“I usually do,” Caroline Diamond said. “Regardless, I still have that flutter. By the way, you look so handsome, my love. Nearly as good as your father.” She glanced across the room to where Lord Diamond was chatting with Ray, and Adam’s gaze followed.
He envisioned his own large family one day, so his wife had better return soon.
“What will you do if —?” She broke off as the voices ascended from the first floor.
He was glad his mother hadn’t had a chance to ask him. Because he didn’t know the answer.
And then Mr. Lewis began to announce the first guests as they entered the drawing room. Adam caught the butler’s eye, giving him a querying look for the hundredth time that day. Again, he received a brief shake of the head.No Alice.
For twenty minutes, Adam greeted couples, friends, and family. Each time someone entered, it was the same soaring expectation and then dashing disappointment. Until everyone was there.
No one asked, for they didn’t know she was gone. As far as they were concerned, except for his family, the guests thought the lady of the house was somewhere on the premises, maybe taking too long to dress. He wished that were the case.
Drinks were served, the sound of chatter rose and fell, and still, he waited.
The moment Alice entered, he knew, even though his back was to the door. Adam was speaking with Lord and Lady Fenwick when a hush fell, and the hair on the back of his neck rose. He turned.
His Alice!And she looked as if she had truly just come from her dressing room, touching her coiffure with one hand, giving a little wave to some people she knew.
“So happy you all could come,” she said. “I am sorry for my tardiness. My dear husband knows I am not the most punctual person.”
“Worth the wait,” he said, closing the gap between them, not caring if it looked as if they’d been apart for weeks instead of minutes. For they had, and he couldn’t keep his hands off her.
Sweeping her into an embrace, Adam hugged her. He wanted to tell her how beautiful she looked, but his throat was choked. Instead, he brushed a chaste kiss across her forehead, breathing in her familiar scent.
After a moment of stillness, feeling her heartbeat and hearing those around them resume their talking, he finally stepped back while still holding her hand.
“A glass of wine, my love?” he offered.
“Yes, thank you.” She looked at him with happiness shining from her eyes, and he felt entirely peaceful.
“At last, we can eat,” his father said in a loud voice, making everyone laugh.
Alice’s cheeks pinkened slightly.
“Don’t worry,” Lady Diamond said in an equally loud voice. “The earl only teases family.”
Nevertheless, Adam felt his wife tremble slightly. And then she nodded, a dazzling smile beaming from her lovely face.
“Then let us go into the dining room,” she announced. “I would ask my hungry father-in-law to escort me.”
The earl took her arm, and Adam saw them start to chat as they strolled from the drawing room. He took his mother’s arm and followed, with the rest of their guests coming behind.
And then Adam knew the frustration of being a host at a long table. He fervently wished he could be alone with Alice for an hour. Maybe two. Instead, he had to look at her down the other end, past the candlesticks and floral centerpieces.
Until he had her in his arms after the guests had departed, she would be too far away.
Finally, the pudding course was served — an array of desserts including a brandy-doused trifle, a sticky toffee pudding, and lavender sponge cake. And then Adam rose to his feet, signifying the meal’s end, for he couldn’t wait another instant.
Rounding the table, he drew out Alice’s chair. Finally, with her arm upon his, they led their guests back to the drawing room for port and sherry.
“Are you surprised?” she asked, her silvery green eyes shining with glee.
Although his heart pounded swift and strong just looking down at her, he shook his head.
“I believed in you. I knew you would think about everything and then return, especially knowing how Purity would chastise you if you didn’t show up to host your own party.”
She smiled at him. “I would never risk Purity’s reprimand.”
