Littleton moved so that he was next to Adeline instead of facing her. “Do you remember I told you that all was not as it seemed with Exeter and Miss Chatham?”
“Yes.” Adeline drew out the word, trying to make sense of everything as she answered. Dorie and Exeter stopped, and he searched the ballroom.
“You are about to find out the truth.” Littleton motioned with his chin to the steps.
Standing on the stairs, surveying the room, was a tall gentleman with blond hair who Adeline had never seen before.
The man found who he wanted, reached the main floor, and headed toward Dorie’s family. “Who is he?”
“That is Viscount Dursley. Apparently, he and Miss Chatham have an understanding.” Littleton pointed to where Dorie’s family stood, and Adeline saw Miss Chatham was next to them. “Watch.”
Many of the guests had stilled. It was like being part of a play. Lord Dursley said something to Miss Chatham, who turned and leapt into his arms, and Dorie and Exeter gazed at each other, clearly in love. It was like a fairy tale come true. “Well. That is a satisfactory conclusion.”
Littleton chuckled. “Shall we dare to leave your family’s circle and wish them happy?”
“We shall.” A deep sense of happiness welled in Adeline for her friend. Dorie had thought she’d lost Exeter. But now everything would end the way it should. “Even Wivenly cannot fault us for that.”
They started strolling the short distance, and Littleton placed his hand over hers, engulfing it. “I’m glad he finally won her. They are perfect together.”
They joined the throng just in time to hear Dorie say she would not entertain Exeter’s offer until the morning, and the accompanying laughter.
Yet there was still one matter that remained unsettled before Adeline could move forward with her life.
Chapter Twenty-Six
Adeline tugged Littleton toward a pair of long windows. “I must know something.” Or two somethings.
His gaze caught hers as he nodded. “Anything.”
Would his story differ from what his groom had told her? “What happened between you and Dorie?”
He drew his hand down his face. “She was the Incomparable, and I was dazzled. By the time I realized we were ill-suited, it was almost too late.” He glanced at Adeline’s hand on his arm. “As you know, I never kissed her. Strangely enough, I never even thought about it. That should have given me a hint that she was not the right lady for me. Nor did I ask her father for permission to marry her. Still, I knew she expected both.” He pulled a chagrined face. “I didn’t see anyway to explain how I felt. I still don’t know what I could have said. So, I left Town and went on a tour of my estates.” He twined his fingers with Adeline’s. “Is that what you wanted to know?”
Everything he’d related comported with what she had heard from both Humphries and Dorie. But she needed to know more. “Almost.”
His eyes bore into hers, more serious than she had ever seen them. “Go on.”
Adeline took a breath. She was either going to be greatly embarrassed or extremely happy. “Have you found a lady that you are sure would suit you?”
“I have.” His eyes were still on hers as he smiled. “I think you and I are well matched. So much so that I spoke to your father this morning.”
Her heart began pounding so hard, she was surprised he did not hear it. “You did?”
“I did.” He raised her hand to his lips. “I asked him if I could court you, and he said that was up to you.” Turning her hand over, he pressed a kiss onto her palm. If he kept this up, her heart was going to fly out of her chest. He truly was a rake. “I shall warn you, I’ll do almost anything to keep you next to me.”
The look on his face when she had said that he no longer needed her finally made sense. “Even find imaginary ladies who wish to trick you into marriage?”
“Well, the ladies existed. Their intent toward me might not have been what I thought, but I still think I need you to protect me.”
“Hmm.” His gaze slipped to her lips, causing hers to tingle. Their one kiss had been a mere taste. “I suppose I could do that.”
“Will you allow me to court you?” His voice was lower, more seductive. How much of himself had he been holding back?
Adeline was excited and terrified at the same time. She raised her eyes to his. “Yes, but only if you are certain.”
“There are no mistakes this time.” His green, green eyes held a promise in them. “When I return home, I want you by my side.”
Adeline couldn’t draw a breath. This sounded like a proposal instead of a request to court her. She wasn’t ready for that.
