The bedchamber was painted in a muted green and had a view to the north. An open door led to a parlor in the same colors. “Most of your clothing and other things are in the mistress’s chambers. I hope you’ll be happy with these rooms until the wedding.”
“Thank you.” Adeline took off her bonnet. “These will suit nicely.”
“I’ll inform Miss Fendall you have arrived.” The housekeeper bobbed a curtsey and skirted Frits, who was lounging against the jamb of the doorway.
He peered inside the room. “You’ll like the other apartments better. They face south. Do you still want to take a stroll around the grounds after tea?”
More than anything. Not only did she need to stretch her legs, she was curious about the rest of the property. “I do.” She stripped off her gloves and walked to him. “Have you found out whether all is ready for our wedding?”
“It is set for the day after tomorrow.” Bending his head, he drew her into his arms and kissed her. “After this evening, we won’t have much time to ourselves for a few days.”
Adeline stood on her toes and slid her arms around his neck. “I know.”
“My lady,” Fendall asked from behind Frits. He was so tall and his shoulders were so broad, Adeline could not see around him. “Do you wish to change?”
“Yes. Something comfortable. I am going to explore the gardens.”
“And a little farther than the garden.” Heat lurked in his eyes. “We have a stream you’ll want to see.”
She dropped her arms and stepped back. “How do I get to the room where tea will be served?”
“I’ll come back for you. The house is not difficult to navigate, but you’ll want a tour before you attempt to go about on your own.”
“I can see that.” He backed up and her maid entered. “A half hour?”
“I’ll see you then.” She watched him saunter toward the stairs. They must have put her as far away as possible from him.
Fendall held up a cotton-block print gown that Adeline had before she went to Town. “It’s not new, but if you’re going to be tromping about, it will work with your stout leather half boots.”
“Especially if we are going to be near a stream.” She splashed water on her face and washed her hands.
She was tying the ribbons of an older straw bonnet when Frits returned. “You look charming.”
“Thank you.” Taking his arm, he led her down the stairs to the back of the house and onto a long, wide terrace that ran the length of the wing. On one side was a formal garden placed between the two wings, and on the other was a large expanse of lawn leading to the woods. Spanning the length of the house were a series of gardens and fountains. “I do not think I have ever seen such a beautiful and clever design.”
Frits beamed with pride. “If you look closely, you can see the path through the woods. The stream is through there.”
“I cannot wait to see it.” Adeline was very glad she wore her heavy boots. Their mothers hailed them from a seating area of chairs, small sofas, and tables that appeared to have been made for the terrace. “What do you do with the furniture when the weather is bad?”
“It is stored in the winter, but once it’s brought out, we cover them with oilcloths at night and when it rains.”
Adeline was so excited about her new life, she felt like bouncing on her toes. This house was perfect. Frits was perfect. Then she realized something or someone was missing. “Where is Maximus?”
Frits grimaced. “He decided he was not home until he rolled in cow and horse dung, so he’s having a bath.”
She had not thought about that aspect of the country and wrinkled her nose. “Eww.”
“Come. Let us drink our tea.” He laughed. “You’ll learn to sniff before you let him lean against you.”
Frits was glad Max had made himself unsuitable for Adeline’s company today. He had plans for her that did not include the dog. This was the first time since they were betrothed that he’d be completely alone with her. And even though they’d be wed in less than two days, they would be the longest days of his life if he couldn’t make her his.
Holding hands, they ambled along the path, and he pointed out a number of wild orchids and found, to his delight, she was familiar with all of them. Finally, they reached the stream and glade, dotted with wildflowers. At one end of the glade, a folly built like a cottage stood next to the stream.
“Oh, Frits.” Adeline started forward, then glanced back at him. “This is the most beautiful place I have ever seen!”
They strolled along the water and watched fish darting around the rocks until they reached the folly. “My great-grandfather built this for my great-grandmother to have a place to escape from their twelve children.”
He took out the key and opened the door to a small entry that opened up to one large room painted white and decorated with soft, chintz-covered furniture, including a wide daybed. French windows filled the wall overlooking the stream, and the folly was set just far enough back from the water for an excellent view. As he had instructed be done, the windows were open, and lacy curtains fluttered gently on the sides of the windows. The square table was set for two, and a picnic basket was set in the middle of the table.
