“They are magnificent.” He could easily see them at Littlewood. Would Adeline like to re-create this arbor there?
Next to him, she stilled. Then she breathed in and out again and stared up at him. “When you kissed me at the garden party, and I told you that you should not—”
Ah, this was where she was taking him. “And I said no, but made it a question.”
Her fingers clutched his sleeve so tightly, his valet would never get the wrinkles out. “I thought”—she bit down nervously on her bottom lip—“well, I—”
This would take all day if he left it to her, and they might not even get where they both wanted to be. “Yes.”
Gathering her in his arms, Frits lightly touched his lips to hers, adding pressure only when her mouth softened. God, the only other kiss he’d ever experienced that was so innocent and sweet was the last time he’d kissed her. Rising on her toes, she slid her arms over his shoulders, tangling her fingers in his hair. He held her tightly against his chest, so that she wouldn’t fall. Or so he told himself. The feel of her lush breasts pressed against him almost brought him to his knees. When he stroked her back, and down over her bottom, she opened her lips on a sigh, and he deepened the kiss, sweeping his tongue into her mouth, asking her to join him, and she did. Slowly at first, tentatively as if she was learning a new dance, then with increasing urgency. Her arms tightened and his cock strained against his pantaloons and her lower belly. His body clamored to make her his. If he lifted her the slightest bit more, she’d be able to feel his erection on her mound. Just the thought had his heart beating harder.
The breaths they exchanged had become ragged. Somehow, her feet ended up on top of his, and he knew he had to stop this, stop them before he convinced himself that the rose bower was the perfect place to consummate their union.
He stroked her petal-soft cheek with his thumb and slowly broke the kiss. “Adeline. My sweetheart.” Her silver gaze was filled with confusion and desire. “I love you.”
* * *
Adeline had never thought a kiss could be so, so consuming. So wonderful. Being held by Frits was better than she had ever thought it could be. The tingling she had felt before when he touched her was nothing like the flames licking her skin and heating her blood. The part between her legs throbbed with desire. She had never experienced so many physical sensations at one time, and she wished it could continue. Then he was gazing at her with his warm, emerald eyes, and saying he loved her, and she was not ready for that. Yet if she did not tell him that she loved him too, especially after that kiss, he might give up on her. And she knew she absolutely did not want him to do that. He would think she was a wanton, kissing a gentleman she was not sure she loved or wished to wed. If only he had waited a few days more.
Still, what would it hurt to say the words? She was so close, so close to knowing her heart. She didn’t even know what else she was waiting for to be sure. “I love you too.”
He smiled and kissed her again. Slowly, gently, as if he was determined not to allow the kiss to flame as it had before. He held her to him and sighed. “We should go back. Your mother will come looking for us if we don’t.”
“Of course.” Adeline had forgotten all about her mother.
He caught her hand in his and twined their fingers together as they strolled back up the path. “I’d like you to visit Littlewood. It’s not far from Town. Only a few hours.”
“Yes. I would like that a great deal.” A breeze ruffled her hair. Her hat. It must have fallen off. “I have forgotten my bonnet.”
“I’ll go back for it,” he offered.
“I shall go. If my mother sees me, she will wonder why I removed it.” She turned, but Frits went with her.
“I am not going to the house without you.” He looked almost panicked.
He was right; that would be begging her mother to ask questions. “I suppose we can both fetch it.” The hat was on the ground. Frits picked it up and brushed it off before handing it to her. “Thank you.”
“It is my pleasure.” His voice sounded more formal than it had before. Was something wrong?
She donned her hat, and once again they ambled toward the house. Perhaps it was her. Her temples started to throb, and Adeline resisted the urge to rub them. She did not want him to think he had given her a headache.
Mama met them as they entered the morning room with a bright smile on her face. “I trust you had a lovely walk?”
Refusing to meet her eyes, Adeline placed her bonnet on a hook on the wall.
“You have a beautiful garden,” Frits said. “I was amused by the fountain of the boy. Adeline said her grandfather had it made.”
That was all it took for her mother to relate the history of the fountain and why it was so beloved in Brussels, giving Adeline time to compose herself. Not from the kiss, but from the declarations they had both made. Why, oh why, hadn’t she thought about the consequences of kissing him again?
Well, actually, for the first time. She had not returned the last kiss. If only she knew what to do. How to make entirely sure that she loved him. The only good thing was that he had not proposed immediately. But . . . why hadn’t he? Surely that was what a gentleman did after he kissed a lady. The dull ache spread to her forehead, and she rubbed it. What if he never intended to wed her? No, that did not make sense. He had already spoken with her father.
She always seemed to be a step behind him, and she could not understand the reason.
“Adeline.” Frits took her hand. “Are you feeling well?”
“No.” She started to shake her head, but it hurt. “I think I need to rest for a while.”
“I understand. It’s quite warm outside.” Raising her fingers to his lips, he kissed them. “I’ll see you in the morning if you’re feeling better.”
