“I think she’ll be fine,” Gideon called back as Camilla suddenly materialized by his side.
“You can’t be serious” were the first words out of Camilla’s mouth.
“Adelaide did far better with the pistols than I was expecting. I’m sure she’ll do the same with the grappling hook.”
“Or she’ll lose a limb.”
He fought a wince. “A valid concern. Perhaps I should rescind my offer, or...” He brightened. “Youcould tell her she shouldn’t try the hook, saying something about how difficult it’ll be to relaunch her into society if she’s unable to leave her house because of an unforeseen injury.”
“You want me to be the one to disappoint her instead of you?”
“I didn’t say that.”
“You didn’t have to.”
After considering him for a long moment, the hint of speculation once again residing in her eyes, Camilla finally smiled. “Fine, I’ll tell her. But you’re going to have to rein in this odd habit you seem to be developing for indulging Adelaide’s every whim.”
“I haven’t agreed to bring her into the accounting firm.”
“Yet,” Camilla returned before she grabbed hold of his arm and began dragging him Adelaide’s way, stopping in her tracks when Adelaide hefted up the pistol already reloaded with the grappling hook and took aim at the tree.
“Everyone stand back,” she called over her shoulder.
Before Gideon could tell her to wait a moment, a loud bang erupted and then Adelaide was flying backward.
Unfortunately, the recoil caused the pistol to discharge the grappling hook straight up into the air, a hook that was even now plummeting to the ground.
Directly toward where Adelaide was sprawled.
Gideon was in motion a second later, skidding to a stop when Adelaide rolled to the right, the grappling hook crashing to the ground a foot from where her head had been a second before.
Instead of remaining on the ground, contemplating the fact she was still alive, Adelaide pushed herself to her feet, dusted her hands together, and sent him a grin.
“That had far more of a kick than I was expecting, but I’m sure with a bit of practice I’ll eventually be able to remain on my feet.”
He opened his mouth to tell her she would never handle the grappling hook again but found the argument dying on the tip of his tongue when his attention settled on the dimple that hadpopped out again the second Adelaide began grinning, one he had absolutely no willpower to ignore this time.
“And you claim not to believe in sparks,” Camilla murmured as she gave his arm a pat, sent him a far-too-knowing smile, then turned on her heel and strode for the carriage without another word.
Eighteen
JANUARY 1889
Gideon checked his pocket watch yet again, shaking his head when he realized a mere two minutes had passed since the last time he’d checked it.
“Shouldn’t be too much longer,” Charles said as he ambled up to join Gideon, sipping a glass of chilled champagne. “The first waltz is due to commence within the next thirty minutes, which means Adelaide should stroll through the entranceway of Delmonico’s soon to make her grand entrance.” He caught Gideon’s eye. “Any trepidations or misgivings about Camilla’s decision to present the new and improved Adelaide at the illustrious Patriarch Ball?”
“I’ve steeled myself to keep any expectations in check,” Gideon admitted. “I, unlike Camilla, am not convinced that having me shower Adelaide with attention is going to have society concluding they should embrace her as a fashionable lady about town.”
“I think you’re selling yourself short,” Charles argued. “My mother keeps abreast of all the gossip, and you’re considered quite the catch, even more so since you’ve allowed it to be knownyou have no intention of settling down soon. That right there, my friend, has turned you into a challenge for many a young lady. You mark my words, society will notice your interest in Adelaide. They’ll then conclude there must be something intriguing about her they’ve not noticed before if the oh-so-elusive Gideon Abbott is interested in a lady they’ve always considered peculiar.”
“I’m not certain that speaks well of society in general.”
“It’s not only the upper crust who are influenced by those possessed of charismatic attitudes. Regardless of social status, everyone aspires to associate with the most prominent contemporaries within their circles. It lends a certain sense of superiority over those not as comfortable in social situations.”
Gideon frowned. “I’ve never actually considered the matter before, but perhaps you’re right.”
“Of course I am—just as I’m certain you’ve not considered it because you’re obviously one of those fortunate men who’ve never been shunned before, been chosen last during any school activity, or had pranks played on you at the most unsuspecting of times.”
