Page 56 of The Earl Next Door
“Don’t tell me this isn’t a discussion you want to have with me because I think it’s high time we had it. I’ve been a widow for twenty years now. I’ve had my share of lovers, but I was careful to keep my affairs of the heart a secret and so should you.”
Lyon blinked at the surprising admission. “You’ve had lovers? I didn’t know.”
“Of course you didn’t,” she said. “That’s the way it’s supposed to be. These things are kept private.”
“Why didn’t you marry?” he asked, wondering why she wouldn’t want the more acceptable way of life. “I know you had offers.”
“Yes, but none I ever wanted enough to give up my freedom for.”
“Because you didn’t love them?” he asked, thinking of Adeline’s wishes and wanting to understand his aunt’s reluctance to marry.
“Heavens no. Unlike you and my dear sister, love was never something that interested me. Thanks to your father I didn’t need money or prestige. And I didn’t need love or marriage for what I wanted from my lovers.”
Lyon studied over her words. He could accept that there were some women who didn’t want or need a husband, but he had to believe Adeline wasn’t one of them. For some reason a lover was all she wanted from him.
“I don’t know what to think of young widows today,” his aunt said with a wisp of exasperation in her voice. “It’s as if they have no care for the proprieties Society expects of them. Lady Wake shouldn’t be seen in your back garden again under any circumstances, and you shouldn’t be using the girls as a reason to go to her house.”
“Is that what you think I was doing?”
“I can only assume as Mrs. Feversham does. Please do me a favor and take better care with your dalliances.”
“That woman doesn’t miss a thing. What kind of spyglass does the woman have?”
“A good one,” Cordelia stated. “The problem is that you and Lady Wake keep giving her things to see with it.”
Chapter 18
Adeline realized she didn’t remember the steps of the slow quadrille as well as she’d expected she would. It had been four years since she’d danced, and the steps were quite intricate. And, she’d hadn’t had much practice dancing with a man before she’d married. Viscount Thurston didn’t seem to mind that she lifted her hand at the wrong time, hopped on the wrong foot, or started turning in the wrong direction.
He was handsome to look at, tall and slender. His hair and eyes were a classic dark shade of brown and his features had a boyish charm. After only a few minutes with him, his light chuckle told her he didn’t take life too seriously. Very much unlike the Earl of Lyonwood, who was too serious about most things.
Including her reputation and respectability.
Adeline, Julia, and Brina had entered the ballroom at the same time. They’d planned it that way more than a year ago so they could be one another’s companions for the evening. Brina looked beautiful in a dark gray dress that was softened only by sheer sleeves and cuffs. A row of dainty silk roses edged the neckline and outlined the waistband of her gown.
Julia had always had her own idea when it came to what was and wasn’t desirable attire for widows. Of the three of them, her gown was the most fashionable. Some in Society would consider the purple she wore much too bright with one too many flounces on the skirt. A few of the older ladies might even say it was scandalous and inappropriate that each one was scalloped and banded in a wide gold-colored ribbon.
Their entrance had quieted the ballroom for a few seconds. Thankfully the hush hadn’t lasted long before everyone went back to their conversations. Adeline was fairly certain it was because the Duke of Sprogsfield was the first to greet them. Not many would be willing to slight anyone the crusty old duke greeted. Adeline had caught a few haughty looks and more than one sniff of a nose high in the air but she didn’t let it bother her. Many formal introductions had been dispensed. Most everyone reminded her they’d met the year of her debut. For most of the hour she’d been at the ball it had been enjoyable listening to the chatter and the music, and trying to remember the dance steps.
The music ended, and she and Lord Thurston clapped as they left the dance floor.
“I must apologize for not being as polished on myfeet as I once was, my lord,” she said with a smile as they walked toward the side of the room. “I felt as if I was missing every other step.”
“I don’t know what you’re talking about, my lady. I didn’t notice anything other than how graceful you are,” he replied.
“You are too kind, and I appreciate it.”
“I’m not being kind, Lady Wake. Truthful. Would you like for me to get you something to drink?”
“No, thank you. I don’t want to hold you up if you have someone else to dance with.”
“I have no one else on my mind tonight.” He stopped and looked directly into her eyes. “I’m interested only in you. I thought about it while we were dancing and decided I want to make my intentions known before I get lost in the trail of gentlemen I know are headed for your door and your heart.”
Intentions?
That was about as blunt as one could be. She knew offers would be forthcoming. A wealthy widow was a prize in Society, as her brother-in-law had told her on more than one occasion when he’d offered to arrange another marriage for her. He’d gently told her that most men would be respectful but not shy in seeking her attentions. A marriage would help her avoid the indelicacy of such. She’d politely made it clear to him she planned to remain a widow and needed no help.
“I’m flattered that you think that.”
