“Thank heavens for that. Now go.” His mother made a shooing motion. “I want to send this off.”
Chapter Twenty-Three
It had been several days since Maximus’s first ride in the carriage, and except for the dog’s brief attempt to greet a herd of cows—what he thought he had in common with bovines, Frits did not understand—the hour’s drive to the garden party was uneventful.
When he arrived at the house, the drive was crowded with carriages. Frits jumped to the ground and let down the steps, then waited for Humphries to let the dog out of his box.
“We’ll be a few hours at least,” Frits said to the groom. “If you’d like, you may go into town and find a tavern.”
Humphries glanced around. “It looks like there’s some tables set up near the stables. I’ll just stay here. You never know when Max will be ready to leave.”
“He’ll be fine. Lady Adeline is here, or will be shortly.”
“Ah, in that case, all is well.” Humphries scrambled onto the front bench and started the pair.
“Sarcasm does not become you,” Frits grumbled, knowing the servant hadn’t heard him and might not even understand the word. Still, the sentiment was correct. The dog was now better behaved for Adeline than he was for him. “Come along. Let’s find your lady love.”
Frits found her by instinct and the slight pulling on the lead as they made their way through the crowd of guests. The only problem was that she was strolling with Anglesey toward one of the wide woodland walks. Lengthening his stride, Frits fought to catch up with them, but every few seconds someone stopped him to comment on the dog. Fortunately, Maximus had seen Adeline and also wanted to find her.
He came up with the only excuse he could think of to get away from people. “Please excuse us. Maximus needs some privacy.”
Finally, they broke through to the paths, and Frits let the Dane lead. The trail curved around until he could hear water bubbling. Adeline and Anglesey were alone, but probably not for long. Still, she could not possibly have understood that he met to take her to such an isolated place. If they were discovered . . .
Hell!
Frits dropped the lead.
* * *
Adeline had been interested to see the fountain Lord Anglesey told her about, but she had not realized it was quite so far away from the lawn. “I think we should return.”
“It is just here.” He smiled down at her. “Just a few more steps. I’m sure we will not be the only ones there. I understand it was created in Italy of pink marble.”
A few more steps should not matter. The fountain did sound beautiful.
“See. There it is,” Lord Anglesey announced.
“Oh, my.” It was huge, with life-sized figures and water splashing. Adeline had never seen anything like it. She started to stroll around it when he stopped her, placing his hands on her waist. “My dear Lady Adeline.”
Heat lurked in his summer-blue eyes, and she knew he was about to kiss her. She tried to step back, but he held her so tightly, she couldn’t move. “We must go back.”
“We will, but first—”
Relief flooded Adeline as Maximus pushed himself between her and his lordship. The dog’s whole body wagged with joy as he leaned against Adeline, forcing her away from his lordship.
“Good afternoon, my lady.” Lord Littleton bowed. “Anglesey.”
“Littleton.” Lord Anglesey gazed over Adeline’s shoulder, and she turned her head. There was a second path on the other side of the fountain. “We are having a private conversation.”
Was he waiting for someone to join them? A trickle of fear ran down her spine. What was going on?
“Indeed.” Littleton raised his quizzing glass. “I cannot imagine what you could have to talk to her about in such a location.”
Anglesey’s eyes hardened. “That, my lord, is my business.”
Frits indicated Adeline. “I believe it also affects Lady Adeline.”
Frowning, she glanced from Anglesey to Frits. “What affects me?” She really should not have allowed herself to come here. “We should go back to the rest of the guests.”
