Page 59 of The Most Eligible Lord in London
He was almost to the back of the store when he heard whispering. But before he could investigate, a hand reached out and clutched his sleeve. “What the—Adeline? Wh—”
Reaching up, she slapped her hand over his mouth. “Shhh.”
He followed her between the bookshelves, and found Miss Featherton was present as well. A man couldn’t have everything. Adeline placed one finger against her lips before she and her friend turned their ears to the books.
“Every time I try to have him presented to dance with me, he disappears.” Whoever was speaking was clearly distraught.
“I shall arrange to have Turner do it. He and Lord Littleton have been friends for years.” Good God! No wonder Adeline had made him be quiet. That was Miss Tice and her friend, Miss Martindale. “Do not despair. We will manage.”
He had to hide. Or perhaps he could sneak out if he did it quietly. There were sounds of chairs moving. It was too late to leave. Adeline took his arm and guided him farther along the shelves. A few moments later, steps could be heard on the stairs. He wanted to wrap his arms around her for saving him.
“I wonder how often they have their discussions here?” Miss Featherton mused.
“I do not know, but they obviously think it is the best place to have them,” Adeline responded. “It makes no sense to me.” She turned to him. “What brings you here?”
“Books.” The answer came out more as a question. He must still be stunned. “My mother ordered some, and I wanted to see if there was anything new.”
“Now that they are gone, you will have this area to yourself.” She and her friend were getting ready to leave.
“I finally found Fitzwalter,” he said, in an attempt to make her stay. Still, it was close to four o’clock. He did not know how long it took her to prepare for a carriage ride, but he wanted to spend more time with her.
Her eyes lit up as if the sun was shining off silver. “Will he agree to meet Miss Tice?”
“Yes, but I had to agree to give him Gertrude.” For some reason, it was important that he tell Adeline that. Not that she knew the significance.
Her forehead wrinkled in confusion. “Who is Gertrude?”
“A heifer. His father has purchased her several times, but she always comes home.”
A muffled chuckle emitted from Miss Featherton, which he ignored.
“I do not understand.” Adeline’s well-shaped brows came together. “If she does not wish to leave her home, why would you continue to sell her to Lord Fitzwalter?”
“I didn’t. My father did.” He left it at that, trusting she would not be satisfied with the answer.
She gave him a look that clearly stated she did not understand. “Please explain.”
“Later.” Miss Featherton linked her arm with Adeline’s. “I must go home if I am to be ready when Lord Turley arrives.” She smiled at him. “My lord, I am positive this is a fascinating tale that Lady Adeline would love to hear, but can it wait until this evening?”
Frits and Adeline exchanged looks, and for the first time, he knew they had something stronger than a mere connection. “I suppose it must. I cannot in good conscience do anything to make you late. Although keeping Turley waiting might do him some good.”
A trill of light laughter burst forth from Adeline.
“Be that as it may,” Miss Featherton said, “we must go.”
Adeline gazed longingly at the books. “I hope you find what you are looking for.”
“Thank you.” Little did she know that Frits had already found exactly what he was looking for.
Chapter Twenty-One
“Don’t you wish to stay a little longer?” Crispin lay on the bed, watching Jean don her chemise.
“If I do, you shall be late for your appointment with Lady Adeline, and that will not help your case with her.” Sitting on the chair, Jean rolled her stocking up her leg.
“I suppose you’re right.” He stretched before throwing his legs off the edge of the bed. “I must think of something to talk about with her. I haven’t told her about Paris yet.”
She stopped in the middle of fastening a garter. “Does she want to travel?”
