The old groom entered Frits’s study. “Yes, my lord?”
“We need to find a way to sneak Max into Lady Adeline’s bedroom.” Frits couldn’t be with her, but his dog could, and it would make her feel better.
* * *
Cristabel and Annis grinned at each other as the Watford butler bowed and left the small drawing room.
“I think that went well.” Annis poured two glasses of sherry and brought one to Cristabel.
“Yes indeed.” She took a sip of the wine. “My housekeeper told me that Frits has ordered the broths and other remedies we use for influenza to be delivered here. He is also sending fresh fruit from Littlewood.”
“I had better tell my housekeeper and cook to be prepared to receive them. I suppose I’ll be soothing some ruffled feathers. Fortunately, Pierre will understand when I explain that Lord Littleton is a man in love.”
“You were about to tell me what happened when Frederick came for tea.” Cristabel could not wait for her son to be settled and start giving her grandchildren. Not that her two married daughters had been backward in that regard, but they lived far enough away that she was not able to see the children very much. Frits’s children would be raised at Littlewood.
“Everything seemed to be going well between the two of them. Adeline even suggested that she show him the garden.” Annis arched a brow. “The only reason I can see for that was so that they could have a private conversation. She even took him back to the rose arbor.”
“The one you call the kissing arbor?” Cristabel started to get an inkling of what had gone wrong.
“The very one.” Her friend sipped her sherry. “They were gone for a fair amount of time, but when they returned there was a great deal of tension between Adeline and Frederick. They barely looked at each other. She was coming around.” Annis shook her head. “I know she was. Otherwise she would not have invited him to tea and gone out in the garden with him. I wish I knew what had happened.”
So did Cristabel. “Then Adeline became ill.”
“Yes. It came on so suddenly. Littleton caught her as she fell and insisted on carrying her to her bedchamber.” Annis smiled. “He would have remained if he could have. I practically had to drag him out.”
“Hmm.” Cristabel sipped her sherry. “I will wager my diamonds that Frederick did something for which she was not ready. Do you think he kissed her?”
“I am quite sure he did.” Annis stared at the fireplace. “Then again, she did take him to the rose arbor, and she did not cry out or come running back.”
“In that case, it must have been something he said rather than something he did.” Cristabel applied her mind to what her son could have done. “Oh good Lord. I hope he did not propose.”
Annis gave a frustrated sigh. “I can see it now. They kissed and he decided it meant she was ready to marry.”
Feeling as if she had to defend her son, Cristabel said, “That is how it is usually done, but I do see your point. He should have waited a bit longer.”
“If only Adeline was a bit more incautious.”
“I must say, I rather like her prudence.” It showed a maturity beyond her years, for which Cristabel was thankful. “Frederick will simply have to take a few steps back, and be more patient with her.”
“That will probably be for the best,” Annis agreed. “I do hope they resolve all of this before the Season ends.”
“She will most likely not be herself for a few weeks.” Poor Adeline would not be up to attending any evening entertainments. The thought gave Cristabel an idea. “After Dorie’s wedding to Exeter, we could all go to Littlewood. The fresh air will be much better for Adeline than staying in Town.”
“What an excellent idea.” Annis smiled approvingly. “It will also allow her to come to see how Frederick is at home.”
“My thoughts exactly.” From what Cristabel knew of Adeline, that should finally bring her up to scratch.
* * *
“What is that beast still doing in her bed?” Mama’s sharp whisper woke Adeline.
“Hush. You’ll wake her.” Adeline didn’t recognize that voice.
The door clicked shut.
She felt Maximus cuddled next to her, and she reached out, stroking him. “I thought I’d been dreaming, but you really are here. How did Frits manage it?” The dog stretched and started licking her hand. “You are right. I need to bathe.” The bed hangings were open on one side, allowing the scent of lavender to reach her. She tried to sit up, but one long leg plopped across her body, pushing her back down. “I’m as weak as a kitten. How long have I been ill?” Maximus yawned and snuggled his large head against her shoulder. “Silly, expecting a dog to answer.”
She did have to get up, though, and her throat was parched from even that little bit of talking to the dog. Reaching out, she picked up the mug on the bedside table, and drank. The liquid was tangy, like a lemon, but not nearly as tart. “What is this?”
