He’d no sooner lowered himself into a chair when his friend entered. “Good morning. I was about to send for a coach. What is this all about?”
It was still not quite eight o’clock. “Are you departing early then?”
“We are.” Frits remained standing as if he was in a hurry. “Adeline wishes to speak with either Lady Turner or Mrs. Fitzwalter before the event begins.”
Gavin rose. “I wished to speak with Turner before the event, as well. I’m hoping he can arrange for me to be on the same team as Miss Featherton.”
“Ah. I wonder if... Never mind. Come and break your fast. At least we will not have to gulp down our food, but we cannot tarry.”
Despite what his friend had said, Gavin was surprised to find both the ladies already at the breakfast table when they reached the breakfast room.
Georgie’s gown had long sleeves and a higher bodice than usual. That must be due to the weather. Still, she was lovely. “Good morning.”
“Good morning.” She smiled at him and his chest felt as if a small bird had taken up residence.
“I wish to depart no later than nine,” Adeline said. “Earlier if possible.”
“Of course.” He tucked into the baked eggs and ham he’d taken from the sideboard. “I hope today will prove to be interesting.”
Littleton made a choking sound and quickly carried his napkin to his mouth.
“Are you all right, my love?” His wife began to rise.
He held up a hand, forestalling her. “I’m fine.”
Georgie waved her fork in the air. “I do wonder what a gypsy hunt could be.”
“As long as we are not hunting real gypsies, I have no idea.” He took a piece of toast from the rack that had been set next to him.
Other than glancing at Gavin, his friend did nothing to give away his dislike of games.
“Oh.” Georgie’s eyes widened. “You don’t think they could . . .”
“I cannot think either Mary or Amanda would consider such a thing.” Adeline shook her head. “Surely not. It must be some sort of game.”
Georgie set her fork down and picked up her cup. “I suppose we will not know until we arrive.”
He hoped she would like being with him. Ever since his failed proposal, he’d been having trouble reading her. “I wish I knew as well.”
Adeline looked at the clock. “Georgie, if you are finished, we should fetch our gloves and bonnets.”
“Yes, I’m done.” Gavin leapt up to pull out her chair. She gave him a small smile. “Thank you.”
“It was my pleasure.” He watched as she left the room, before turning to Littleton. “I believe I still have a toothbrush and powder here.”
“If you do they will be in the room you normally have.” Littleton swallowed the last of his food. “I’ll come with you. I’ll never hear the end of it if my wife doesn’t leave when she wants to because of me.”
The journey over seemed to go more swiftly than it had last night. Georgie and Adeline kept up a stream of talk regarding what other surprises might be in store for them during the course of the week.
“I certainly never expected to have a missive waiting for me when I arrived in my rooms,” Georgie declared.
“Nor did I,” Adeline agreed. “I am very glad we are keeping country hours.”
“Yes, indeed.” Georgie’s eyes sparkled as if she was looking forward to an adventure. “We would not be up and about at this time of day.”
One of Littleton’s brows rose. “If I recall correctly, my love, you were up and about very early in the morning even in Town.”
“I was.” Adeline blushed lightly. “However now that I have the baby and you I am finding it more difficult.”
