Falling for the Duke's Daughter: A Historical Regency Romance Novel by Bridget Barton

Author:Bridget Barton [Barton, Bridget]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2023-06-14T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

En Route to the Park

Adeline rubbed her fingertips against the ridges of her nails as she stared out the carriage window. She had nothing to say to the earl, although she had sincerely tried to keep up a conversation with him. However, his habit of behaving as though he knew everything and possessed better knowledge than her in all areas was annoying.

Alexander liked to hear her opinions, and she respected his. Lord Leicester didn’t seem to understand the give and take in a relationship, making her believe all the more that he was not the man for her.

“Have I told you that you look lovely today, Lady Adeline?” he said.

Yes, you have! I wish you would stop repeating the same thing over and over again. My goodness, this is excruciatingly painful.

“Yes,” she said, smiling politely. “Thank you.”

He grinned in what he likely thought was a charming way, but it did nothing to soothe her irritation. Alexander never had to try this hard around her. He was simply himself. Adeline sometimes considered the fact that Lord Leicester was not behaving as he usually did, and she just needed to give him time to be himself. However, she was worried this behaviour was his true self.

“This vibrant blue becomes you, my lady,” he continued. “Not many women are bold enough or have the colouring to carry such a brilliant hue, but you make it seem effortless.”

“The thanks goes to my mother,” Adeline told him. “She designs all my dresses before the modiste puts her thoughts into reality. My mother is well aware of what suits me and what doesn’t.”

“I shall praise her skills the moment I see her,” he said. “If only all women were blessed with such mothers. However, I believe your beauty is what makes it truly stand out.”

Adeline inwardly sighed. She couldn’t stand much more of this. “Thank you, my lord. You flatter me.”

“I mean every word, Lady Adeline,” he said. “I knew you were special the moment I saw you some time ago. My opinion has only strengthened since courting you.”

“How fortunate I am,” she replied. She looked out of the window, relieved when she saw the park. “It seems we’ve nearly arrived at our destination. And none too soon as I feel the urge to stretch my legs.”

“I know how you enjoy walking,” the earl said. “That is why I asked for a promenade today.”

Adeline enjoyed walking, but not necessarily with him. She’d rather go through a forest avoiding nettles than spend time with him. She had tried her best to give the earl a chance to win her favour, but he had failed at every turn. It wasn’t fair for her to suffer his company when it was quite evident that they were not a good match.

“The day is rather warm for the beginning of spring,” he commented. “How strange.”

“The last snow melted several days ago,” she pointed out. “I do not think it strange, but a relief. We need warm weather after many months of cold weather.

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