“No.” Lord Wivenly stood behind his sister. “You may chat with us, but my sister does not stroll between sets.”
“Thank you, my lord.” Hell! Crispin had no idea she was being watched so closely. “I will be happy to engage in a coze with your circle.”
The man’s smile had too many teeth. “You are most welcome.”
So much for trying to get her alone. He’d have to be patient until the garden party. “I shall see you after the dance.”
“Until then.” She curtseyed.
Crispin damn well wasn’t going to stand here waiting for her. He began to stroll the edges of the room. There must be some way he could occupy himself until the set was finished. He had made it over halfway around the ballroom when he saw Jean and thought of a perfect way to spend his time until he had an opportunity to speak with Lady Adeline again.
* * *
Completely unbidden, a low growl emitted from Frits as he watched Anglesey walk away from Adeline. The only good part was that the man appeared disgruntled.
Turley chuckled. “You can’t keep every gentleman away from her.”
“I don’t want to keep every other man away from her.” That was a lie. If Frits had his way, he’d be the only gentleman she danced and spent time with. “I want to keep him from her.”
“I grant you, I don’t particularly care for him either.” Turley raised his quizzing glass and focused it on Anglesey. “And like you, I cannot articulate the reason.”
The puppy approached Lady Holloway. “Have you noticed that the only people with whom he appears to associate are widows and matrons?”
“Now that you mention it, it is odd.” Turley lowered his quizzer. “He did the same in Paris.” He glanced at Frits. “To the best of my knowledge, he does not frequent any of the clubs either.”
If he dared leave London, he would go to France to see what he could discover about Anglesey. But Frits would not leave Adeline alone. “I’m going to join Lady Adeline’s circle. Do you wish to join me?”
“Not this time. I think I’ll see who is in the card room.” Shaking his head, Turley looked at Frits. “I still think you are moving too quickly.” Then something or someone caught his eye. “I will join you after all.”
“I cannot seem to stop myself.” She was Frits’s lodestone. He could not think of another lady in his arms for a waltz, or one who smiled so joyfully when seeing Max or going for a carriage ride. Yet, at the same time, she did not bother hiding her intelligence and strength. With her, he’d never have to guess what was bothering her or where he stood. Even now when he, admittedly, did not know her as well as he wished he did, he could see when she disapproved of something he had done. Fortunately, she did not remain upset for long, and she was quick to forgive his transgressions. Both were excellent qualities in a wife.
Chapter Eighteen
Adeline could not stop staring at her brother in something akin to shock. “Thank you. I had no idea you have been taking your chaperonage of me so seriously.”
“My darling little sister.” He placed his hand on her shoulder. “I have been watching you like a hawk, and when I haven’t been able to do so, my friends have been helping. There is not a set you have danced in which someone has not made sure a gentleman did not attempt to make off with you.”
Perhaps “stunned” was a better word. She didn’t know what to say. “I–I thank you.”
He swept her a courtly bow. “It is my pleasure. One day Eugénie and I will have a daughter.” He glanced at Eugénie and smiled. “And I will depend upon you to help her during her come out.”
Adeline glanced from her brother to her sister-in-law. They were so devoted to each other. How could she have missed the depth of their love? Tears pricked Adeline’s eyes, but she could not resist teasing her brother. “I knew you wanted something from me.”
He grinned. “I want you to find the love I have.”
Adeline waved her hand in front of her face to ward off the tears. “William Wivenly, you are not to make me cry.”
His eyes flew wide in panic. “What did I say?”
Eugénie held out a handkerchief. “Something sweet, I am certain, mon amour, but ladies cry at sweet words.”
“Is anything wrong?” Lord Quartus had to appear at the exact moment Adeline did not wish anyone to see her.
“Nothing, I assure you.” She gave him a bright smile. “Shall we?”
“You are sure? I am a very easy fellow to talk to.” His face was full of concern that she did not understand. They had just met.
“My sister-in-law was correct. My brother said something lovely to me. It was as unexpected as it was welcome.”
