A line formed between Eugénie’s fine brows, but she shook her head. “We did not often travel to Tortola. The islands appear close on a map, but it is not a short journey from one to the other.” She took a sip of tea. “However, I shall make a point of meeting her.”
During the exchange, all the other ladies had leaned forward, obviously hoping to hear something more about the duchess, and after a collective discontent went back to discussing other things.
“This Season is definitely becoming more fascinating.” Georgie smiled brightly. “It will be exciting to see who she chooses for her husband.”
“I suppose so.” But as far as Adeline was concerned, the Season was interminable, and she would be just as happy to return home. The only gentleman who held any promise at all was Lord Anglesey.
As expected, her friend’s remark set off speculation on who the duchess would choose to wed.
“I wonder if she will have to wait to be asked, or if the fact that she is a duchess enables her to propose to the gentleman,” Miss Hanson said.
Lady Bellamny quickly put an end to that speculation. “The only lady allowed to propose to a gentleman is a queen or a princess.”
* * *
An hour or so after arriving home, Adeline was making her way to the hall and had just finished pulling on her gloves when Abney greeted Lord Littleton.
His lordship stood straight and tall, with shoulders broader than any man had a right to. A slight smile was on his well-formed lips as he watched her descend the stairs. It must have been all the talk this afternoon, because he looked even more handsome than usual. She had never noticed how thick and long his black lashes were. They made his eyes appear even greener. And even though a streak of guilt speared her, Adeline could not help but be glad it was him she was riding with. At least he would not want her to gossip about other people. Still, she must address his behavior this morning. That could not be allowed to occur again.
He’d barely climbed into the seat beside her when he got a sheepish look on his face. “I have to ask your forgiveness for this morning. I have told Humphries that from now on he will walk Maximus without my interference.”
“Thank you.” Well, that took the wind out of her sails. Still, she was not going to let him get away that easily. “You are forgiven, but I was not at all pleased that you tried to jape me.”
“You’re not the only one,” he grumbled to himself, and Adeline had to keep from smiling. “From now on, Maximus will visit with you accompanied only by his footman.” Drat the man! She had been ready to ring a peal over his head, but he turned his sorrowful green eyes to her, and she could not do it. “I promise I will never attempt to deceive you about anything again.”
She did not want to believe him, but his look was so sincere and open, she did not have a choice. He was telling her the truth. “Thank you.”
“No. Thank you for allowing me to make my apology. I should not have done it.” He threaded the ribbons through his fingers and gave the pair their office.
“I do look forward to walking with Maximus.” The kennel master at home had taught her about walking the dogs. Of course, none of them were anywhere near the Great Dane’s size. It would be more like walking a horse. Adeline still wanted a dog of her own. “It is a shame that the Worthingtons’ dogs are not going to have another litter anytime soon.”
“It might be sooner than you think,” Frits said as he feathered a corner. “Worthington said something about this autumn.”
Autumn. If luck was with her, she would be married by then and be able to get one of the puppies. Whoever she married must like dogs and want them in the house. She was not going to spend the rest of her life deprived of a housedog. Lord Anglesey’s reaction to seeing Maximus had been disappointing. Then again, it might have been because Lord Littleton was there.
They entered the Park and began making their way behind the other carriages.
“Lord Littleton.” Adeline’s teeth clenched at the breathy female voice. She glanced to her side, but his size blocked her view, and she could not see who had spoken.
“Miss Tice.” His bored drawl made her look past him to the lady in a high-perched phaeton accompanied by her friend, Miss Martindale.
Adeline pasted a polite smile on her face. “Good afternoon.”
For a bare moment, a sour look appeared on Miss Tice’s face, only to be quickly replaced by a slight smile. “Lady Adeline, I did not see you.”
Adeline used her sweetest voice as she said, “That is not at all surprising. From that side I am sure it is difficult to see past his lordship.”
“How very true.” Miss Martindale tittered. “I was just saying how very large Lord Littleton is.”
Miss Tice picked up her ribbons. “I hope we shall see you at Lady Elliott’s ball?”
“Yes, indeed,” Adeline responded. She was not sure who exactly the lady had addressed, but the tic in Lord Littleton’s jaw assured her that he would not have answered.
“Ladies.” He inclined his head and moved the carriage forward.
Having been caught wool-gathering, Adeline kept an eye out for the ladies who must be acknowledged and for a glimpse of her friends; she had not paid much attention to the other ladies since the first time she had driven with Lord Littleton. Now she saw Lady Sutton look him over as one would a particularly tasty treat, and Lady Holloway eye him speculatively. And although another lady wiggled her fingers at him, he did not appear to notice her; instead, he turned his attention to Adeline. Despite being a rake, he had impeccable manners.
“I ordered a new curricle with a place for Maximus.” His boyish grin softened the strong, angular lines of his lean face.
