleman.
Naturally, the moment I learned the facts, I knew I must write to you immediately. No doubt, many others in Town and elsewhere in England will shortly know of his treachery. However, I pride myself that you will be the first to hear the wretched truth about his lordship. Even Harrington said I must send you word at once.
Yr. friend,
E. Harrington
PS I believe that Lady Anglesey and her family will arrive in Town within the next two weeks. The duke said they will stay with the Duke of San Carlos, Spain’s ambassador to Britain, until they see their daughter settled.
PPS Please write to me and tell me everything that happens. And please try to ensure that everyone treats poor Lady Anglesey well. She puts on a brave front, but I am concerned that that is all it is.
Frits felt a slow smile stretch his lips as he reread the missive. This afternoon’s entertainment was going to be much more interesting than anyone expected. As to the young Lady Anglesey, he’d have a word with his mother. She would be able to ease the young lady’s way into Polite Society.
He glanced at the letter again and did a quick calculation. Devil it. She had been just fifteen when that scum had seduced her.
“Is there something wrong, my lord?” Ayles asked as he lifted the jacket again.