“You are not only lovely, but clever.” He drew her a little closer. “Have you been presented yet? My father is arranging for me to attend the Prince Regent’s levee.”
Due to her mother’s fears about the queen’s health, she had been rushed to Town to be presented in February. “I have, but my understanding is that it is much less complicated than a lady being presented.”
He inclined his head. “Everything appears to be more complicated for ladies.” That was the truth. “I do not wish to bore you about Paris, but do you know if there are salons here?”
Thank goodness Augusta had discussed her visit to a salon and told Adeline and the others about it. “Lady Thornhill holds salons that have been compared to the ones in Paris by those who have attended both.”
“Excellent.” His smile broadened. “Perhaps you will be allowed to attend and we may meet there.”
Her mother had not mentioned it, but there was no harm in asking. “Perhaps we might.”
The music ended, and Adeline curtseyed. “Thank you for the dance, my lord.”
“My lady, I do not believe I have ever enjoyed a set more.” Her cheeks heated again with the compliment. “Would you ride out with me tomorrow during the Promenade?”
“Oh, dear.” She raised her hand to her mouth. Was tomorrow free? She could not remember. “I must ask my mother. She might have something planned.”
He took her arm and began to amble back to where her circle was. “I shall send an invitation around, if that would suit?”
“Yes, thank you.” He was so very nice. She would enjoy spending more time with him.
“It is my pleasure.” His blue eyes sparkled appreciatively.
Adeline would have loved to spend more time with his lordship, but she had to get back to speak to Lord Littleton about the threat he faced, and Lord Anglesey was walking as if they had all the time in the world. Any other evening she would have been pleased that he wished to spend more time with her. Unfortunately, now was not the time. She hastened her steps.
Chapter Thirteen
Lord Anglesey remained with her, and Adeline was enjoying his company a great deal, but Lord Littleton would be here soon, and neither man behaved well around the other.
Unfortunately, his lordship had not yet taken his leave when Lord Littleton appeared before her and bowed. “Lady Adeline.”
Lord Anglesey stiffened and his face became a mask. “Littleton, good evening.”
“A good evening to you.” He glanced around. “Should you not find your next dance partner?”
Oh, dear. Not this again. She held out her hand to Lord Anglesey. “I very much enjoyed our dance.”
“My lady.” He bowed. “I shall see you soon.” Before she could respond, he stalked off.
Well, drat. Still, he could not very well remain when she had to speak with Lord Littleton. She glanced up at his lordship. “I have to tell you—” Perhaps she could take him off to the side and talk with him before the set began.
“But not quite yet.” His voice was gentle as he placed her hand on his arm as if nothing of note was happening. “As long as I am in the ballroom, I am safe, am I not?”
“Yes.” That much was true. Her heart was beating a tattoo, stealing her breath.
She wanted to ask him if he had received the missive, but she realized there were too many people around them. He had been right to stop her from talking. In fact, this ball was much too crowded.
“In that case, we shall dance.” He placed his hands on her waist, and she set hers on his shoulders.
She gave a tight nod. “Yes.”
The whole incident had offended her sense of justice, and the few times she saw Miss Hanson, it was all Adeline could do not to berate the female. Yet it was easier than she had thought it would be to allow herself to relax and follow Lord Littleton’s lead. He was quite the best dancer she had been with all evening. Sadly, even Lord Anglesey was not as graceful. Adeline never feared he would step on her feet, or allow his attention to be distracted by another lady. By the end of the set, she had calmed down considerably.
He tucked her hand in the crook of his arm as they strolled off the dance floor to an alcove with a bust of Diana, the goddess of the hunt, in it. The rest of the guests were making their way to the supper room, thus they were unlikely to be overheard.
He stopped a footman and procured two glasses of champagne. “Take a sip of this and tell me exactly what occurred.”
“Thank you for the champagne.” Adeline did not know how he could be so calm. She would not have been. Then again, she had never seen him become upset. This incident had certainly angered her. But perhaps this type of thing had happened to him before. According to her mother, he was the most eligible gentleman in Town. What did not make sense to her was why Miss Hanson was trying to trap him into marriage. She was a beautiful young lady. Far more beautiful than Adeline, and, if gossip was to be believed, she was wealthy. Not only that, but her mother was very well connected. Perhaps the lady wished the distinction of marrying a gentleman so many other ladies seemed to want. Nevertheless, it was a dastardly way to go about it.
