“There. I knew I had it right,” Humphries responded, sounding satisfied.
The only time Frits slept in past six was when he was in Town. It was his present to himself for attending the Season. He’d have to start rising earlier. So much for scoffing at Exeter going riding early to catch Lady Dorie.
Something or someone must be making May-games of Frits, Exeter, and Turley. None of them had ever had problems with women before, and now three young ladies were tying them in knots. Did the women even know what they were doing? Or did it come naturally?
Now that was a frightening thought.
Chapter Ten
Crispin had spent a disappointing evening with Lady Sutton and left as soon as he’d been able. Unfortunately, her small dinner party had been small indeed. Only he had been invited, and the lady had expectations. Not that he wasn’t happy to comply, but he found her to be rather demanding, and that was not to his taste. He liked to be in control of his liaisons.
He’d spent a restless night and woken early. When he was unable to go back to sleep, he decided to go for a ride. As luck would have it, Lady Adeline was strolling in the direction of Upper Brook Street with a footman following behind when he came upon her. “My lady. Good morning.”
“It is indeed a lovely morning, my lord.” Smiling, she curtseyed. “I did not know you were an early riser.”
“I enjoy the early morning air when I have the opportunity,” he lied. He detested rising before noon, and she was much too cheerful for the time of day it was. Then again, he didn’t like it, but his mother would. “I’d be delighted to dance with you again at Lady—” He gave her a rueful look, hoping to discover which ball she’d attend next and make sure he had received an invitation.
She laughed lightly. “Lady Elliott’s ball, if that is the one you mean?”
“Yes, of course. I completely forgot her name. I wish I had spent time on the Town before I was sent on my Grand Tour.” Any time on the Town might have been helpful, but Crispin had enjoyed life on the Continent so much he hadn’t wanted to return. “If I had, I would know more people and remember their names.” Thinking about it, Crispin was sure he had not received a card for the lady’s entertainment. But unless the location changed, he would be there.
“That is the next ball I shall be attending.” Lady Adeline’s smile became warmer. He was finally getting somewhere.
“Can you offer me the supper dance?” The more time he spent with her, the easier it would be to convince her to marry him, quickly.
“I am sorry”—a frown formed on her lips—“but that set is taken. I am free for the first waltz.”
“The first waltz it is.” He bowed. “I look forward to it.”
“I as well, my lord.” Her smile deepened.
As she rose from her curtsey, he saw a large dog accompanying Littleton and a footman. “Some people need to leave their cattle on their estates.” In an instant, the smile left Lady Adeline’s face, her formerly soft, gray eyes narrowed at him, and Crispin knew he’d just made a grave error. She obviously had a fondness for large beasts. “Not that I have anything against dogs. I simply believe they have their place.”
“Many think the same. My parents, for instance.” She turned a delightful smile on Littleton, who must have quickened his step to reach them so rapidly. “Good morning, my lord and Maximus.”
The beast strained at his lead to get to her. Crispin had made a serious mistake indeed and resolved to recover from it. “What a handsome gentleman you have, Littleton.”
He inclined his head as the dog placed himself between her ladyship and Crispin’s horse. “Does he not trust horses?”
“Not at all.” The man smirked. “He gets on extremely well with horses. Some people, however . . .”
By this time Lady Adeline was stroking the animal. Crispin attempted to get her attention away from the Great Dane and back on him. “I should be on my way.”
“Yes, of course. Please do not allow me to keep you, my lord. I shall see you at Lady Elliott’s ball.” She hadn’t even looked up at him. He’d see that she didn’t do that again.
“I will count the hours.” Despite being miffed with her, Crispin did not at all like leaving her with his lordship. Unfortunately, he didn’t have much choice. If he stayed, he would not compare well to either the dog or the man. He should have kept his damned mouth shut until he knew how Lady Adeline felt about animals. Perdition. He must be more disgruntled about last night than he’d thought to have made such a slip.
“Good day to you, Anglesey.” Littleton’s countenance could not have been smugger. He obviously knew he’d won this round. Crispin had not a doubt the man would do everything he could to cut him out when it came to Lady Adeline.
* * *
Once Lord Anglesey had taken his leave, Adeline turned her narrowed eyes at Frits, and he rapidly adjusted his features to show a suitably bland mien. “I was under the impression that Humphries walked Max in the mornings.”
“Normally, he does.” Devil it. Frits had not expected her to mention that. “But I happened to be awake and decided to take some exercise.” Behind him, Humphries scoffed lightly, and Frits added, “I do go out with him in the mornings when I’m at home.”
“Indeed.” Adeline didn’t sound convinced. She rubbed both of the Dane’s ears, and he leaned his head into her stomach, wanting the attention to continue. Lucky beast. “I hope to see you later,” she said to the Great Dane. Glancing at Frits, she bobbed a curtsey. “I will see you this evening, my lord.”
He gave her his most charming smile. The one that usually had a woman ready to fall into his arms. “I am looking forward to our dance.”
