Chapter Nine
The following afternoon, Adeline followed her mother and sister-in-law to her mother’s landau as they began morning visits. Their third stop was in Grosvenor Square. It was not until they were in the drawing room that she realized they were at Littleton House.
“I do not know why I’m surprised,” she muttered to herself. Their mothers were old friends. Still, she’d most likely not even see him. They had not seen any other gentlemen during their morning calls. Yet he had come to her mother’s at-home. Would he make a point of being there in the event she visited? Adeline hoped he would not.
A group of older ladies were in the process of departing, causing everyone to greet her mother. Once the matrons left, they were escorted to a drawing room and announced. Tea was served, and she had the pleasure of discovering it was the tea she had sent to Lady Littleton.
Adeline was nibbling on a lemon biscuit when a shout came from the direction of the hall and the door was nudged open by a large head. The dog grinned and, tail wagging, pranced straight to Lady Littleton.
She raised her hand, holding out her palm in a stopping gesture. “Maximus, halt.”
And he did, even though the dog clearly did not wish to.
A dog! This was too good to be true. Adeline set her cup on a low table between the sofas. “My lady, may I stroke him?”
“Of course you may, my dear. Do so on his back so he can get to know you.”
“Adeline”—her mother’s tone was one of long suffering—“take off your gloves first.”
“Oh, yes.” She did as she was asked, then stood and walked to the dog. As soon as she was a step away he turned his head to her and waited. “You are such a good boy.”
Suddenly, he turned around to the door, where Lord Littleton stood. “There you are.” He gave his mother a contrite look. “I’ll take him. He got away from the footman.”
“I was going to stroke him.” Her words were out before she thought about them.
“It will be better if you do it in the corridor,” his mother said. “He has a tendency to shed.”
“I’ll leave the door open,” Lord Littleton offered as he slapped his leg, bringing the dog to heel.
Adeline followed him out of the room. “I have seen Lady Worthington’s Great Danes, but I have never had an opportunity to stroke one before.”
She gently ran her hand along the dog’s spine. His fur was soft, and the more she stroked him, the closer he got to her, until he was leaning a large portion of his weight against her. “You are such an excellent gentleman.” He gazed up at her with soft brown eyes, and she rubbed his ears. “I wish I had a dog like you.” A clock chimed and she stepped back, shaking out her skirt. She did not want to leave, but her mother would be upset if she remained too long. She bent down and planted a kiss on Maximus’s head. “I had better go back.”
“As should I.” Lord Littleton smiled down at his dog. “I have some letters to write to my estate managers, answering questions about the spring planting, before Maximus’s afternoon walk.”
“How many times a day do you take him out?” It must be difficult to keep such a large dog exercised while in Town.
“Two long walks—one in the morning and the second in the afternoon—and one short one before he goes to bed. They are really rather lazy animals.”
Lord Littleton was still standing there patiently when it occurred to her that he was waiting for her to go back into the drawing room. “Until the next time.”
“Until then.” He smiled, and she avoided looking at his eyes. They were the most dangerous part about him.
By the time she joined the ladies, it was time for them to leave.
“You have dog hair all over your skirt.” Her mother shook her head. “She has been fascinated with the beasts since she first saw them.”
“I cannot blame her for that.” Lady Littleton smiled at Adeline. “I have long loved dogs. If you would like, and if your mother does not object, I can have Humphries, the footman who takes Maximus in the mornings, come by your house, and you may join them for their walk.”
“Oh, I would love that.” She gave her mother a pleading look. “I frequently take a brisk stroll in the mornings.”
“Very well.” Her mother focused a stern gaze on Adeline. “I warn you that you are not to think about acquiring one.”
“I understand.” Unless she married a man who loved dogs as much as she did. Adeline would have to ensure that was on her list.
Once they were in the carriage, her mother said, “Lady Littleton and I have decided an evening at the theater would be entertaining. Neither of you have had an opportunity to attend.”
The theater! Adeline did her best not to clap her hands. “I think that is a delightful idea. May we see a comedy?”
