Page 20 of The Most Eligible Lord in London
“I absolutely agree.” His voice was firm and unequivocal.
“You do?” She had not been looking at him for most of her diatribe, but his statement made her glance up.
“Yes.” He met her gaze. Good heavens, looking at him was a mistake. It was as if he could see right through her. “I have friends who spend most of the year running to Town every time Parliament is called into session. I think it must take a toll on their families. My father was of the same opinion. It was his view that there was time to be in Town and time to be at home, and if it was a choice between his family or the Lords, his family was more important. I do not see a reason to believe any differently.”
“I wish my father and mother thought that. Then again, some votes are important.” She loved her parents, but since she had come to Town, she was feeling abandoned. Then again, she always felt that way.
“They are.” Lord Littleton nodded. “But one can give another Member their proxy.”
She had not known about that. “Interesting.”
To her surprise, the dance came to an end. How had the time gone so quickly? Still, she would have supper to discuss ideas with Lord Littleton . . . or not. Augusta had arranged that they—the ladies—would all sit together and, naturally, that included Dorie.
Called back to her duty to her friend, Adeline assumed a polite mien and wondered what would happen next. She should sit next to Lord Littleton. They had danced together. It seemed that was the polite thing to do. But she could not hurt Dorie’s feelings. The arrangements occupied her until they reached her circle.
Augusta, escorted by Lord Phineas, led the way to the supper room. Three tables large enough to fit all of them had been placed together. Once the ladies were seated, the gentlemen went to select the delicacies from the two tables that had been set up.
Dorie took the seat to one side of Adeline. “I feel as if I must warn you about Lord Littleton. He is not to be trusted.” Dorie’s lips flattened.
“I am so sorry.” Adeline wondered if her friend would say more, but after a few moments, she prompted, “What did he do?”
“I really do not wish to discuss it further.” Dorie lifted her chin. “I am determined to put it behind me.”
Although Adeline wished her friend would tell her exactly what had happened, her heart hurt for Dorie. “Yes, of course.” Had she fallen in love with him? That must be it. Why else would she be so adamant about his lordship. “I will endeavor to avoid him.”
“Unfortunately, you will not be able to.” She gave a sad smile. “The rules of Polite Society are against you.” She took Adeline’s hand and squeezed it. “Protect your heart. Find a gentleman worthy of it. That is what I intend to do.”
“That is good advice. Thank you for telling me to beware of him.”
“I could not allow you to experience what happened to me.” Dorie moved down the table when the gentlemen joined them.
Adeline steeled herself against Lord Littleton. She would enjoy his company and not fall in love with him. That was the only thing she could do, unless she suddenly had a full dance schedule. She wondered if Lord Anglesey would ask her to stand up with him the next time they were at the same event. Perhaps she should focus more on him. He seemed interested in her.
* * *
When Frits returned with the other gentlemen to the table, Adeline’s demeanor was much chillier than it had been at the end of their dance. Lady Dorie cast him a surreptitious glare, and he pretended not to notice. She must have had a word with Adeline. In fact, he was positive the lady had done him as much damage as she could.
Bloody hellhounds!
The instant he thought he was making progress with Adeline, something happened to interfere. At least he was still sitting next to her.
He motioned for the footman to set down the plates. “I hope I chose well.”
The smile on her lovely pink lips didn’t reach her clouded gray eyes. “I am sure you did.”
She cut into the lobster patty with her fork and ate. He devoured two of the things before he caught her with her mouth empty. “Are you attending Lady Brownly’s musical evening?”
“Yes.” Adeline’s eyes brightened, but then the mask fell over them. “I have heard the singer, Mrs. Fodor, is excellent.”
“I can attest to that.” He had a feeling his next question was a forlorn hope. “Will you sit with me?”
“I cannot. I am already committed to sit with my friends.” A line formed between her brows. “Perhaps another time.”
He couldn’t tell if she was truly sorry or merely being polite. Yet that spark in her eyes when he’d mentioned the musical evening had been real. Although Frits had always considered himself to be a patient man, it occurred to him that when it came to Adeline, he was not nearly as patient as he thought. Then again, he’d never had to be. Whatever he wanted was usually within easy reach, be it success in school, sports, or with women. Especially the latter. On the other hand, the women he’d been with had all been experienced and were looking for the same thing he was. Having to coax the attentions of an innocent young lady with a deep sense of loyalty to a friend who actively disliked him was proving to be much more difficult.
Frits restrained himself from quaffing his wine. “Perhaps you have a waltz free at Lady Elliott’s ball?”
He was almost glad to see the brief look of panic in her eyes as she slid them toward his nemesis. “I–I do have a waltz free.”
