Page 57 of The Earl Next Door
“Good. I believed you were the type of lady who would appreciate candor. I was at Lyonwood’s house during the storm when you—shall we say, came to borrow an umbrella.”
“Yes, that is a kind way to say what happened that afternoon.”
“I saw your courage and fervency that day, and it was quite stunning.”
“I remember that afternoon, too.” Which had led to that night when she’d been held and kissed with all the desire she’d dreamed about. Adeline swallowed down the sweet memories. “And I do appreciate your straightforwardness about what transpired,” she said, realizing she wasn’t offended at all by his direct approach.
“You are the kind of lady many men dream about but few will have the opportunity to get to know personally. Perhaps intimately.”
There was no reason for Lord Thurston to treat her as an innocent young lady who knew nothing about the intimacy that happened between a man and woman, but she would have expected a more subtle approach from him. He was as fit and handsome as Lyon, but she felt no desire to be with him in an intimate way when she looked at him.
“I can’t speak to that, but I do think one should always know where they stand with the other person.”
He smiled. “I would welcome the invitation to call—”
“Oh, I apologize for interrupting you, Lord Thurston,” she said suddenly. “I see Mrs. Feld motioning to me and she looks distressed. I fear the modiste might have left a pin in her gown or she’s lost the heel of a shoe. Please excuse me, my lord. I must go see what she needs.”
Not taking her word for it, the viscount turned and looked at Brina who was motioning for Adeline tocome to her. “Yes, it does appear your friend is trying to get your attention.” He bowed. “Of course, go to her. We’ll talk again later.”
“Yes, at parties and dinners. I would be happy to dance and converse with you, but as you were direct with me, before I go, let me be so with you. I am not accepting any gentleman’s attention, so there will be no invitations from me forthcoming.”
Adeline made a hasty retreat and went over to Brina. “What’s wrong? You look frantic.”
“I am.” Brina huffed. “Mr. Brightstone was almost making our wedding plans before I could get off the dance floor with him. What an oaf! Doesn’t he know I’m still in mourning?”
“No,” Adeline said softly. “He doesn’t. Brina, you must accept that as far as Society is concerned you have passed your time of mourning.”
“I don’t feel as if I have,” she answered softly and lowered her lashes over her eyes. “Not yet, anyway. And, I don’t think I want to be.”
“There’s nothing wrong with continuing to feel that way.” Adeline’s heart felt heavy for her friend. “I know you still miss your husband very much. Give yourself more time to grieve him. Everyone will understand. Well, most everyone anyway.”
“Yes,” she said, giving her attention back to Adeline. “I was worried about you when I saw Lord Thurston looking at you as if he were ready to have you as a tasty dessert at the end of the night. I assumed he was sending you the same message Mr. Brightstone sent me. I was trying to save you the embarrassment of being propositioned your first night back in Society.”
Adeline laughed. “I think I can handle the viscount’s forward behavior. I wasn’t the least put off by it. And you don’t need to be upset by any gentleman wanting attention or favor from you. You are eligible. But you are also free to accept their attention or brush them off.”
“Then perhaps I’m not ready to come back into Society.”
“You can’t hide away from life any longer. You can’t hide from men. None of us can. We are moving forward as we’ve discussed many times.”
“I think all men consider we are easy prey.”
From the corner of her eye, Adeline saw Lyon talking to his aunt. “Not all of them,” she said. “Some are honorable.”
“Most of them think that just because we are widows we want a man slipping into our bedchamber.”
“Well—”
“Well, what?” Julia said, coming from behind Adeline to join them.
“Yes,” Brina said, looking a bit horrified. “Well what? What happened between you and the viscount? Did he offer to pay you a visit?”
“Yes,” Adeline declared. “I declined. I have no interest in the man.”
“But you do have interest in Lyon,” Julia said.
Adeline thought about that and said, “Yes.” She was surprised at how easy it was. “I’ve admitted as much to both of you before.”
“How much of an interest?” Brina asked. “You haven’t—I mean you haven’t—”
