Frits didn’t like the sound of that. He did not want her to be worried about anything. “I didn’t know Lady Adeline was concerned about it.”
Mama lifted one shoulder. “It is probably only normal apprehension. Still, the theater and Vauxhall will be pleasant diversions.”
He hoped that was all it was. “What sorts of things could disquiet her?”
“Oh.” She blinked, as if surprised by the question. “Any number of things. Who will lead her out for her first dance, for example.”
“Who would normally lead her out?” He didn’t think she would accept his offer to do it. Aside from that, he wanted the supper dance. That would give him more time with her.
“Most likely her father or brother.”
If that was what usually occurred, he didn’t understand why Lady Adeline should be concerned about it. Then again, it was only his mother’s speculation. He’d ask her this afternoon, if all went well. “Thank you for your help.”
“Anytime, dear.”
All he had to do now was find the right way to ask her if she would like to see how his new curricle was progressing. And pray. He’d been doing a lot of that lately.
* * *
Adeline rode with Georgie in her family’s town coach to meet Augusta, Henrietta, and Dorie at Hatchards. That was their favorite starting place for a shopping trip. The carriages would wait until they had selected their books, take the tomes to their respective houses, and meet them at Pantheon Bazaar.
She had started to greet her friends when Dorie said to Henrietta, “I would like it if I could walk with you and Augusta today, but I am committed to drive with Exeter.”
The blood rushed to Adeline’s feet, and she wished she had not agreed to go for a carriage ride with Littleton. Was there another place they could go? Perhaps he would agree to a ride in Green Park. Unfortunately, she did not even know if one did ride in Green Park. The only thing she knew about the place was that they had cows and one could purchase cups of fresh milk there.
Georgie linked arms with Adeline, tugging her into the store. Her mind had gone almost totally blank, and she had forgotten she was standing on the pavement. If she had not already ordered the books she wanted, she was certain she would not have remembered which ones she wanted.
“I gather you are promised to ride with Lord Littleton today?” Georgie whispered.
“Yes.” Adeline’s throat was so tight, she could barely get the word out.
“It is not the end of the world.”
“Can one go for a carriage ride in Green Park?” She kept her tone low so that no one else could hear them.
“I do not believe so. It would disturb the people strolling in the park.”
Well, drat. “I could become ill.”
“Then you would not be able to attend Henrietta’s come out ball this evening.”
“That’s tonight?” How could Adeline have forgotten?
Raising her brows, Georgie nodded.
“I shall have to think of something else.” If only Anglesey had asked her for a carriage ride today before Littleton did. But he seemed to have become more beforehand in his invitations. Or perhaps Lord Anglesey was tardy in his requests.
“I am sure all will be well.” Georgie smiled. “Come; my sister-in-law asked if I could find a book on roses for her. I think they are upstairs in the back.”
Adeline joined her friend and after several minutes—they kept getting distracted by other books—they found the section they wanted. But they were not alone. She held up her hand to cup the side of her mouth and whispered, “Do you hear that?”
“I wonder if we have come upon a tryst.” Georgie said. “I have been told it sometimes happens.”
They exchanged a glance before daring to peek around the corner of a bookshelf, then ducked back, hiding themselves again.
“It is only Miss Tice and Miss Martindale.” Adeline wondered what they could be doing.
Georgie’s brows drew together. “If only they didn’t have more hair than wit. I think we should listen.”
