A MUSEUM’S CONSTRUCTION EXCITES
Afew minutes later, in the parlor
“The museum?Tomorrow?” Adeline asked in disbelief, her attention immediately going to her mother.
George held a finger up to his lips, as if to encourage her to keep her voice down. “I thought you’d be pleased.”
Adeline inhaled to respond and then let out a huff. “I was going to work at the charity tomorrow—”
“But you’re certainly excused,” Elizabeth said with a grin of satisfaction. “What do you think, darling? Do we need to send a footman or a maid along to chaperone?” she asked as she turned her attention to her husband.
Crossing his arms over his chest, George regarded his viscountess with suspicion. “Normally, I would say yes, but it sounds as if you don’t think it’s necessary?” he hedged.
“Oh, I don’t mind,” Adeline said with a shrug. The last time a lady’s maid had accompanied her, the poor woman got lost amongst the Egyptian statues. Adeline hadn’t even missed her until she realized she wasn’t on her heels a few hours later. A museum employee had to be dispatched to find the maid when the building was about to close.
“I told Ertugrul he could use the town coach, of course,” George said. “So I’ll take you on the phaeton when you’re ready to go to your office,” he said to his wife.
She beamed in delight. Riding on her husband’s high-perch phaeton was always a welcome adventure. “I won’t stay all day,” she promised.
“As for David...” George sighed. “I suppose this is the reason Reading asked if I might wish to acquire his extra phaeton,” he groused. “Damn thing’s yellow, though.”
Elizabeth tittered. “David can take a Hansom cab to the tailor’s,” she reasoned. “And there’s nothing wrong with a yellow phaeton. Why, I wouldn’t mind being seen driving it,” she claimed.
“I’m not letting you drive a phaeton in London these days,” George argued.
“Father,” Adeline gently scolded.
“I’m not. I’ll not take the chance that some young buck is going to decide he wants to ride off with your mother,” he claimed. He held out his hand to Elizabeth as his gaze darkened. “Kidnap her for ransom,” he murmured as she took his hand. “Kiss her senseless,” he whispered, his manner growing more serious. “Have his wicked way with her,” he finished as Elizabeth blushed and gave her daughter a grin and a wink.
“Please, whatever you do, don’t pay the ransom,” Elizabeth whispered.
“Mother,” Adeline said on a sigh. She watched as her parents, hand-in-hand, hurried out of the parlor and headed for the stairs leading up to their apartments.
Her hands went to her hips as she huffed. She didn’t have to imagine what they were about to do. She’d lived in Bostwick House long enough to know that when they behaved as they had been doing the past few minutes, they were headed to bed. Or to somewhere they would enjoy one another’s company. Unclothed. Or clothed, maybe, depending on what furnishing might be involved.
At least they were still in love with one another. They hadn’t taken lovers like some other aristocrats their age. Hadn’t resorted to behaving like strangers over the dinner table.
Angling her head to one side, Adeline regarded the tea service a moment, glad Elkins had seen to a fresh pot not long ago. She was about to pour herself another cup of tea when a quiet knock sounded from the threshold.
She turned, expecting to find the butler. Instead, Ertugrul leaned in. “I hope I’m not disturbing you, Lady Adeline,” he said.
She blinked. “Not at all. Please, come in.” She waved to an adjacent chair. “By the way, I’m not a lady.”
He paused and angled his head. “If not a lady...?”
“A miss is all. But you can call me Adeline. Would you like some tea?”
His steps hesitant, Ertugrul made his way in her direction. “Yes, actually, if it’s not too much trouble.”
“Oh, not at all. How do you take it?” She concentrated on pouring the tea.
“With milk, if there is any?”
“Of course there is,” she replied as she poured a dollop into his cup. “How was billiards?” She handed him the cup on a saucer.
“Thank you,” he said with a nod. “We had a spirited match but no winners. Your father is most excellent at bank shots,” he remarked as he watched her refill her teacup and add a lump of sugar.
Adeline chuckled. “I’m well aware,” she replied. “We’ve spent entire evenings practicing them in anticipation of David’s return. Father was convinced he’d been playing every day while he was on his Grand Tour.” She took a sip of her tea. “Do you play a similar game where you’re from?”
