But now that she had invited him, would she have the courage to take him to the arbor and kiss him?
Or would he be able to work out what she wanted and kiss her first?
Chapter Twenty-Nine
The next afternoon, Frits arrived promptly at three o’clock. When it came to Adeline, he was always either perfectly on time or early, because she was equally punctual. Of the many things they had in common, this was her most endearing trait. Well, that and her habit of looking at him as if she was actually interested in what he had to say and not his wealth or rank. Not to mention loving his dog. Now that he thought about it, he found most of her traits charming. Nevertheless, if he managed to bring Adeline up to scratch—and it appeared more and more likely he would—never again would he have to wait on some woman who thought requiring him to kick his heels would make him appreciate her more. Which it never did.
The butler answered the door and escorted him to a sun-filled room at the back of the house. That they would still have so much light at this time of day gave him pause. Then he noticed that not only the wall to the garden was filled with windows, but the side wall was as well.
As soon as he was announced, he bowed. “My ladies.”
“Littleton”—Lady Watford rose to greet him, and Adeline followed—“I am delighted you could join us.”
Her ladyship began organizing the tea tray that had just arrived, giving him time to greet his soon-to-be betrothed. Clasping Adeline’s fingers, he was pleased to feel them curve around his. He raised her hands to his lips and gently pressed a kiss on each one. “Thank you for asking me to tea.”
Her silver eyes widened, and a light blush bloomed in her cheeks. He’d never tire of her blushes. After they married, he’d have to think of ways to keep her blushing.
She lowered her eyes, and her long, thick lashes created fans on her cheeks. “I–I thought we should spend more time together. Without everyone else in the ton around.”
“I quite agree.”
Her mother cleared her throat. “Adeline, please come and pour.”
The rose in her face deepened as she looked down at their hands. Reluctantly he let hers go, and placed her hand on his arm. “I like milk and two sugars in my tea.”
“Thank you for telling me.” He escorted her the short way to her mother, who had patted a place on the sofa.
Once Adeline had taken her seat, he took the chair nearest her.
As he had expected, she poured with confidence and grace. “Perhaps after we finish, we can stroll in the garden.”
That was a surprise. “It looks lovely. I believe I see some roses I haven’t seen before.”
“I had no idea you were interested in roses,” Lady Watford said, and launched into a discussion of the flowers, some of which had been brought back from Persia in the last century.
Frits made the appropriate answers, but couldn’t wait until he had Adeline alone. It had to have been the longest cup of tea he had ever experienced.
Fortunately, once they had finished one cup, she rose and donned a bonnet that had been on a chair by the door. “Shall we?”
“Yes.” He forced himself to slow when what he wanted to do was drag her outside where they could be somewhat alone. “Do you enjoy gardening?”
“I do.” She smiled at him. “But unlike my mother, I rather enjoy getting my hands dirty.” She gave him a wry look. “Unfortunately, our gardener does not appreciate my assistance.”
He’d sack any gardener who made her feel unwelcome. “In that case, you need your own garden, where your gardener listens to you instead of to himself.”
Her answering laughter was not the false titter frequently heard in Polite Society, but one from deep inside her. “That is exactly what I require. A place where I can plant what I wish.”
Frits had just the spot for her at Littlewood, and a gardener who would be happy for her involvement. How soon could he take her there? “Exactly.”
She led him down a winding path past a fountain of a woman pouring water from an urn, and another of a boy urinating. He stopped and stared.
“It’s a replica of a famous fountain in Brussels.” Adeline stopped with him. “My grandfather saw it on his Grand Tour and sketched it. When he came into the title, he had it built.”
“Interesting.” Frits might have to take Adeline to Brussels someday to see the original one, and try to understand why a lad pissing was so important.
She started walking again, and he went with her. Where was she taking him?
Finally, she stopped in front of a fragrant display of white and yellow climbing roses covering an arbor. “I want you to see the arbor roses. They were brought here from China.”
