FIVE
Adeline picked at the food on her plate, not really in the mood to eat. Her family and their two invited guests sat around the table for supper that evening. Pa and her two brothers appeared exhausted after fixing the lords’ carriage, and of course, the two lords hadn’t broken out in a sweat – unless it was because they’d walked too fast on their way to repair the vehicle.
Just as when she’d first met the two men, Lord Kentwood did most of the talking. He had many stories to tell which enthralled her family. She enjoyed hearing the stories as well, but Lord Hanover had captured her attention more. She’d noticed the way the man’s gaze had wandered around their meager furnishings, and she especially noticed the look of disgust on his face. At least Lord Kentwood was being polite, even though she figured they both knew about the Featherstone’s lowly circumstances.
Ma hadn’t seemed to notice the way the uppity Lord Hanover was acting. She fawned over both men as if she’d never had guests in her house before. At least she heard the snooty man thank the older woman for her kind hospitality, and for the tasty food. Adeline tried not to let it disturb her that her mother never once acknowledged that the meal was mainly prepared by the baron’s daughters andnotthe baroness.
Adeline nibbled on her roll and watched Lord Hanover take another sip of wine. Slowly, his gaze lifted and moved straight to her. She quickly sucked in a breath, and nearly choked. Trying not to show her inability to breath for a few seconds, she grabbed her glass and forced the wine down her throat – as daintily as possible, of course.
Once she felt she had it under control, she peeked toward Lord Hanover again. He was still watching her. This time, his gaze had narrowed on her, but thankfully, he didn’t appear to be disgusted this time. At the moment, she wasn’t certain if that was good or bad.
The room grew quiet as everyone ate their food. She pretended to eat, but nobody really noticed. And yet, whenever she peeked toward Lord Hanover, his attention was still on her. Having him watch her so closely made her uncomfortable. Perhaps he was getting revenge on her because she’d been staring at him earlier.
She swallowed the small amount of food in her mouth, slower this time so as not to choke. Her palm moistened as she tightened her fingers around the fork. How could she get him to stop staring at her? Unless... perhaps it was time to strike up a conversation with him. At least that might get the others around the table talking, as well.
Straightening her shoulders, she sat up and aimed her gaze at him, but as she opened her mouth to speak, his voice came out first.
“Miss Featherstone, I believe you and your sister helped prepare the meal, correct?”
His voice was smooth as silk, and surprisingly, not judgmental. Not yet, anyway. “Indeed, we did, my lord.”
“I must say,” he glanced briefly at his potatoes, “I’ve never eaten anything so tasty. I’ve been to Paris and even Ireland, but never has a mere potato tasted so heavenly.”
His compliment caught her off guard. Up until now, she didn’t believe he knew how to be nice. “Uh, I thank you, my lord.”
He lifted his glass of wine to her. “I commend you for having such a rare talent.”
Even as perplexed as she felt right now, she still managed a smile. “Knowing that you have enjoyed the dish, makes me very happy.”
Pa wiped his mouth with the linen napkin and leaned forward slightly, zeroing his gaze on Lord Hanover. “My daughter is extremely talented. You should hear her on the pianoforte. And she sings.”
A blush swept over Adeline’s face. She really didn’t like having everyone’s attention on her, and especially the way her father boasted.
Lord Hanover’s eyebrows lifted as his expression changed to one of curiosity. “You play?”
“Yes.” She licked her suddenly dry lips. “However, I doubt I’m as good as my father makes it sound.”
“Do you have a pianoforte?” Lord Hanover asked.
“Indeed, we do,” Adeline’s mother quickly answered. “It’s in the music room. Would you like to hear her play, my lord?”
Lord Hanover kept his gaze on her as he slowly nodded. “I think I would enjoy that very much.”
Adeline swallowed the lump of terror growing in her dry throat. “Do you play, my lord?”
His smile widened. She couldn’t believe how handsome that made him.
“I do. I happen to enjoy music.”
She nodded. “As do I. There are times when music is the only way to soothe my nerves.”
“I agree, Miss Featherstone. I have found nothing better.”
Seeing the gleam in his eyes and hearing the smoothness of his deep voice, caused her heartbeat to quicken and she felt breathless. Nothing like this had ever happened to her in her twenty-two years. Her face grew warmer, too. Hopefully, nobody noticed how Lord Hanover had affected her.
“Miss Featherstone,” Lord Kentwood spoke up. “I would also like to hear you play.” He wiped the linen napkin across his mouth before setting it on his empty plate and pushing away from the table. “Would you mind performing for us now?”
On cue, everyone followed the lord’s lead and stood. Adeline didn’t have any qualms about playing at a moment’s notice, but felt bad for not eating more than she had. In her family’s impoverished circumstances, she hated to waste food.
