Page 44 of How Not to Marry a Duke

“I can only imagine,” Lady Haywood said. “But it is my pleasure to have you and Miss Hasmik. This house has many rooms and I’m happy for the company. Besides, it will give us time to get to know each other, my dear.”

There was kindness in the lady’s gaze, but clear curiosity as well. Another emotion mingled with Adeline’s discomfort, and she acknowledged it for what it was: a pang of guilt. She had no such feelings when it came to lying to Edwin, but the countess had done nothing to deserve her deception.

Adeline forced a smile. “I look forward to it, my lady.”

The countess looked between Warwick and Adeline, her eyes sharp and assessing. Adeline clutched her hands before her and forced a gracious smile.

“I was thrilled to hear of my godson’s interest in a lady,” the countess said.

“Ah, it was quite unexpected,” Adeline said.

“You must tell me all about it, my dear. But I cannot be selfish. You must be tired and wish to change. Your rooms are ready, and my housekeeper will escort you.” Lady Heywood turned her attention to the duke. “Meanwhile, I can catch up with my godson.”

Adeline nearly sagged in relief. It was a reprieve, albeit brief. Now that she was under the countess’s roof, she would have to pull off a performance worthy of Drury Lane.

…

“Tell me the truth, Daniel.”

Warwick placed his hands behind his back and faced his godmother. She’d known him since he was in leading strings and was the only one who addressed him informally. “Whatever do you mean?”

“How have you managed to keep Lady Adeline a secret?”

He walked to the sideboard and poured himself a glass of madeira. “May I get you a drink?”

“I suppose the occasion calls for a celebratory drink.”

He grinned. It was one of the things he liked about her. She was a true lady, but she also knew when to loosen the rules. He’d broken many rules as a young boy. He handed her a goblet.

Her smile faded and she gave him a matronly look. “Now answer my question.”

“I didn’t keep Lady Adeline a secret. I wrote you about her, remember?”

She sat on a sofa, her back straight and her gaze direct as she sipped her wine. “Nonsense. You must have met the lady in Town before seeing her again in the country.”

He settled in an armchair across her and sipped his own drink. “What makes you believe that?”

“Her father was an earl, and her family isn’t known to be recluses. You were out and about somewhat before your country sojourn. You had to have met Lady Adeline somewhere. A bookshop? A scientific presentation? A museum?”

She’d named his three favorite pastimes. As for her observation that he’d attended events while he’d been in Town, she was right, to some extent. Other than the places she’d mentioned, he had memberships to all the gentlemen clubs—White’s, Brook’s and Boodle’s. He frequented Gentleman Jackson’s boxing salon where he sparred with Drake and, as he’d mentioned to Adeline, he even attended Manton’s to shoot. He was an excellent marksman, as long as the targets were not live animals.

“You are mistaken about how I met Lady Adeline. The first time I set eyes upon the lady was in the country. You of all people know I do not attend balls, Almack’s, or parties where young ladies gather.” From what Warwick knew of Adeline, she didn’t favor those events either.

Lady Heywood eyed him. “Lady Adeline is beautiful, but not what I expected.”

“What do you mean?” For a moment, he wondered if his godmother recalled the bad blood between him and Adeline’s half brother, Edwin. Their feud had begun years ago when they were at Eton.

“I always thought you would end up with a tall, willowy, fair-haired blonde.”

He lowered his glass. “Why would you think that?”

“When you were young, you thought Lady Whistle was pretty and would trail behind her.”

He rolled his eyes. “Good grief. I was twelve. Everyone thought Lady Whistle was pretty.”

“Hmm. Well, Lady Adeline is quite lovely with her raven hair and blue eyes.”

“She is lovely,” Warwick found himself saying.