Page 39 of Adeline

“One could say the surprise has been ruined anyways,” she mumbled.

“Be that as it may,” Alistair countered. “Theo and your friends—though for the life of me I cannot comprehend why they all are so dedicated to you—have been planning this celebration for months, and I will not allow anything to go awry.”

Adeline wanted to inquire if that was because it was her special day, or if because Alistair would do all in his power to keep from letting his wife down.

Odd that even if it were due to his commitment to Theo, it did not cause any irritation to bubble up within Adeline. A year prior, her brother’s attention and dedication to anyone besides her would have caused Adeline great hurt. At some point, that had changed. It may have been when she truly realized the love Alistair held for Theo, or it could have been the passing of her father. She was uncertain which, but it was a welcome change.

An unburdening of sorts.

“Come, sit, and I will tell you all about what we have planned for—“ Theo’s words cut off as she focused on something—or someone—over Adeline’s shoulder.

Alistair’s stare also went to the threshold of the room.

Jasper… Adeline had nearly forgotten he’d followed her down the hall.

Her brother slowly leaned forward and pushed to his feet, his stare now narrowed on the door behind Adeline.

“Alistair, allow me to introduce Lord Ailesbury,” Adeline said loudly in an attempt to remove some of the attention from Jasper and return it to her. “Lord Ailesbury, this is my brother, Lord Melton—or plain Alistair, as we call him.”

“Lord Melton will do,” Alistair growled.

Adeline had the urge to step in front of Jasper, blocking him from view. It was a ludicrous notion as he was easily two times her size.

“Lord Melton.” Jasper stepped into the room with obvious disregard for his own safety. “I am sorry to announce that it is my fault Miss Adeline was delayed in her return to London.”

Alistair frowned.

Adeline never should have been so foolish as to allow Jasper to escort her in from the coach.

“Dear brother.” She turned on her most charming smile. “There was a grand tempest in Kent, and my carriage broke down. Maxwell attempted to repair it, but the wind and rain made it impossible to see what the problem was.”

“I was traveling home and stumbled upon Miss Adeline’s carriage. I offered her and her servants shelter from the storm at my home, Faversham Abbey,” Jasper continued, moving farther into the room. “I’d hoped to have the conveyance repaired and get your sister safely on her way home with all due haste; unfortunately, the damage to the carriage exceeded my original estimation.”

Alistair looked between her and Jasper before glancing at his wife for direction.

That was a new occurrence. It was rare that her brother paused to think before scolding and punishing Adeline for whatever he perceived she’d done.

“When our carriage could not be mended, Lord Ailesbury offered the use of his traveling coach,” Adeline continued. “It was very kind of him.”

“It was my duty as a gentleman,” Jasper said from behind her.

Adeline kept her stare trained on her brother, trying to assess his reaction to Lord Ailesbury’s presence. He eyed the earl for a moment longer before nodding as the tension left him.

Alistair had come to some decision. Whether it was in regards to Ailesbury’s presence or Adeline’s explanation of everything that had occurred over the last several days, she was uncertain.

“Lord Ailesbury must attend the dinner party and ball tomorrow evening,” Theo announced, clapping her hands. “Yes, there is more than enough room for one more. And everyone will be enthralled with the tales of Adeline’s rescue from the storm.”

The urge to insist that she would have been able to care for herself if Jasper hadn’t stumbled upon her was on the tip of her tongue. She’d been in little jeopardy of perishing during the storm. Certainly, she, with Maxwell’s help, would have been able to find themselves shelter to wait out the wind and rain. All the same, she had no need to downplay Jasper’s gallant arrival and assistance, though it had hardly been necessary.

“That is very kind of you, Lady Melton; however, I must return home.”

Theo’s lower lip pushed out in a pout, something Adeline had never witnessed the woman do. In fact, it was more the type of tactic Adeline would use to gain what she wanted. Why would Theo endeavor to keep Jasper in town?

Alistair cleared his throat, obviously taking some unspoken cue from Theo. “Yes, I insist; you must remain in London for the celebration. It is the least we can do to repay you for returning Adeline safely to us.”

“As I said, I had no intention of remaining in London, and therefore have not come prepared with proper attire, especially the kind befitting a ball.”

“But, you must stay,” Theo pressed.