They held their clasped hands over their heads and pranced around.
“It has been.” Adeline had to glance away, hiding her smile the first time Frits frightened away a would-be dance partner. She was sure he did not realize that she knew, but the knowing look on her brother’s face had given it away.
She was so impressed by him and the way he cared about a child he had never even seen before, it was as if all her questions and doubts had been resolved. And the way he had remained by her side, even when she was not giving him a reason to, spoke favorably for him. Early in the Season, she had vowed not to marry a rake—and when he’d asked if he could court her, she was still positive he must be one of the species—then something her mother had said about her father being a rake before they wed, and what happened when rakes fell in love, and how they wanted to protect their ladies, began to make sense. Now that she thought about it, that was definitely something her brother and his friends did, and she knew for a fact that they had all been rakes. Well, with the notable exception of Merton.
“I believe this is my set.” Frits’s breath lightly brushing her ear caused pleasurable frissons to scramble down her neck and over her shoulders.
“I think it is. Not that I have any other dance partners.” Tilting her head, she met his too-innocent gaze.
“I cannot be sorry about that.” A smile played around the corners of his mouth.
Was there a male equivalent of a minx? For that was what he was.
They took their positions, and now that she allowed herself to enjoy his company, Adeline could admit that she loved the feel of his hand engulfing her fingers, and the solidity of his palm on her waist. To be held in Frits’s arms as if she weighed nothing more than air was thrilling. Unlike her thoughts about Lord Anglesey, she did not wonder why Frits wanted her. There was something about his determination and certainty that convinced her he just wanted her. For herself and no other reason.
He captured her eyes with his sparkling green ones, and they did not even have to talk. Her thoughts meandered to the one kiss they had shared, and she wondered when he would kiss her again. On the other hand, they were never in a place where he could kiss her. Perhaps instead of riding in his carriage, they would be better served by walking in the garden at Watford House. There was a small rose arbor in a secluded corner of the garden that would give them sufficient privacy.
“You are deep in thought.” His low voice intruded on her thoughts, and heat infused her face.
Adeline was absolutely not going to tell him what she had been thinking. “I–I was thinking that I would like to accompany the child and his mother to the country.”
“Is that what made you blush?” His slightly grave tone sounded like he was ready to seduce her right here in the ballroom. How was it possible that he could do that just using his voice?
“Umm, no.” Fortunately, the music ended, saving her from the embarrassment of answering.
Unfortunately, he did not allow the conversation to end. “Hmm. If it was not the journey”—he tapped his perfectly sculpted lips, riveting her eyes to them—“what else could it be?”
Except when he had asked her to allow him to court her, Frits had behaved like a perfect gentleman. Yet now, now Adeline wondered if she would like to see more of the rake. No, she was certain she wanted to see that side of him.
As heat traveled up her neck into her face, she ducked her head. Goodness, she did not even have the excuse of another dance partner to leave him until she could regain her countenance.
Yet, as if he knew she needed a moment, he greeted Exeter. “Is the wedding set?”
“Yes.” The man smiled broadly. “In ten days. Lady Huntingdon is sending out invitations for the wedding breakfast soon. I hope to see you there.”
“I wouldn’t miss it.” Frits glanced at Adeline, and she thought he might mention them. Instead, he slapped Exeter on the back. “I can’t tell you how happy I am for you and Lady Dorie.”
“I as well.” The look in her eyes when Dorie had told Adeline she thought she had missed her chance had been distressing. “I think you are very well suited.” And very much in love.
Dorie joined them, took Exeter’s arm, and glanced at Adeline and Frits. “I hope we are not the only ones who find their perfect mate this Season.”
He drew Adeline closer, causing her skirts to brush the tops of his dress pumps. “I hope so as well.”
Her friend’s smile included Frits. At last, the contretemps was ended. Georgie strolled through the door to the terrace with Lord Turley, and Adeline motioned toward the couple with her chin. “I think this might be a productive Season.”
The others looked in the direction she had indicated and nodded in agreement. It would be wonderful if all her friends wed this Season. Henrietta had mentioned that Lord Phineas had been seen traveling toward Dover, and Adeline wondered if he would be able to convince Augusta to marry him.
Dorie and Exeter, being an engaged couple, joined the next set because they could dance together as much as they wished. That raised the question of what Adeline needed to know about Frits to ensure he was the absolute right gentleman for her?
Or had she already decided and merely wished to kiss him again?
But how to manage it?
All through supper, she let the conversation float around her as she considered one plan and then another. Any kissing in the Park was plagued with problems. Even if they went off on a path, they could be discovered, even early in the morning. She could, she supposed, suggest they go to the terrace, but even now her brother might object. That would be embarrassing.
The rose arbor in her mother’s garden was the best place for a kiss. But how should she encourage him to kiss her again? She might need time to make him understand what she wanted. But first, he had to come to her house. There was nothing for it. She must act with daring. “You should come to tea tomorrow.”
“Tea?” His eyes roamed her face, as if searching for something. “I would be delighted.”
