Maximus, who had gone to sniff around the garden, came prancing back and took up a position on the ground next to Adeline.
Henrietta stroked him. “Whose dog is this?”
“Lord Littleton’s.” Two curious pairs of eyes focused on Adeline. “He thought Maximus would make me feel better. According to my maid, he kept me from thrashing around with the fever.”
“I have always thought animals have a calming effect,” Henrietta said sagely. “Their presence works on cranky babies as well.”
Georgie smoothed her skirts. “Will you be well enough to attend Dorie’s wedding?”
Goodness. Adeline had forgotten all about the wedding. “When is it?”
“In two days.” Georgie’s brows came together. “I know she will understand if you are not strong enough.”
“No.” There was no way Adeline was going to miss that ceremony. “I shall be there even if I have to be carried.”
“Excellent,” Henrietta said, grinning.
“My lady,” Abney said, “Lord Littleton insists upon seeing you.”
Georgie and Henrietta exchanged glances.
“We shall see you later,” Georgie said rising, then curtseying. “My lord.”
“My lord.” Henrietta curtseyed as well. “Adeline, we will come by again tomorrow.”
“I look forward to seeing you.”
Frits stroked Maximus, who had got up to greet him, but his concerned gaze was on Adeline. As she searched his bright green eyes, she knew she had been right. She did love him.
She patted the chaise cushion. “Please, come sit with me.”
Perching on the small space, he took her hand. “I cannot tell you how happy it makes me to see you up and looking well.”
She curled her hand around his warm, strong, slightly callused fingers. “You are not wearing gloves.” Well, that was a stupid thing to say. “I mean—”
“When word came that you were allowed out of your chamber, I came immediately and forgot them.”
“I like the feel of your hands.” Not that she had much with which to compare them. They were rougher than her father’s. She placed her palm on his cheek. “I love you. I love that you care for me so much that you braved my mother and brought Maximus to me. You must have missed him exceedingly.” His thumb brushed her face below her eye. “I am convinced no one could love me more than you do.”
Chapter Thirty-One
“Because no one can.” Frits’s heart soared as he gently touched his lips to Adeline’s. “Are you ready to hear a proposal, or shall I wait?”
Adeline was still too pale, but her eyes lit up, and her smile was all he could wish for. “I am ready.”
For days she was so ill, he thought he was going to lose her. He had almost decided to wait until she was stronger, until they were at Littlewood. But when she’d declared her love for him this time, he knew it was the truth, and he couldn’t wait. He couldn’t lose this moment.
The speech he’d been planning for weeks went out of his head, and for a second, he couldn’t even talk. That’s when he knew he would just speak from his heart. “Adeline, when I look at you, I can see you with our child, our children. I can see you by my side in all I do.” Frits raised their linked hands to his lips and kissed each of her knuckles. “I don’t know what I would do without you. It almost killed me to know you were so ill, and I was not allowed to be with you. My life would be empty without you in it. Will you be my wife, the love of my life, and the mother to our children? Will you stay by my side for the rest of our lives?” He took a breath. “And can we wed soon?”
Adeline laughed so hard she started to cough, and Frits swore to himself. Fortunately, Abney brought tea, and she was soon able to answer. “Yes and yes. I will be your wife and the mother to your children, and I want nothing more than to remain with you for the rest of my life.”
“Do you mind if we marry at Littlewood?” Frits had thought long and hard about this. The plan was for her and her mother to visit as soon as she could travel. Once she was there, he didn’t want her to leave.
“I would be happy to have the wedding there.” He held the cup to her lips and she drank. “When do you wish to wed?”
“We cannot depart Town until after Exeter and Lady Dorie’s wedding. If you are well enough, a day or two later, if that suits you.”
“That sounds perfect.” This time she reached up and kissed him, and it was all he could do not to take her into his arms. Yet, she was not well enough for even deep kisses. A wet tongue landed on his cheek, and Adeline laughed. “I think Maximus is feeling left out.”
