A tap at the door frustrated him from going any further, and they broke apart. She smoothed the front of her gown and took a few steps away from him before saying, “Enter.”
Naturally, it was Mr. Lockley, the infernal man, always hovering. On the other hand, Owen appreciated the butler’s dedication.
“A missive for you, my lady.” He held out a silver tray with a single sealed sheet upon it.
It had no imprinted seal, just an ungainly blob of green wax on the folded edge. She picked it up, glanced at it, and looked questioningly at her butler.
“Somewhat late in the day for the post, is it not?”
Mr. Lockley nodded. “A very young courier delivered it, my lady.”
She nodded her thanks, took the sharp silver opener from the tray, and slit open the letter. Owen watched her face as she quickly scanned the contents. Except for a lifting of her right eyebrow, she gave no indication of its import.
“Is there anything I can assist you with?” Owen asked her. He sensed it was to do with her brother by her carefully neutral expression.
“No, thank you.” Adelia shook her head as she folded the paper and tucked it into the pocket of her skirt’s side seam.
“Will you tell me what’s in that missive?” he asked outright.
“No,” she said, but she smiled.
He laughed. “All right. As long as it isn’t a petition from another suitor, trying to woo you away from me.”
“I promise you, it is not.”
“That’s good, because I wish to invite you to go to dinner with me tonight at Lord and Lady Westings’. Lady Jane gave me a tongue-lashing for not bringing you last time.”
Adelia colored. “She mentioned me?”
“Yes. She likes you.” He stepped closer again. “Ilike you. I know it is awfully short notice, but going there tonight entirely slipped my mind until now. It’s not a formal matter with them. More as though eating with family.”
She sighed. “You know the day after tomorrow is the start of the trial. We meet at the Old Bailey in the main chamber first thing in the morning.”
He felt a little sick. The trial could move extremely quickly. It wasn’t as if there were witnesses or much of a defense for the barrister to present.”
“I will take you to the courthouse if you wish that morning,” he offered.
She shook her head. “I do not think that is a good idea. I will be with my solicitor, and he and I shall meet the barrister there.”
“I don’t want you to get your hopes up.”
Instead of looking worried as he’d expected, Adelia tilted her head and offered him a hopeful smile. “I think everything will work out satisfactorily.”
Dear God! How had she convinced herself of that?He might not be accompanying her, but he was glad he would be on hand to comfort her in any way he could when it was over. She didn’t seem to realize the likely outcome.
“Very well. You didn’t answer me about dinner tonight? I can wait for you to change, and we can go there a little early, shocking our hostess, or I can return to collect you in two hours.”
“Yes,” she agreed. “Come back in two hours.”
Happiness flooded him, for he’d feared she would turn him down. Reaching out, he took her chin in his hand and locked his gaze with hers.
“I hope Penny will sit with the driver,” he said, letting her imagination join his in picturing another sensual encounter in the confines of his carriage.
She shook her head, but her eyes let him know she expected another kiss right then. Owen quickly claimed her mouth, not one to disappoint a lady.
*
As soon ashe left, Adelia pulled out the letter again to make certain she had read it correctly. She couldn’t believe it. Her prayers had been answered. If Mr. Brassel hadn’t specifically told her to tell no one, she would have yelled with glee in front of Owen and told him the truth.
