SIX
Adeline’s mind whirled with indecision. Would she allow him to kiss her? And yet, she knew that it was too soon.
When Lord Hanover turned away from her and moved to the nearest rose bush, she realized a kiss wasn’t what he had in mind. Instead, he plucked a lavender rose from the bush and presented it to her. Disappointment washed over her, yet her heartbeat quickened at his gesture.
“For you, my lovely Miss Featherstone.”
Her hand trembled slightly as she took the rose from him. Did he realize what the meaning was behind each colored rose? Of course he would, and yet... the lavender rose bush was the closest, so perhaps he only meant to give her a flower. Perhaps he wasn’t trying to tell her helovedher, especially since they’d only just met. That particular rose also could mean he was eager to grow their relationship.
“I...” Her tight throat made her voice sound too scratchy, so she swallowed hard. “I thank you, my lord.”
“I beg you,” he said, “to call me Collin.”
Her heart beat even faster. “Then you must call me Adeline.”
“Indeed, I will.” He motioned to the flower. “I pray your mother won’t get upset that I plucked the rose from her garden.”
“Of course, not. Olivia and I pick flowers all the time.”
His smile grew as he turned and offered her his elbow. “Would you allow me to escort you around the yard, my sweet Addie?”
As she hooked her hand around his elbow, she became breathless. Being this close to him wrought havoc inside of her, and she scarcely knew how to control these odd feelings. “Of course, I will... Collin.” Embarrassment caused heat to climb to her cheeks, knowing she’d nearly sighed his name.
As he led them further into her mother’s flower garden, the voices of Jacob and Olivia leaving the house let Adeline know her stroll with Lord Hanover wouldn’t be private. But seconds later, she heard more voices, and she peeked over her shoulder just as her parents and Lord Kentwood exited the house.
“Hanover, a moment please,” Lord Kentwood said loudly, raising his hand.
When Adeline’s escort stopped and faced his friend, her hopes sank. The expression on the other man’s face wasn’t very encouraging. She couldn’t tell if Lord Kentwood was upset or just impatient.
“Hanover,” Lord Kentwood said as he reached them. “Forgive me for cutting this evening short, but I just remembered another function I had agreed to attend this evening.” His gaze shifted to Adeline. “I hope you forgive me, as well.”
Slowly, she released her hold on Lord Hanover’s arm. Although disappointed that they hadn’t had more time together, she realized how fortunate she should feel even for the short time they’d spent together. After tonight, she doubted she would see him again. Both men had mentioned coming to Bath on holiday. And once they reached their destination, why would they have any further dealings with the lowly Featherstone family?
Collin turned and bowed to her. “It was a pleasure to meet you, Miss Featherstone.”
“The pleasure was all mine, Lord Hanover.”
Once the lords said their goodbyes, they climbed inside their coach and drove away. Adeline would return to being the reclusive maiden her father had made her into and prepare for spinsterhood.
* * * *
ADELINE CLIMBED OUTof the family’s coach with the assistance of her brother, Jacob, and waited for her parents to exit the vehicle. She scanned the manor looming before her, knowing she’d never be mistress of such a fine home.
Aunt Dorthea had invited them to her masked ball this evening, and Adeline was grateful her mother had accepted. Attending Aunt Dorthea’s functions were the only opportunities the impoverished Featherstones had to hobnob with the ton.
Amongst the crowd of invited guests gathered in front of the manor, preparing themselves to enter, she heard her name called. She swung her head in the direction where she’d heard her name. Wearing the servants’ livery of a driver, Simon Burrell waved to her as he walked closer.
She smiled happily. It was good to see one of the family’s servants whom her father had had to let go because of his lack of funds. She rushed toward the man she’d once thought of as an older brother.
“Simon. It does my heart good to see you.” She motioned to his clothes. “And you’re a driver now.”
The tall, thin man with receding brown hair, nodded and grinned. “Indeed. I’ve come up in the world.”
She grasped his hands and squeezed. “Who do you work for now?”
“I work for a hackney company. I’m hired out to drive the gentry wherever they wish to go.”
“Oh, Simon. How wonderful for you.” She released his hands and motioned toward her family’s vehicle. “My family is just over there if you would like to greet them.”
