She lifted one shoulder. “Well then, back to Gertrude.”
“None of us are quite sure why she won’t stay,” Littleton said. “Obviously, Fitzwalter has something to prove. He promised he will not mistreat her. I’ll be interested to see what he has in mind.”
But that did not answer Adeline’s primary question. “But why sell her at all?”
“My father did it because she refuses to breed.” A stricken look appeared on his handsome face. “I apologize—”
“No, no.” Fighting her blush, she held up one hand. “I asked, and there really is not a more delicate way to put it.” Heaven help her. No matter how interested she was in the cow, she had to change the discussion. If not, her brother would be over here, wanting to know what was being said. Littleton grabbed a glass of champagne and handed it to her. “Thank you.”
“My pleasure.” He glanced toward the French windows at the end of the room, and she followed his gaze. “I would take you for a stroll, but I don’t think your brother would allow it.”
As hot as it was, she wished they could go outside. Lord Turner and Miss Martindale stepped through the French windows. Adeline was certain they would make a match of it, and Miss Tice was taken care of, at least for now. “You are free to spend your evenings elsewhere, if you please.”
Littleton frowned at her. “What do you mean?”
“You do not have any other ladies attempting to compromise you into marriage.”
“We cannot be sure about that.” He glanced around like a fox being chased by a pack of hounds. “We only know that you have not heard of anyone else.” He pointed at Lady Riverton. “I believe she has a mind to coerce me into marriage.”
Adeline almost rolled her eyes. Caro Huntley had mentioned the lady’s aversion to the married state. “I happen to know for a fact that Lady Riverton does not wish to wed again.”
“There is sure to be someone else,” Littleton insisted. “It happens every Season. That’s the reason I never remain in Town long.”
Chapter Twenty-Two
Adeline was not at all sure what to make of Littleton. He had seemed almost panicked. Of course, she remembered hearing that her brother had once climbed a tree to get away from avaricious young ladies. She supposed Will must have been terrified to have done that, in his new boots no less. “Very well; we may go on as we have been.”
“Thank you.” Littleton let out a breath. “That makes me feel much better.”
An awkward silence fell, and she felt as if she must fill it. “When will your new carriage be completed?”
“It is being delivered tomorrow.” His usual ready smile returned, and the dimple made an appearance. “Would you like to take a ride in it?”
“I would.” Adeline was looking forward to see how her suggestions looked. “Will you take Maximus?”
“I think I shall.” The green of his eyes deepened. “We can see how he likes being able to go out for a ride in Town.”
He was the sweetest of dogs. Adeline had fallen in love with the big beast. “I think he just wants to be with people.” She saw her next dance partner approaching. “Here is Lord Anglesey.”
Littleton’s jaw set and his lips formed a thin line. He looked as if he wanted to make a derogatory comment, but instead said, “I hope he doesn’t step on your toes.”
“Thank you.” Good Lord, not this again. She would have to have a discussion with Littleton about his animosity toward his lordship, but Lord Anglesey was upon them.
During their dance, his lordship continued his tack of asking her questions about herself. Earlier, she had hoped that he was forming an attraction to her, but was he? She was not a beauty or an heiress, and he did not know her that well. Although he was attempting to change that. She had been flattered by his attention to her, but now she was not sure. Why her over some other lady? Was it to win in a nonexistent contest for her with Littleton? If so, she wanted nothing to do with him, and it was not something she could ask the man.
Adeline caught sight of Littleton glaring at them from his post beside her brother and sister-in-law. What on earth did he think could happen to her on the dance floor? She could only suppose he had decided to look after her because she was helping him.
By the time the set ended, she still did not have a clue what Lord Anglesey was about and was glad to have the relatively undemanding company of Lord Bottomley for the next dance. He was happy to discuss the weather and other innocuous subjects. Then she made up her mind. She was no pawn in a gentlemen’s game. She would ask Lord Anglesey about his intentions toward her.
Adeline was with Littleton for the supper dance. Not for the first time, indeed not even for the second time, she had to admit that he was a much better dancer than her other partners.
At supper, the talk turned, as always, to politics. She and he were the only ones who did not actively take part in the discussion, and she almost wished they were sitting together. He would find a different topic of conversation. Yet, her friends had reverted to their usual habit, protectively surrounding her and Dorie, while Lord Exeter and Littleton were relegated to the other end of the table. It seemed unfair and a little bit mean. Yes, it was true that Dorie did not wish to be anywhere near Littleton, but that did not mean Adeline should do the same when she had stood up with him for the supper dance. It did not seem polite. The next time he had that set, she would sit with him, but far enough away from Dorie to keep her from becoming upset.
* * *
The next afternoon, Adeline eagerly awaited Littleton’s carriage and could not stop herself from peering out her bedroom window for a glimpse of it. “Here it comes!”
“Come away from there,” her mother commanded. “You know better than that.”
