“I find the subject of”—the pulse at the base of Adeline’s throat beat a rapid tattoo, and a charming blush rose in her cheeks—“things to do with plants and animals interesting.”
He’d ask her to take a stroll with him, but Turley had heard what her brother said to Anglesey. Still, what Frits was about to do would get him in even more trouble if he was discovered. “I probably shouldn’t mention it to you, but I’ve had an offer to breed my Holsteins with a bull from a breed called Friesland out of the Netherlands. The man wants to see if they will produce more milk.”
Adeline’s neck was long and graceful, and he loved watching it move as she swallowed. “I have not . . . not been encouraged to learn about breeding”—her chest and face became bright rose—“er . . . animals.”
Or anything else, he’d wager.
“What the deuce are you discussing?” Wivenly sounded as if he’d like to strangle Frits.
“Cows.” He and Adeline answered immediately and at the same time.
“Just cows.” Her tone was soft as she peeked up at him from beneath thick brown lashes.
Wivenly had a totally incredulous look on his face as he addressed his sister. “Cows?”
She nodded.
He fixed his quizzer on Frits. “Cows?”
“Yes.” Frits knew his innocent look, which got him out of so much trouble, would not work on her brother, so he tried to look businesslike. “Holsteins and a breed called Friesland.”
Wivenly narrowed his eyes, much like his sister did, but it looked odd through the quizzing glass. “I do not understand why that would make my sister blush like a red rose.”
“Oh, that had nothing to do with the cows.” Adeline coughed for good measure. “I–I had something caught in my throat, and had trouble catching my breath.” She was a terrible liar.
Wivenly lowered his quizzer and his brows. “Find something else to discuss.” Then went back to his wife.
“Oh, dear.” She started to laugh and quickly covered her mouth. “Perhaps we should move on to pigs.”
Frits couldn’t help it. He barked a laugh so loud that the people near them turned to stare. “Now I’ve done it.”
Adeline’s shoulders were shaking, her hand was still firmly over her mouth, and she gazed at him, her eyes bright with tears and laughter.
He strove to bring himself under control, but tears started in his eyes as well. “I don’t doubt my mother will hear about it with her morning tea.”
She sucked in a large breath and hiccupped. “I cannot stop laughing.”
“Adeline.” Lady Wivenly cupped Adeline’s elbow. “I believe we should go outside for a few moments. The fresh air will be good for you.”
Wivenly stood behind his wife. “Cows again?”
“N-n-n-ooo.” Adeline shook her head. “P-p-pigs.”
“I’d no idea you had such a strange sense of humor.” He turned to his wife. “See if you can calm her down. Her next dance partner will be here soon.”
Frits turned to follow her and her sister-in-law, but Wivenly latched onto Frits’s arm. “You remain here.” Her brother closed his eyes as if he were in pain. “I suppose you expect me to believe you were merely discussing farm animals.”
He was not about to betray Adeline’s trust. “We both like animals.”
“I think the two of you have lost your minds.” Fortunately, the words were not forcefully said. “She hasn’t laughed like that since she arrived in Town.”
Neither had he, and it felt good. “I shall strive to keep farm talk out of the ballroom.” From the corner of his eye, he saw his hostess in full sail, heading straight at him. “Please tell Lady Adeline that I’ll be back soon.”
Frits glanced around and found Turley standing nearby, talking to a young lady. “Excuse me.” Frits took his friend’s arm. “I must speak with Turley. I’ll return him when I’m done.”
“What the devil are you doing?” Turley said in a harsh whisper. “I was just making some progress.”
“Miss Tice is trying to have me dance with her. I need to hide.”
