“But I want to see what it looks like from above,” Adeline objected. “I am better able to see how it turned out.”
“How what turned out?” Ignoring her own advice, Mama joined Adeline at the window.
“Lord Littleton’s carriage, with room for his dog.” She turned back to the view outside just as the carriage came to a stop. “Do you see how the box for Maximus is made? That was my idea.”
“Oh, dear Lord.” Her mother closed her eyes. “You had better marry someone who loves animals as much as you do.”
That was probably a good idea. “I must go.” She bussed her mother’s cheek and reached the top of the stairs at the same time Littleton was ushered into the hall.
He grinned boyishly. “Are you ready?”
“I am.” She placed her hand on his arm. “Did you have any trouble getting Maximus in the box?”
“He was a bit hesitant at first, but when he understood that he’d be able to come with me, he got right into it.”
Adeline held her breath as Littleton lifted her into the carriage and the tingling warmth accompanied his touch.
Maximus immediately put his chin on her shoulder, wanting attention. She stroked his silky ears. “You are such a good boy.”
When Littleton took his place on the bench, the dog licked the side of his face. “I’m glad you’re happy. Lie down again.”
Maximus did as he was told, and they drove out of the square to the Park. “I wonder if people will comment or maintain well-bred countenances.”
“By pretending everyone drives around with a huge beast in their carriage?” Littleton grinned. “I hear Poodle Byng was extremely put out when he saw Merton’s cat in his curricle.”
Adeline believed it. She had never met a young man so puffed up in his own conceit. She would love to see his expression. “Maybe he’ll be there today.”
Not ten minutes after they arrived, she got her wish. However, it was not the man but his dog that took exception. The poodle, obviously not used to seeing other dogs in the Park, began to bark madly.
Maximus placed his paws on the edge of the box, she grabbed his lead, and Littleton quietly commanded, “Maximus, stay.”
The tension left the lead, but when the other dog continued to yap, he let out a deep bark loud enough to startle the poodle and most of the people around them into silence.
“That did it.” Littleton raised a brow at Byng. “You might want to spend more time training your dog not to make so much noise.”
Polite laughter broke out around them, and Littleton slid her a look brimming with hilarity. “I think you have your answer, my lady.”
It was all Adeline could do to stop from going into whoops. “I believe I do.”
“When we go to Gunther’s, shall we let him have a vanilla ice?”
She did not know anyone else who would treat an animal to ice cream. “I think that is an excellent idea.” She turned to stroke the dog and found his nose in her face, and he licked her. “You realize that this will be all over Town by this evening.”
“Yes.” Littleton looked extraordinarily pleased. “I believe it will.”
If only he had not hurt her friend so badly, Adeline could come to like him very well. But, unfortunately, the past could not be changed.
* * *
The next morning, Frits dropped the letter from Elizabeth Harrington on his desk. According to her, there was nothing out of the ordinary about Anglesey.
Blast it all!
Frits could have sworn there was something smoky about the man. Other than Anglesey shagging other women while pretending to be interested in Adeline. Something Frits could tell her that would give him permission to watch over her. Still, he was sure the rogue was up to something devious. Last night at the ball, he’d almost, almost, followed the man to expose his behavior. But that would, unfortunately, have ruined the lady’s reputation, and he hadn’t wanted to do that.
Maximus ambled into the room, his tongue lolling to the side of his mouth. “Well, boy, we’ll just have to protect Adeline without her permission.”
The dog leaned against Frits’s leg to be stroked before going to his pillow for his morning nap. Frits glanced at the clock and sighed. It was too damned early. But ever since Adeline had begun going on walks with his dog, he’d been unable to sleep until his usual time. He might as well be back in the country if he was going to get up before a decent time. Still, he had a lot to do before Lady Potter’s party this afternoon. It was most likely the only entertainment to which he could bring Maximus. Something Frits was sure Adeline would love. The Great Dane was as close as she was going to get to having her own dog until she married him. Unfortunately, he didn’t think she even knew he wished to wed her. And she was still holding him at arm’s length. That was likely to go on as long as Dorie held her grudge. He wished he’d never come to Town last year. That was what came of not following tradition. He was the first Littleton man to voluntarily look for a wife. And what had happened? He’d made the wrong choice. With Adeline, it was as if his feelings for her had just been there, waiting to reveal themselves.
