Sensing the conversation was over, he gave his horses their office. He’d like to be in a position to overtly protect her. But he wasn’t, so he would simply have to do it by other means.
She gave a little snort. “Do you mean to tell me that you are not going to agree that you could be right?”
That made him smile. “Now that you mention it, I will.”
He was rewarded by a light peal of laughter. “I thought you might.”
Her cheeks were the same color pink as the flowers he’d sent that morning. It was odd that she had not mentioned them. “Did you like the bouquet I sent you?”
Her eyes rounded and she shook her head. “I haven’t seen them.”
“No?” He didn’t think the arrangement had been so small as to be overlooked.
“I was out of the house all day and arrived home just in time to change for our ride. I shall look for them when I get home.”
They were approaching Upper Brook Street when he had a thought. “Would you like to go to Gunter’s for an ice?”
“Oh, I would love to!” She clasped her hands together at her breast, plumping them together, and he had to make himself look at her face. “I have not been there yet.”
“Then it is time you visited.” That was a much better idea than remaining in the Park had been. He’d be able to spend more time with her and not be interrupted by others passing by. Perhaps he’d even find a way past the barrier she had erected between them.
Chapter Twelve
Mmm. The Muscadine ice was divine. Adeline was absolutely certain she had never tasted anything so sumptuous in her entire life. “Thank you for suggesting this.” She slowly sucked the last little bit from the spoon and thought she heard Lord Littleton groan. “Are you well? I have heard that eating ices too quickly can cause a headache.”
“I’m fine.” His tone was brusque as he turned abruptly and hailed a waiter. “I’m glad you are enjoying yourself.”
“I am.” This was better than all the balls she had attended put together. There was still a sheen of the ice in the dish, but the only way to get to it would be to lick it out. Stifling a sigh, she handed him the bowl. “Thank you.”
His lips twitched as his grass-green eyes twinkled. “You may have another if you wish.”
“No, thank you. I need a reason to return.” As often as she could.
Adeline could not help but notice his lips as he smiled. The bottom lip was a little fuller than the top, but what was fascinating was the way the ends tipped up even when he was not smiling. How had she not noticed that before?
“Shall we make it a traditional end to a carriage ride?”
Well, that might be a problem. Adeline kept telling herself that she should not accept his offers of carriage rides, but for some reason she always did. Although, to be fair, he always asked when she could not politely decline. Except for today, when he had asked if she would like to go out with him and Maximus in the new carriage. Nevertheless, when they were riding together, and even though Henrietta said she thought Dorie would understand, Adeline hoped and prayed Dorie would not be there to see her.
This, though, was different. It seemed like more of a commitment. How bad could a promise to eat ices be? Especially when Adeline liked them so much.
She refocused her eyes and found him staring at her and prayed that if her friend found out, she would not hate her. Surely anyone who had tasted the Muscadine ices could not argue that they must be enjoyed at every opportunity. “I think that is an excellent idea.”
“Thank you.” Lord Littleton’s chest appeared to grow broader, if that was even possible. “I should take you home. I’m sure your mother will expect you to be there when she returns.”
“She probably will.” Adeline hadn’t even considered that her mother would not have seen them leave the Park.
When they pulled up in front of her house, he jumped down and beat the footman—who had come running out—to her side. She caught a breath as his large hands almost encircled her waist. Warmth spread from where his hands burned through the silk twill of her carriage gown through her body. She couldn’t even breathe as he lifted her down, carefully placing her feet on the pavement. Not even her brother was as strong as Lord Littleton. Adeline had never thought of herself as petite, but he made her feel that way. As soon as he dropped his hands, she sucked in as much air as she could and gingerly placed her fingers on his arm.
After he escorted her to the door, he raised her hand, and Adeline could focus on nothing but his lips as he placed a kiss on the back of her glove. “Thank you for your company.”
Staring at her glove, she would have forgotten to curtsey if she had not practiced the movement since she had been old enough to walk. “I had a very nice time.”
“Until this evening.” He stepped back and made his way down the short walk to his carriage.
“Yes.” Although by now, he couldn’t hear her.
The door opened, and she strolled into the hall only to see a large bouquet of pink roses standing on the ormolu table.
