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.
