Page 68 of The Earl Next Door
“That wasn’t easy either,” Fanny said and rolled her eyes. “I’d rather cut and sew than knit.”
“I’m sure it wasn’t, but they’re lovely.” Adeline’s heart constricted. “It wasn’t necessary to do this for me, but I do like surprises. Thank you, girls. It must have taken quite some time to learn how to do all this. They’re very delicate and look perfect.”
“My fingers were sore, but I’m glad you like it.”
“Mine, too,” Mathilda agreed.
Adeline laughed lightly. “I do, but now it is back to school for you two.”
She handed the handkerchiefs to Mrs. Tallon. “Would you please stop and give these to Mrs. Lawton for me? I need to speak to the earl.”
Adeline watched them walk down the stone steps and out the gate before turning back to Lyon. “May I come in?”
His brow rose. “I think you must have forgotten about Mrs. Feversham and her spyglass.”
“I haven’t forgotten. Is she still watching our doors?”
“According to my aunt she hasn’t missed much that has happened around our houses.”
“Didn’t you tell me you’ve never met her?”
“Yes. She has no qualms about sending me a note if she wants me to deliver a basket full of tarts to a girls’ school, but we’ve never met.”
“I haven’t been over to see her either. Maybe she’s just lonely. Perhaps if we did—if I did—she’d see me more as a friend and not just a neighbor, and not feel right about spying on a friend.”
Lyon smiled at her. “You try it first and let me know if it works.”
“I think I will, but not today. I’ll take my chances with her snooping, if you don’t mind.” Adeline’s heartbeat was racing but she found the courage to say, “I do have something to tell you that I’d rather not say standing out here. If you don’t mind, I’d like to come inside.”
“You are always welcome in my home, Adeline.” He stepped aside. “Though as you know, doing so has its risks.”
“In more than one way,” she answered softly, letting her gaze flutter down his face.
“Aunt Delia saved us once before. Perhaps she can work her magic and do it again if Mrs. Feversham isn’t taking her afternoon nap.”
He waved Brewster away and helped Adeline with her short black cape. “Would you like for me to have some tea brought in?”
“No,” she said with a bit of a smile. “I believe I’d like to have a snip of brandy.”
She was sure it was alarm she saw on Lyon’s face, and that made a soft laugh flow past her lips.
He slowly laid her wrap on a chair. His eyes searched hers intently. “Are you sure about that?”
“Quite.”
He didn’t question her further, but motioned down the corridor. “Join me in the drawing room.”
Adeline walked past him on shaky legs. His footsteps echoed behind her. She gathered strength and was heartened with each step she heard. She didn’t stop until she stood before the low-burning fire.
They remained quiet as he covered the bottom of a small delicate-looking stemmed glass with the amber liquid.
“I heard your father married,” she said.
He handed her the glass. “Yes. They quit the Season early to travel to his estates so he could introduce his new bride. Helen wanted it and surprisingly, he agreed. I haven’t heard from them, but assume all is going well with their ventures.”
“I thought she was very nice. She came to visit me before they left, and we had an enjoyable time.”
“Good,” he said, and then dismissing that subject, he asked, “Have you come to tell me you’ve found your husband’s mistress and reunited her with her child? I know you have someone searching for her.”
